12 Best Lipstick Colors for Fair Skin Tones That Look Spectacular

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Lipstick Colors for Fair Skin Tones That Look Spectacular
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Honestly, buying a new lipstick is the fastest way to revamp your makeup routine. In just 10 seconds, you can effortlessly spruce up your look of the day and bring it to life. However, finding the best lipstick colors for fair skin tones can be a little tricky since there are too many fishes in the pond. Not to worry as I have made things a little easier for you by carrying out meticulous research and listing out my best 12 recommendations. First, let me tell you that cool undertones or fair-skinned women are open to boundless options of lipstick shades ranging from pink nudes, hot pinks, and orange, to deep red. Hence, there is no rule saying that you can buy only one — women can own countless lipsticks to suit their style and mood.

To brighten up your complexion with utmost ease, all you need is a lipstick that is intensely pigmented and infused with moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil, etc. In addition, it should feature a smooth, soft, and easy-to-glide texture. Over the years, we have also seen celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, etc, embracing their fair complexion simply by completing their look with a swipe of lipstick.

Today, I am going to walk you through some of my favorites and also confess why I love them. So, scroll down and stay tuned till the end, as below I have not only rounded up the best lipsticks for fair skin tones but also penned a buying guide to help you pick the best of the best.

12 Best Lipstick Colors for Fair Skin

Enriched with advanced ceramide complex, vitamin E, and maracuja oil, this lipstick by Elizabeth Arden is perfection. Suitable for all age groups, this fuchsia lipstick is bright, glossy, and adds the much-needed pop of color to your face. It offers a satin finish to your lips that makes it suitable for formal as well as informal occasions. It's extremely rich in pigment and little goes a long way. With this lipstick, you don't need to use a lip balm or a lip gloss. 

Pros
  • Value for money
  • Luxe packaging
  • Hydrating ingredients
  • Can be used as blush and eyeshadow
Cons
  • None
  • Most Sleek Packaging

    butter LONDON Plush Rush Lipstick

    butter LONDON Plush Rush Lipstick
  • Nothing suits your face and complexion as well as a nude pink lipstick. This creamy texture by butter LONDON is soft, velvety, and literally like butter on your lips. It instantly plumps your lips by giving it a cushiony feel. It comes with an enhanced sheen to make your lips shine all day. Unlike other lipsticks, the rich pigments don't require multiple re-applications. An Amazon user added that she "really likes" this color and it adds "just the right degree of brightness" to her face. 

    Pros
    • Creamy texture
    • High shine
    • Sleek packaging
    • Perfect pink nude tint
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Most Glossy

    MAYBELLINE Super Stay Vinyl Ink - Captivated

    MAYBELLINE Super Stay Vinyl Ink - Captivated
  • Creating a subtle and soft makeup look is now possible with Maybelline’s Super Stay Vinyl Ink lipstick that comes in an alluring nude shade called ‘Captivated’. To be honest, nude lipsticks have amassed a cult following and they have been popular for a while. Since I was on a quest to find the best lip color for fair skin, drawing from my experience, this one from Maybelline is a sheer winner. It stays straight for up to 16 hours and defies budging, transfer, and smudging, making it the most reliable choice for everyday use. Additionally, it features a color-lock formula, feels lighter on the lips, and has a glossy finish to make your lips look luscious like never before!

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Pocket-friendly
    • Easy to take off
    • Available in 20 saturated shades
    Cons
    • Gooey texture
  • 350 Bare Minimum

    Revlon Color Stay Overtime - 350 Bare Maximum

    Revlon Color Stay Overtime - 350 Bare Maximum
  • A long-lasting lipstick is what requires no touch-ups. In tandem, Revelon’s Color Stay Overtime’s ‘Bare Maximum’ liquid lipstick leaves no stone unturned in ensuring the same. It is best suited for minimalistic as well as dramatic makeup looks. Moreover, it is well-pigmented and as per my extensive research, this product is robustly immune to smudging, bleeding, and transfer. What made me fall over it all over again is the fact that this lipstick for fair skin is enriched with the goodness of vitamin E and chamomile extract to keep your lips moisturized and hydrated all day long!

