How to Choose a Lipstick Shade for Indian Skin Tones

The right lipstick shade depends less on your skin's depth than on its undertone. Most Indian skin has warm (golden or yellow) or olive undertones, which is why many 'nude' shades made for Western skin look grey or chalky on us.

Find your undertone in a minute

1. 1Look at the veins on your inner wrist in daylight: greenish veins usually mean warm, bluish mean cool, a mix means neutral.
2. 2Think about jewellery: if gold flatters you more than silver, you're likely warm.
3. 3Most Indian skin tones are warm or neutral — when in doubt, pick shades with a brown, coral or brick base.

Shades that work by skin tone

• Fair to light: soft pinks, peachy nudes, coral and classic blue-reds.
• Wheatish / medium: rosy browns, terracotta, mauves and brick reds.
• Dusky / medium-deep: chocolate nudes, berry, plum and deep wine.
• Deep: rich browns, burgundy, fuchsia and bright orange-reds — avoid very pale nudes that wash out.
• Your 'your-lips-but-better' nude: pick a shade one step deeper than your natural lip colour.

Finish: matte, satin or gloss?

• Matte: lasts longest, looks bold, can dry lips — prep with balm.
• Satin/creamy: comfortable for all day, needs touch-ups after meals.
• Gloss/tint: the easiest everyday look, and forgiving if you're new to colour.

Building a first kit? See our makeup kit for beginners.