Lipstick Colors for Warm Skin Tones

ByAndrea Harper Reading Time: 13 minutes
lipstickcolorsforwarmskintones

Shopping for lipstick can be a hard task, especially when shopping online and not being able to try it on before purchasing. To make your shopping experience easier when shopping for Red Apple lipsticks, we will be going over what kind of colors are best for your specific skin tone as well as some lipstick shade options/recommendations. Today, it’s all about lipstick colors for warm skin tones, colors that look great against those warmer undertones.

What Is A Warm Skin Tone?

People with warm skin tones tan easily and look great in gold jewelry. Those with warm skin tones have a warm undertone to their overall complexion. If the veins on your wrist appear green and if your skin has a yellow, golden, or olive hue, then you have a warm undertone to your skin tone.

What are the best colors for warm skin tones?

The best lipstick colors for warm skin tones are warmer lipstick shades, makes sense right?. Red Apple Lipstick offers plenty of warmer shades in lipstick colors – pinks, reds/oranges, nudes, browns, and berries. Here are the best lipsticks for warm skin tones.

Check out the color wheel below to see in general which colors are considered warm and cool. Keep in mind that with lipsticks (and certain shades of clothing) there can be undertones to a color. Such as a “Blue based red lipstick” which takes a technically warm base color of red and shifts it into a cool color with the blue undertones as you can see below. However, if you have an orange based red lipstick then it keeps it warm, make sense?

How To Find The Best Lipstick Colors For Warm Skintones

In the sections below, we’re going to separate lipsticks into their basic color categories: pink, red, nude, berry, brown, orange. Within each lipstick color category, we will break down the best shades (and why) for each skin tone (meaning light, medium, and deep/dark). So scroll to the shade of lipstick you’re wanting to try, find your skin tone and take a look.

At Red Apple we believe that if you feel fabulous in a lipstick then it doesn’t matter if it fits any color theory rules, and you are always free to wear whatever makes you happy and confident. These suggestions are for anyone who want the guidance and to know with certainty what’s going to look stellar on them! If you want to take a look at our cool suggestions then click here to see the lipstick colors for cool skin tones.

Best Pink Lipsticks For Warm Skintones

When it comes to pink lipsticks, warm skin tones want to find shades that have undertones of coral, peach, orange, brown – which makes them warm pinks. We’ll separate warm undertones into light skin, medium skin and dark skin – with specific recommendations for each.

Lighter skin tones, in general, will look best with lighter shades of pink. Although a “bold” lipstick choice also looks amazing, choose from the options listed for Medium Skin Tones.

Audrey– this lipstick color works pretty much on any skin tone so this one is a go-to but looks beautiful on lighter complexions. It’s a soft, neutral pink lipstick shade that is elegant and timeless. ·

Image of Light skin lady with strawberry blonde hair lookin upwards toward her left and she is wearing lipstick in the shade called Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick. Audrey is soft, elegant, and sophisticated. This no-shimmer, neutral pink lipstick goes on smooth, feels silky on the lips and has a beautiful smell.

Melissa is wearing Audrey by Red Apple Lipstick

Brazilliant– a beautiful light shimmery pink with slight tangerine undertones, it is almost a light coral shade. This is perfect for light skin tones with warm undertones.

Image of lady with light skin, short brown hair and brown/hazel eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Brazilliant by Red Apple Lipstick. Brazilliant is pink with slight tangerine undertones, almost a very light coral.

Sharon is wearing Brazilliant by Red Apple Lipstick

Day After Morocco– a reddish pink shade tinted with a coral-beige undertone. This is a smooth and creamy lipstick, making it not only an amazing color but also super comfortable to wear.

Image of lady with medium lenghth brunette hair and light skin tone and blue gray eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Day After Morocco by Red Apple Lipstick. This lipstick is a a reddish pink shade tinted with a coral-beige undertone

Robyn is wearing Day After Morocco by Red Apple Lipstick

Medium skin tones can wear any warm pink color lipstick, but look the best with deeper and richer colors of pink. Again, choose pinks with warm undertones like yellow and orange: corals, peachy pinks, and warmer shades of hot pinks. Here are some good RAL options.