    Pros
    • Dual-ended lipstick
    • 30 colorful shades to choose from
    • Comfortable on your lips
    • Comes with a clear gloss
    Cons
    • Feels sticky
  • Most Creamy

    Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Color - Nude Collection

    Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Color - Nude Collection
  • Believe me, after having bought Rimmel’s Lasting Finish lip color in the shade ‘Nude Collection’, there is no looking back. The brand has mindfully crafted this nude lipstick for fair skin that will make your face look glazed up in the most natural and minimalistic way possible. Let me also tell you one of the Amazon reviewers rightly said, “It is non-drying and goes on easily and stays on”. So, for someone who is looking for a remarkable daily-wear neutral shade, this one can be a great choice to consider.

    Pros
    • Creamy formula
    • Inexpensive
    • Available in 7 shades
    • Lasts up to 8 hours
    Cons
    • Smells weird
  • Best Color Payoff

    Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick - Fleur

    Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick - Fleur
  • When you want to go easy on your eyes, follow the rule of going bolder on your lips with this phenomenal Color Fetish lipstick. Milani, the mastermind behind the Fleur shade, has clearly managed to attract all attention with its ultra-creamy and pigmented formula. It also features a distinctive blend of hyaluronic acid to keep your lips nourished, plump, and soft. Furthermore, to my surprise, this bullet lipstick has a luxurious soft velvet matte finish that will make you look flattering and complement your curated makeup. Well, I couldn’t be happier to nominate this bold and vibrant lipstick for the category of the best lipstick colors for fair skin.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Glides easily
    • Offers full coverage
    • 11 shades to choose from
    • One-stroke color payoff
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Sheer Coverage

    Essence Electric Glow Color Changing Lipstick

    Essence Electric Glow Color Changing Lipstick
  • Add some magic to your lipstick arsenal quite literally by getting your hands on Essence’s Electric Glow color-changing lipstick. It is backed with a pH-reactive formula that lends your lips a delicate shimmery rosé finish. Whether you want to ace a flushed makeup look or simply flaunt that all-day no-makeup makeup look, this one is the perfect choice. It is nourishing, long-lasting, easy to glide, and primarily works in bringing out the most natural tone of your lips. Having said that, it is the go-to lip color for pale skin and fairer skin tones that will leave no place for disappointment.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Reasonable
    • Sheer coverage
    • Cruelty-free
    • Smells nice
    • Very light on the lips
    Cons
    • Might bleed if applied excessively
  • Most Waterproof Lipstick

    Topcent Matte Liquid Lipstick Set

    Topcent Matte Liquid Lipstick Set
  • Why buy just one lipstick when you can buy a set of 6 in one go? Based on my intensive research and findings, this impeccable set of 6 matte lipsticks introduced by Topcent is designed for die-hard nude-shade fans all around the world. Firstly, I was stoked looking at the lipstick’s charming matte, long-lasting, and waterproof formula that fully meets the needs of every makeup junkie. After swatching each of them, I noticed how different they are from one another and also their power to keep your lips moisturized. Another key feature worth noting — all of them have high-intensity pigments for maximum coverage. So, invest in this set of the best lipstick colors for fair skin and find out the answer to why nude lipsticks are every fair-skinned woman’s BFF.

    Pros
    • 2 options to choose from
    • Fade-resistant
    • Non-sticky
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • Most Pigmented

    FOCALLURE Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick - Terra Cotta

    FOCALLURE Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick - Terra Cotta
  • While on my quest to find the best lipstick shades for fair skin, I discovered that every makeup artist’s experience with Focallure’s Velvet matte liquid lipstick is outstanding. I went ahead and glanced through the features of this product to find out why. To my surprise, it is because of its rich pigmentation, lip-moisturizing abilities, and fantastic shade that make one look nothing but bold and beautiful. What left me impressed is its supremely mousse-like creamy formula that glides like butter and provides maximum coverage. Whether you are a makeup novice or a professional makeup artist like me, this can be your ideal choice to sass things up in seconds.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Can be used as a cheek tint
    • Available in 11 shades
    • Suits all skin types
    Cons
    • Might look very dry
  • Best for Bold Makeup

    Splashes And Spills Vivid Black and Red Lipstick

    Splashes And Spills Vivid Black and Red Lipstick
  • Black and red lipsticks brought to you by Splashes And Spills are must-haves for any makeup enthusiast who loves drama over everything else when it comes to makeup. The scarlet red shade lends your pout a romantic flush, whereas the midnight black is apt for creating bold and vivacious makeup looks. Furthermore, these lipsticks are designed for long wear and specially formulated to help you make a statement wherever you go. What makes both lipsticks super unique is their translucent finish!

