How to Pick A Lipstick Color Based on Your Outfit

We all have a go-to lip color that makes us feel great—usually a pinky nude that’s easy to wear for work, school, and daily errands. But what about special occasions? When you want to dress up and put a little extra effort into your makeup look, you need a lipstick that complements your outfit. That’s exactly what we’re breaking down today. Read on to discover how to choose the perfect lipstick shade for any look.

First, Identify Your Skin Tone

Before we talk about outfits, let's discuss skin tones. A lipstick shade won’t look good with any outfit if it doesn’t already complement your natural complexion. Determine your skin tone based on cool, warm, or neutral undertones, then apply it to your shade—fair, dark, or olive.

The Best Lipstick Color for Fair Skin

Fair skin tones look beautiful in pinky nudes, corals, peaches, and classic reds. If you have cool undertones, opt for soft pinks like Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 612 Park Ave, a stunning nude pink. If you lean warm, a peachy coral like Caviar Matte Refillable Lipstick in 500 Flame Challis will enhance your complexion.

The Best Lipstick Color for Dark Skin

Deep, rich tones like cocoa browns, plums, and vibrant reds beautifully complement dark skin tones. A bold choice like Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 579 Prince Street (Brick Red) delivers a warm, statement-making finish, while a deeper plum such as Caviar Matte Lipstick in 777 Plum Plisse adds elegance.

The Best Lip Color for Olive Skin

Olive skin sits between warm and neutral, allowing for versatility in lip colors. Mauves, pinks, and berry tones work well Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 191 Avenue Montaigne (Brown Pink) offers a universally flattering soft hue, while Caviar Matte Lipstick in 680 Rosewood Silk brings depth with a rose-brown finish.

What Lipstick Pairs Best With Your Outfit?

Red Dress

While it’s tempting to match your red dress with red lipstick, finding an exact match can be tricky. Instead, opt for a nude or pinky brown like Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 738 Les Halles (Beige Cinnamon) for a balanced, sophisticated look.

Blue Dress

For light blue dresses, a sheer pink like Caviar Matte Lipstick in 620 Pink Tulle works beautifully. If you're wearing cobalt blue, try a matte beige like Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 123 Fifth Ave (Nude Pink) with a clear gloss. A navy dress pairs elegantly with a deep burgundy like Caviar Matte Lipstick in 750 Mauve Charmeuse.

White Dress

A white dress is the perfect canvas for a statement lip. Warm-toned complexions shine with corals like Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 816 Bleecker Street (Bright Coral Pink), while cool-toned skin looks radiant in bold pinks like Caviar Matte Lipstick in 668 Rose Crepe.

Purple Dress

For soft lavender dresses, lighter pinks or nudes like Caviar Hydra-Crème Lipstick in 612 Park Ave work best. For jewel-toned purples, deep plums or berries like Caviar Matte Lipstick in 777 Plum Plisse are ideal.

Find Your Signature Lipstick

No matter what you wear, your perfect lipstick is the one that makes you feel confident. Whether you love a striking Caviar Matte or Hydracreme in a classic nude or a warm pink, there’s a shade that will match both your outfit and personality.