Finding the best lipstick for tan skin or lipstick shades for dark skin should be less about chasing the newest colour drop, and more about finding what enhances your features, suits your undertone, and makes you feel like yourself.

For brown and medium complexions, shade mismatches are frustratingly common. Lipsticks that look stunning in the bullet often show up too pale, too dull, or just off when applied. This guide focuses on tones that actually work.

Lipstick shades that suit dark skin best

Are berry and plum lipsticks too bold for dusky skin?

Not even close. In fact, berry lipstick is one of the most flattering options for deep skin tones. Shades like raspberry, wine, and plum create richness and elegance without overpowering the face.

Deeper berry tones balance the natural depth of dusky skin while adding sophistication to everyday and evening looks.

Tip: Opt for deeper berry tones with a matte or soft satin finish to avoid unwanted shine on pigmented lips.

Which red lipsticks actually complement deep skin?

Bold reds with blue or brown undertones are ideal. Brick red, blood red, or even oxblood shades add contrast while still working with the skin’s undertone. Avoid pastel reds or those with too much orange. They can appear patchy or grey.

Do brown shades blend too much with dark skin?

Not if you pick the right undertone. Rich mocha, warm terracotta, and chocolate browns give a stunning natural finish without washing out the lips.

Best lipstick shades for medium and tan skin

Is peach lipstick flattering on Indian skin tones?

Peach, coral, and apricot tones work beautifully with medium and tan skin, especially those with warm undertones. They brighten the complexion and feel wearable both during the day and at festive events.

Coral lipstick brings warmth, without looking neon or chalky, making it a smart pick for Indian tones.

Which shades look great for office or casual wear?

Mauve, soft rose, and rosewood are the sweet spot for lipstick for medium skin.

Muted shades like Terracotta and Timeless Mocha are especially flattering on medium-toned complexions.

What about reds for medium skin?

Look for orange-reds and crimson reds. Avoid tomato reds or bright cherry tones, which tend to look unnatural on warmer skin tones.

Can nude lipstick work on brown skin tones?

Yes, but beige-based nudes can be tricky. The key is finding nude lipstick for brown skin that has a hint of brown, peach, or pink, not grey or white undertones.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Wrong Nudes

Better Nudes for Brown Skin

Pale beige

Caramel nude

Cool-toned pink nude

Mocha nude

Grey-based brown

Warm cocoa or dusty rose

Test nude lipsticks against your bare lips, not your hand or wrist, to check how they blend with natural lip pigment.

Trending lipstick colours in 2025

According to industry trend forecasts:

  • Burnt orange and terracotta tones are gaining popularity for deeper skin tones.
  • Espresso brown and vintage plum are predicted to dominate event looks.
  • Creamy matte lipstick in India continues to hold the top spot across all finishes.

If you’re looking to refresh your makeup bag, this is the year to go bolder with browns and softer with reds.

How to choose lipstick for Indian skin tones

Why undertone matters more than skin tone

Knowing your undertone makes shade selection so much easier. Here’s a rough guide:

Undertone

Best Shades

Warm

Coral, terracotta, orange-red, peach

Cool

Berry, mauve, blue-red, plum

Neutral

Most reds, rose nudes, soft browns

A quick test: Check your veins. Green veins = warm. Blue = cool. Both = neutral.

What if your lips are pigmented or uneven in colour?

Pigmented lips are common and often make lighter lipsticks appear patchy. In such cases, choosing pigmented formulas with skincare benefits helps a lot.

Top Type Beauty lipsticks for pigmented lips

Light Up Lipstick

This lipstick doesn’t just deliver rich colour. It also treats lip pigmentation over time. Infused with Niacinamide and Vitamin C, it helps fade darkness and improve lip texture.

Get Even Serum Foundation

A good base helps lipstick pop. This foundation is formulated with SPF 50, Niacinamide, and Bakuchiol, offering coverage that evens out discolouration around the mouth too.

Your shade, your story

Your lipstick should never feel like a compromise. It should feel like something made with you in mind. The world doesn’t need more universal shades. It needs more shades that work for Indian skin in all its beauty.

Try a Light Up Lipstick and see how it feels to wear colour that reflects your tone and your energy.

Key Takeaways

  • Berry, plum, and brick red lipsticks work beautifully on dark skin tones, adding depth and drama.
  • Coral, peach, and mauve shades are ideal for medium and tan skin, offering warmth without overpowering.
  • The best nude lipstick for brown skin has warm undertones. Skip greys and pale beige.
  • 2025 lipstick trends favour terracotta, burnt orange, and espresso brown for bold, wearable looks.
  • Type Beauty's Light Up Lipstick treats lip pigmentation while delivering rich, flattering colour.

FAQs

What lipstick shades suit dark skin best?

Berry, deep red, plum, chocolate brown, burnt orange.

Which lipstick colours flatter a tan or brown complexion?

Coral, mocha, mauve, terracotta, warm nude, orange-red.

Are nude shades good for dark or tan skin?

Yes! Go for caramel, rosewood, mocha, and warm peachy browns.

How to choose lipstick for Indian skin tones?

Match with your undertone (warm, cool, neutral) and test directly on your lips. Avoid pale or pastel nudes.

What are the latest lipstick shade trends?

Espresso brown, burnt rose, brick red, matte mauve, and coral-orange.