Let’s Flamingle– tropical hot pink with a coral cast. While this is a hot pink color, it’s a softer shade which makes it not overly bright.

Image of lady with medium skin tone and long black hair and dark eyes wearing a summer hat. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Let's Flamingle by Red Apple Lipstick. Let’s Flamingle is a tropical hot pink with a coral cast. While this lipstick is a hot pink, it’s on the softer side, making this sweet and sassy lipstick more versatile and not overly bright.

Natalie is wearing Let’s Flamingle by Red Apple Lipstick.

Coral Crush– a true, classic, coral color of pink and orange.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long black hair and brown eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Coral Crush by Red Apple Lipstick. Coral Crush is the epitome of a true coral color of pink and orange. It has a smooth, satin finish which produces a lovely sheen, without any glitter, frost or shimmer

Raf is wearing Coral Crush by Red Apple Lipstick.

Hibiscus– a deep, berry pink with a hint of red to it, a true raspberry color. Raspberry colors look great on medium skin tones including those with warm undertones. Wear it bold or simply as a stain.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long black hair and dark eyes wearing lipstick in the shade called Hibiscus by Red Apple Lipstick. A deep, berry pink with a hint of red to it, a true raspberry color.

Noemi is wearing Hibiscus by Red Apple Lipstick.

Day After Morocco– a reddish pink shade tinted with a coral-beige undertone. This is a smooth and creamy lipstick, making it not only an amazing color but also super comfortable to wear. Works great on both light and medium skin tones.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long dark brown hair and dark eyes. She is shown wearing lipstick in the shade called Day After Morocco. A reddish pink shade tinted with a coral-beige undertone.

Susan is wearing Day After Morocco by Red Apple Lipstick.

Bella Rina– warm medium pink, a timeless classic color, perfect for those with warm undertones.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, blue eyes and short wavy hair. She is shown wearing lipstick in the shade called Bella Rina by Red Apple Lipstick. A warm medium pink, a timeless classic color

Andrea is wearing Bella Rina by Red Apple Lipstick.

Love My Kiss– the perfect middle ground between pink and red. This color works great with most skin tones.

Image of lady with medium skin tone looking to her left with a side view showing her wearing lipstick in the shade called Love My Kiss by Red Apple Lipstick. This lipstick is the perfect middle ground between pink and red.

Raf is wearing Love My Kiss by Red Apple Lipstick.

Darker skin tones look best with deeper and bolder shades of pink. Choose warmer shades of pink like deeper shades of coral and orange-toned pinks, or even richer and deeper shades of warm undertoned hot pinks. Some great RAL options are:

Unpinkable– a fuchsia pink with just a bit of red to it. This shade is a warm color but with cool undertones, so will look good on any undertone. Looks amazing on darker skin tones.

Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Unpinkable by Red Apple Lipstick. Unpinkable is a fuchsia pink with just a bit of red to it.

Fran is wearing Unpinkable by Red Apple Lipstick.

Petal to the Metal– this rosy/mauve medium pink has a warm overtone with a cool undertone, making this shade perfect for any undertone.

Image of lady with dark skin tone, black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Petal To The Metal. This lipstick is a rosy/mauve medium pink that has a warm overtone and a cool undertone.

Fran is wearing Petal To The Metal by Red Apple Lipstick

Coral Crush– a true, classic, coral color of pink and orange.

Image of lady with dark skin tone, short black hair and dark eyes She is shown wearing lipstick in the shade called Coral Crush by Red Apple Lipstick. Coral Crush is a true, classic, coral color of pink and orange

Fran is wearing Coral Crush by Red Apple Lipstick

Bella Rina– warm medium pink, a timeless classic color, perfect for those with warm undertones.

