Walk into any makeup shop in Pakistan and you will see hundreds of lipstick shades. The problem is not choice – it is knowing which colour will actually look good on your skin. A shade that looks perfect on a model can make wheatish or dusky skin look dull or grey. This guide breaks it down simply, so you can pick the right lipstick the first time.
Step 1: Find your undertone in 30 seconds
Skin tone is how light or deep your skin is. Undertone is the colour underneath – and it matters more for lipstick.
- Warm undertone: veins on your wrist look greenish, gold jewellery suits you more than silver. Most Pakistani skin is warm.
- Cool undertone: veins look blue or purple, silver jewellery looks better.
- Neutral undertone: a mix of both – you can wear most shades.
Warm undertones look best in brick reds, terracotta, peachy nudes and warm browns. Cool undertones suit berry, plum, rose pink and blue-based reds.
Lipstick shades for fair skin
Fair skin can carry soft pinks and rosy nudes for daytime, and true reds or berries for evenings. Avoid very light, chalky nudes – they can wash you out. A pink-brown nude is a safer everyday choice.
Lipstick shades for wheatish skin
Wheatish skin – the most common tone in Pakistan – is the most flexible. The best picks are:
- Everyday: rosy brown and mauve nudes that are one or two shades deeper than your natural lip.
- Office: dusty rose, soft terracotta and muted coral.
- Party and weddings: brick red, deep maroon and berry.
Our Glamorous Lipstick comes in 52 shades, so you can build a full wardrobe of nudes, pinks and reds in one formula.
Lipstick shades for dusky skin
Dusky and deep skin tones look stunning in rich colours. Choose chocolate browns, deep plum, wine, burnt orange and bold reds with a warm base. For nudes, pick caramel or cinnamon shades – never a nude that is lighter than your skin, as it can look ashy.
Matte or creamy – which finish should you choose?
Matte lipsticks and liquid lipsticks last longer and do not move in heat, which makes them ideal for weddings and long days. Creamy lipsticks feel more comfortable and are better for dry lips or daily wear. If you love a matte look but want comfort, try a matte lip gloss – it gives a soft-matte finish without feeling tight.
4 tips to make lipstick last longer
- Exfoliate and moisturise your lips before applying.
- Line and fill your lips with a lip pencil close to your shade – it stops feathering and acts as a base.
- Apply one layer, blot with a tissue, then apply a second layer.
- Keep your lipstick in your bag for a quick touch-up after eating.
Quick shade cheat sheet
- Fair: rose pink, pink-brown nude, true red.
- Wheatish: mauve nude, dusty rose, terracotta, brick red, maroon.
- Dusky: caramel nude, chocolate, plum, wine, warm red.
Still not sure? Message us on WhatsApp with a selfie in daylight and our team will suggest shades for you. Browse all Sweetface lip products – every order comes with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan and free delivery on orders above Rs. 2,990.
Frequently asked questions
Which lipstick colour suits wheatish skin the most?
Rosy brown, mauve and terracotta nudes for daily wear, and brick red or maroon for parties suit most wheatish skin tones because they match its warm undertone.
Can dusky skin wear nude lipstick?
Yes. Choose caramel, cinnamon or chocolate nudes that are the same depth as your skin or deeper – avoid light beige nudes that can look ashy.
Is matte or creamy lipstick better for Pakistani weather?
Matte formulas last longer in heat and humidity; creamy formulas are more comfortable for dry lips and winter.