    Pros
    • Glides easily
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Travel-friendly
    • Easy to take off
    Cons
    • Not smudge-proof
  • Dulele 6 Colors of Velvet Smooth Matte Lipstick Set

    Dulele 6 Colors of Velvet Smooth Matte Lipstick Set
  • Here comes my next favorite lipstick set featuring 6 velvety matte lipstick shades for fair skin tones. The brand Dulele has successfully managed to grab large eyeballs with its super hydrating formulation that contains olive oil, vitamin E, beeswax, and aloe vera. In addition, the lipsticks are intensely pigmented and long-lasting. On the other hand, this set can also be a great choice of gift for your lady love or a makeup enthusiast.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Water-resistant
    • Softens your lips
    • Smooth texture
    Cons
    • Little pricey
  • EVELIER Galaxy Lipstick - Soft And Sexy

    EVELIER Galaxy Lipstick - Soft And Sexy
  • Another best lipstick shade for fair skin tone is this one from Evelier. What made it into my list of top picks is its vivid color and moisturizing feel. Addedly, it provides all-day coverage, eliminating the need for frequent touch-ups. Within the first glide, it will instantly plump your lips and leave them feeling nourished. Moreover, the lipstick is nicely pigmented and offers desirable coverage. So, add this enchanting lipstick to your collection and be pout-ready anytime anywhere.

     

    Pros
    • Glides smoothly
    • Non-sticky
    • Creamy texture
    • 2 shades to choose from
    Cons
    • Expensive

    That was my comprehensive list of the best lipstick colors for fair skin tones. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Lipstick Colors for Fair Skin?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best lipstick for fair skin - 

    Undertone: Women possess a variety of tones like warm undertones, blue undertones, neutral undertones, and purple undertones. So, analyze what kind of undertone you possess by looking at the color of your veins and then vouch for the perfect color. Usually, a mauve shade or a perfect nude compliments your natural lip color. Also note, that there are a wide range of lipsticks crafted for deep skin tones, darker skin tones, olive skin tones, pale skin tones, and warm skin tones. So, choose every lip shade wisely. 

    Shade: Make sure you analyze the shade of the lipstick thoroughly. For a basic, neutral, everyday look, invest in nude lip colors for fair skin tones. On the other hand, for dramatic and high-glam looks, choose a vibrant, dark, and bold shade of lipstick to make your lips look plumped and popped. 

    Ingredients: Ensure that you pay heed to the list of ingredients. It is wise to splurge on the best lip colors for fair skin that are enriched with shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera, olive oil, beeswax, etc. For someone who is dealing with very dry and flaky lips, make sure you invest in a lipstick that is infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Avoid lipsticks that are infused with mineral oils and harsh toxins.

    Formula: Pick lipsticks for fair skin tones that are vegan, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free. Avoid purchasing lipsticks that are made from animal by-products or harmful substances and synthetic chemicals. 

    Texture: The next important aspect is to analyze the texture of your lipstick. The texture of the lipstick should be smooth like butter and offer maximum coverage. It is a bonus if the lipstick lends you a one-stroke color payoff. 

    That was all about the best lipstick colors for fair skin that you should think of snagging right away. Trust me, these lipsticks will not only elevate your makeup looks but also keep your pout-ready. Plus, the infinite shades of lipsticks and their overwhelming color pay-off will never let you settle for anything less. I do understand that it is a little tricky to find the perfect shade and the right pop of color for your cool skin tone but in the end, when you find an appropriate hue, I promise your happiness will know no bounds. After all, it is not just lipstick, it is a magic wand that will be your forever companion.

    FAQ's

    What color lipstick is the best for fair skin tones?
    Pink, neutral, and vibrant red color lipsticks are the best for fair skin tones.
    Does dark lipstick suit fair skin?
    Yes, dark lipstick suits fair skin tones very well.
    Can fair skin wear red lipstick?
    Yes, red lipstick looks great on fair skin.
    Can fair skin wear orange lipstick?
    Yes, orange lipstick in peach or coral tones can be worn by those with fair skin.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified makeup and beauty expert, Sayantani, possesses a fair skin tone and hence, we highly recommend snatching a glimpse of her favorite lipstick colors. She believes that all of the suggested shades like pink, red, orange, nude, etc. look great on cooler undertones as they have the capability to make your lips pop. Personally, she is drooling over Maybelline’s Super Stay Vinyl Ink that compliments every minimalistic to high-glam look. So, without further ado, populate your lipstick arsenal straight away! 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More