Image of lady with dark skin tone, short black hair and dark eyes, She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Bella Rina by Red Apple Lipstick. Bella Rina is a warm medium pink, a timeless classic color, perfect for those with warm undertones.

Fran is wearing Bella Rina by Red Apple Lipstick

Love My Kiss– the perfect middle ground between pink and red. This color works great with most skin tones.

Image of lady with warm skin tone, short black hair with subtle golden highlights that frame her bangs. She has dark brown eyes and is wearing the lipstick in the shade called Love My Kiss by Red Apple Lipstick. Love My Kiss is the perfect middle ground between pink and red

Fran is wearing Love My Kiss by Red Apple Lipstick.

Best Red & Orange Lipsticks For Warm Skin Tones

When choosing red lipsticks, go with warmer shades of red, those with orange/peachy or brown undertones (in contrast to blue-based reds).

Lighter skin tones should look for lighter reds, warm-brown shades of red as well as reds with hints of orange to them. Here are some great RAL lipstick color options:

Strawberry Lips– a gorgeous light red that can be worn sheer for a berry-stained look, or layered on for more depth.

Image of lady with short brown hair, light skin tone with brown/hazel eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Strawberry Lips. Strawberry Lips is a gorgeous light red that can be worn sheer for a berry-stained look, or layered on for more depth.

Sharon is wearing Strawberry Lips by Red Apple Lipstick

Reddish Fetish– a deep pinky-red with a slight brown undertone.

Image of lady with long naturally curly hair and light skin tone. She has blue eyes and is wearing lipstick in the shade called Reddish Fetish. Reddish Fetish is a deep pinky-red with a slight brown undertone

Andrea is wearing Reddish Fetish by Red Apple Lipstick

Firecracker– a warm-toned medium, spicy, orange-red. It has an orange coral undertone with a brownish-red overtone. A gorgeous color that can be worn lightly or super bold.

Image of lady with short brown hair, light skin tone and hazel eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick. Firecracker is a warm toned medium spicy orange red. It has an orange coral undertone with a brownish-red overtone

Sharon is wearing Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick

Those with medium skin tones look great with richer and deeper shades of warm reds, fiery reds and brick reds are great as well as brighter oranges. Warm reds that have hints of pink also work nicely on medium skin tones. Some great RAL lipsticks to try are:

Starlette– a stunning, warm-toned, pinky red.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Starlette. This lipstick is a stunning, warm-toned, pinky red

Noemi is wearing Starlette by Red Apple Lipstick

Risque!– warm-toned red with orange undertones.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Risque by Red Apple Lipstick. Risque is a warm-toned red with orange undertones.

Noemi is wearing Risque by Red Apple Lipstick

Reddish Fetish– a deep pinky-red with a slight brown undertone.

Image of lady with long wavy brown hair with medium skin tone. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Reddish Fetish by Red Apple Lipstick. Reddish Fetish is a deep pinky-red with a slight brown undertone

Natalie is wearing Reddish Fetish by Red Apple Lipstick

Firecracker– a warm-toned medium, spicy, orange-red. It has an orange coral undertone with a brownish-red overtone. A gorgeous color that can be worn lightly or super bold.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick. Firecracker is a warm-toned medium, spicy, orange-red. It has an orange coral undertone with a brownish-red overtone

Noemi is wearing Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick

Darker skin tones, as stated before, will look amazing with deeper, bolder, and brighter colors including red. Look for reds that have orange undertones as well as brown undertones, brick reds are also good options. Some RAL options are:

Barcelona– mid-tone brownish red with the slightest orange undertones, has a beautiful satin finish.

Image of lady with dark skin tone, long black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Barcelona. This is a mid-tone brownish red with the slightest orange undertones, has a beautiful satin finish.

Raf is wearing Barcelona by Red Apple Lipstick

Reddish Fetish– a deep pinky-red with a slight brown undertone.

Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Reddish Fetish. Reddish Fetish is a deep pinky-red with a slight brown undertone.

