Which Purple Lipstick Is Best For Your Skin Tone?

Whether you're a lipstick fiend, or only keep a tube or two of the stuff around, we always want to make sure we're picking the best shade of lipstick for our skin tones. And while it can hard enough to select the perfect nude or red lipstick, what about a slightly less conventional shade, like purple? Because violets tend to not be as popular as reds and pinks, they can be somewhat difficult to track down in the first place. So when you do find one, how do you know if it will be a fit?

I'll admit: Purples can look pretty scary in the tube. But one thing to keep in mind is that, because purple is an extension of berry (the most universally-flattering shade of lipstick), it's actually easier to find a shade that will suit your skin tone than you might think. But if you're not feeling quite up to picking a violet willy-nilly, look to the undertones of the lipstick to help select your perfect shade. If you have warm-toned skin, look for red or yellow tones in the lipstick. If you're cool-toned? Look for pink, gray, or blue tones. And don't be afraid of the color depth. You might be surprised how well fair skin can pull off a deep violet and how well dark skin can pull off a pale lavender.

These rules, of course, are just a starting point. The truly best way to find a lippy you love is to test a million at the store — even if the shade in the tube doesn't look like anything you'd ever try. Ready to see for yourself? Here are the best purple lipsticks to try, according to your skin tone.

Fair/Light

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Sheer Bittersweet, $10, Urban Decay

This sheer, red-toned purple will flatter lighter skin-tones with warm undertones.

Milani Color Statement Moisture Matte Lipstick in Matte Glam, $4, A mazon

Lighter skin-tones with neutral undertones should try this darker, grape hue on for size.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Dominique, $34, Barney's

Those with cool undertones will be perfectly suited by a pinky-gray purple like this one.

Medium/Tan

Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Grape Pop, $19, Sephora

Medium skin-tones with a warm undertone will look gorgeous in a mid-toned, mauvey purple.

SEPHORA COLLECTION Rouge Shine Lipstick in No. 47 Heartbreaker, $5, Sephora

This sheer, royal purple is perfect for ladies with neutral undertones.

MAC Lipstick in Up The Amp, $18, Nordstrom

A lavender-violet like this will stand out beautifully on medium skin-tones with cool undertones.

Dark/Deep

NYX Full Throttle Lipstick in Night Crawler, $7, U lta

Those with warm undertones will look amazing in this vampy, blackened plum.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in L.U.V., $21, Sephora

This matte, rich violet will be an instant favorite for deep skin-tones with neutral undertones.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Violet, $21, S ephora

This bright, pinky purple will totally pop on darker skin-tones with cool undertones.

Everyone looks good in purple. Trust me.

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Images: Courtesy of Brands