Reddish Fetish by Red Apple Lipstick

Risque!– warm-toned red with orange undertones.

Image of lady with dark skin tone short wavy black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Risque by Red Apple Lipstick. Risque is a warm-toned red with orange undertones

Fran is wearing Risque by Red Apple Lipstick

Firecracker– a warm-toned medium, spicy, orange-red. It has an orange coral undertone with a brownish-red overtone. A gorgeous color that can be worn lightly or super bold.

Image of lady with dark skin tone short wavy black hair and dark eyes. She is wearing lipstick in the shade called Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick. Firecracker is a warm-toned medium, spicy, orange-red. It has an orange coral undertone with a brownish-red overtone.

Fran is wearing Firecracker by Red Apple Lipstick

Best Berry Lipsticks For Warm Skin Tones

Warm skin tones should choose warm berry shades like raspberries. Look for berry lipstick colors with orange undertones, shades like burgundy, deep reds, and maroon berries.

Lighter complexions should choose vibrant berry shades rather than deeper, darker colors. Here are 2 great RAL options:

Berry Blast– a light berry color with a slight shimmer.

Image of lady with light skin tone looking to her left. She has short brown hair and brown/hazel eyes. She is shown wearing lipstick in the shade called Berry Blast by Red Apple Lipstick. Berry Blast is a light berry color with a slight shimmer.

Sharon is wearing Berry Blast by Red Apple Lipstick

Plum Sexy Crazy– a deep, multi-dimensional red plum color with a golden shimmer. Apply one coat for a sheer berry tone, or apply multiple layers for a rich, warm golden plum color.

Image of a lady's close up lip wearing Plum Sexy Crazy lipstick. She has light skin tone. Plum Sexy Crazy is a deep, multi-dimensional red plum color with a golden shimmer.

Melissa is wearing Plum Sexy Crazy

Medium skin tones will look great with pretty much any warm berry lipstick color, as long as it’s not too dark. Here are some great RAL lipstick colors for medium skin tones:

Berrycuda– a deep burgundy raspberry wine color.

Image of lady with medium skin tone and long black hair. She has dark eyebrow and dark eyes. She is featured wearing Berrycuda lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Berrycuda is a deep burgundy raspberry wine color.

Raf is wearing Berrycuda lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick

Plum Sexy Crazy– a deep, multi-dimensional red plum color with a golden shimmer. Apply one coat for a sheer berry tone, or apply multiple layers for a rich, warm golden plum color.

Image of lipstick bullet featuring Plum Sexy Crazy by Red Apple Lipstick. Plum Sexy Crazy is a deep, multi-dimensional red plum color with a golden shimmer.

Featured is Plum Sexy Crazy by Red Apple Lipstick

Power Potion– a richly saturated purple plum color with a pinky-red undertone.

Image of lady with medium skin tone, long dark brown hari and brown eyes. She is featured wearing Power Potion lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Power Potion is a richly saturated purple plum color with a pinky-red undertone.

Our model here is wearing Power Potion by Red Apple Lipstick

Fierce– a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.

Image of lady with medium skin tone , black hair and dark eyes and a beautiful pashmina scarf around her head. She is wearing Fierce lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Fierce is a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.

Raf is wearing Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick

Dark skin tones should look for deeper shades of warm-toned berries. Here are some RAL lipstick color options:

Berrycuda– a deep burgundy raspberry wine color. This looks beautiful on darker skin tones.

Image of lady with dark skin, black hair, dark eyes wearing Berrycuda lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Berrycuda is a deep burgundy raspberry wine color.

Fran is wearing Berrycuda by Red Apple Lipstick

Power Potion– a richly saturated purple plum color with a pinky-red undertone.

Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Power Potion by Red Apple Lipstick. Power Potion is a richly saturated purple plum color with a pinky-red undertone.

Featured is Power Potion by Red Apple Lipstick

Fierce– a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.

Image of lipstick bullet in the shade called Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick. Fierce is a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.

Featured is Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick

Nudes/Browns

When choosing nude lipstick colors for warm skin tones, go for nudes with warmer undertones, those leaning towards brown. And when choosing brown shades opt for those with yellow undertones, like caramel browns and browns with orange and red undertones.

Lighter skin tones will look best with nudes that are not too dark, pinky nudes with brown undertones would also look great. Here are some great RAL lipstick color options:

Beachside– medium, peachy-tan nude, great for those with warm and neutral undertones.

Image of lady with short brown hair, brown/hazel eyes and light skin tone. She is featured wearing Beachside lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Beachside is a medium, peachy-tan nude, great for those with warm and neutral undertones.

Sharon is wearing Beachside by Red Apple Lipstick

Naughty– the perfect tan nude, has no shimmer but it does give the lips a healthy shine.

Image of lady with light skin tone, short brown hair and brown/hazel eyes. She is featured wearing lipstick in the shade called Naughty by Red Apple Lipstick. Naughty is a tan nude, has no shimmer but it does give the lips a healthy shine.

Sharon is wearing Naughty by Red Apple Lipstick

New York– a pink-based nude with warmer undertones, great for those with warm and neutral undertones.

Image of lady with light skin tone, short brown hair and brown/hazel eyes. She is featured wearing New York lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. New York is a pink-based nude with warmer undertones, great for those with warm and neutral undertones.

Sharon is wearing New York by Red Apple Lipstick

Medium skin tones will look great with peachy nudes, golden beige nudes, caramel, and taupe shades. Some great RAL lipstick colors for medium skin tones are:

Beachside– medium, peachy-tan nude, great for those with warm and neutral undertones.

image of tan nude lipstick bullet

Featured is Beachside by Red Apple Lipstick

Chai Love You– nude shade with a reddish-brown undertone, a good choice for olive complexions.

Image of lady with medium complexion, long black hair and dark eyes. She is slightly looking downward and she is featured wearing Chai Love You lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Chai Love You is a nude shade with a reddish-brown undertone, a good choice for medium to olive complexions.

Noemi is wearing Chai Love You by Red Apple Lipstick

Naughty– the perfect tan nude, has no shimmer but it does give the lips a healthy shine. Another great option for those with olive complexions.

Image of lady with medium to olive skin tone and black hair and dark eyes. She is featured wearing lipstick in the shade called Naughty by Red Apple Lipstick. Naughty is the perfect tan nude, has no shimmer but it does give the lips a healthy shine. Another great option for those with olive complexions.

Raf is wearing Naughty by Red Apple lipstick

Spice ‘N Easy– a medium spicy orange with a brownish-red undertone, great for warm and neutral undertones.

Image of lady with dark brown hair, brown eyes and medium complexion. She is featured wearing Spice 'N Easy lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Spice 'N Easy is a medium spicy orange with a brownish-red undertone, great for warm and neutral undertones.

Our model is featured here wearing Spice ‘N Easy by Red Apple Lipstick

Gypsy Soul– brick red with a brown undertone, makes a great brown lipstick color for medium skin tones with warm undertones.

Image of lady with long black hair, medium complexion and is featured wearing Gypsy Soul lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Gypsy Soul is a brick red with a brown undertone, makes a great brown lipstick color for medium skin tones with warm undertones.

Noemi is wearing Gypsy Soul by Red Apple Lipstick

Darker skin tones look amazing with milk and dark chocolate nudes. Deeper berry nudes also work great for those with dark skin tones. If you have a deeper skin tone look for darker nudes, brown and caramel shades with hints of red. Here are some great options:

Berrycuda– a deep burgundy raspberry wine color. This looks beautiful as a nude color on darker skin tones.

Image of lady with dark complexion, short black hair and dark eyes. She is featured wearing Berrycuda lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Berrycuda is a deep burgundy raspberry wine color. This looks beautiful as a nude color on darker skin tones.

Fran is wearing Berrycuda by Red Apple Lipstick

Chai Love You– nude shade with a reddish-brown undertone.

Image of lady with dark skin tone, short black hair and dark brown eyes. She is featured wearing Chai Love You lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Chai Love You is a nude shade with a reddish-brown undertone.

Fran is wearing Chai Love you by Red Apple Lipstick

Fierce– a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.

Image of a lipstick bullet in the shade called Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick. Fierce is a deep Bordeaux red with rich purple and chocolatey undertones.

Featured is Fierce by Red Apple Lipstick

Gypsy Soul– brick red with a brown undertone. Looks gorgeous on darker and deeper skin tones.

Image of lady with dark skin tone looking to her left and slightly down. She has dark hair and dark eyes. She is featured wearing Gypsy Soul lipstick by Red Apple Lipstick. Gypsy Soul is a brick red with a brown undertone. Looks gorgeous on darker and deeper skin tones.

Fran is wearing Gypsy Soul by Red Apple Lipstick

We hope you find this guide extremely helpful when shopping for your next lipstick. Remember, there are no set rules when it comes to makeup, this is just a guide to make it easier and know where to start on your search to finding the perfect lipstick colors for those with warm skin tones. If you see a color that you like but doesn’t fit the suggestions found here, try it out anyway! We have a 6 month return/exchange policy if you decide a color isn’t for you.

You can try samples to help you decide. If you would like to see more lipstick suggestions, feel free to check out our visual lipstick guide as well.

Comment below with YOUR favorite lipsticks to wear as a warm skin toned gal!

Red Apple Lipstick co-founder, Andrea Harper, has been a certified makeup fanatic for 22 years. She’s on a mission to help all women own their unique beauty at all stages of life. She does this by sharing easy, pro makeup tips that enhance natural features and blast insecurities.

4 Comments

  1. Jennifer H says:

    Hello;
    I am A light skinned, lady with warm undertones, with medium reddish brown hair, and hazel eyes.

    What are my best lipstick shades please?

    I have spent $$$$$ on the Wrong colors over the years.
    Can you please help me?

    Reply
    1. Andrea Harper says:

      Hi Jennifer! You sound lovely and we enjoy helping customers find the right shades. First thing, we offer a 6-month open container return/exchange policy – which means you won’t waste any more money here. Next, if you’d like to send a picture of yourself we can help you really find the right combo for you: email it to support at redapplelipstick dot com (we have to spell it out like that so bots dont get us, but you know how to type that properly to get it to us). Ok, last based on your description I’m thinking the following lipstick shades: Audrey, Barcelona, Chai Love You, Kissimmee, Strawberry Lips, Sweet Pea (these are listed alphabetically on our site under lipsticks). I know that’s a lot but without knowing HOW you like to wear your makeup this gives you a nice range of soft to bold all within a group that will look good on you. If you have any further questions, we’d be happy to help via email!

      Reply
  2. pelmel323 says:

    What are the best lipsticks for Fair-Light, Neutral skin with medium brown hair with heavy blonde highlights? Sorry, at my age I should know. I have always loved (junky for) skin care and makeup but “everything” has changed. I really want to wear the correct colors for lipstick and eyes!
    Andrea, I so appreciate the videos and your Gluten free products. One of the changes I was talking about is a Celiac diagnosis. It is nice to read your information and that you share it with the world. I didn’t know for so long and unknowingly did so much damage to my body that I had to have 4 inches of my small intestine removed this year 😅
    Celiac is no joke!
    Anyway thanks again for bringing beautiful safe makeup to the world.
    I would appreciate your suggestions for me. Oh if it matters I am 69 yo
    P.S. You are beautiful. Beautiful in every way with a beautiful heart ❤
    Melanie Conner

    Reply

    1. Hi Melanie, So glad you’ve enjoyed Andrea’s videos. For lipstick, I’d recommend the following. Audrey, Chai Love You, Day After Morocco, Naughty, and Spice N Easy.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *