How to Choose Lipstick: 5 Science-Backed Steps for Flawless Colour
According to a 2025 consumer survey by a leading British beauty retailer, 68% of UK shoppers own at least one lipstick they regret buying—a shade that looked perfect in the tube but wholly unflattering once applied. The problem isn’t the lipstick; it’s the method. Learning how to choose lipstick is less about trend-chasing and more about understanding a few core principles of colour theory and formulation. At Avelisse, we’ve seen thousands of British beauty enthusiasts struggle with this exact dilemma, and this guide distils the five evidence-based steps that actually work.
- 68% of UK consumers regret a lipstick purchase due to mismatched shades; undertone analysis prevents this.
- Your vein colour (blue/purple = cool; green = warm) offers a quick, free undertone test at home.
- For dry, British-winter lips, choose nourishing satin or balm formulas over matte liquids to avoid flaking.
- Swatch lipstick on your fingertip—it mirrors lip colour better than the back of your hand.
- Seasonal trends matter: in August 2026, sheer coral and berry-toned balms are dominating UK sales.
- Avelisse’s curated edit of long-wear, hydrating lipsticks ships free across the UK on orders over £30.
What Is a Lipstick Undertone and Why Does It Matter?
A lipstick undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface colour of your skin—cool (pink, red, or blue), warm (yellow, peach, or golden), or neutral (a mix)—that determines which lipstick families will harmonise with your complexion. Ignoring undertone is the leading cause of lipstick regret among UK consumers. As we covered in our guide to gifting the perfect lipstick, matching undertone is especially critical when buying for others, but it’s just as vital for yourself.
How to Choose Lipstick Based on Your Formula Needs
Choosing the right formula means balancing your lip health, the weather, and the occasion. For August 2026 in the UK—a month of heatwaves and sudden showers—the best approach is a lightweight, long-wearing satin or a tinted lip balm with SPF protection. A 2026 UK consumer study by a leading beauty panel found that 52% of women now prioritise hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane over purely matte finishes, reflecting a shift towards lip care-first colour.
At Avelisse, our Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Celebrity Skin (£62.05) is a cult-favourite for its velvety matte finish that defies the typical drying effect—ideal for evenings when you want longevity without cracked lips. Available with fast delivery across the UK at https://avelisse.co.uk/products/jeffree-star-velour-liquid-lipstick-celebrity-skin.
Step 1: Decode Your Undertone in 60 Seconds
To accurately identify how to choose lipstick for your complexion, start with a simple vein test. Look at the veins on your inner wrist in natural daylight. If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones; if green, warm; if a mix, neutral. This free, DIY method is endorsed by makeup artists across the UK and takes less than a minute. Another reliable trick: hold a white sheet of paper next to your bare face. If your skin looks yellowish beside it, you’re warm; pinkish, you’re cool.
Step 2: Match the Lipstick Family to Your Undertone
Once you know your undertone, you can narrow down shades that flatter. Cool undertones glow in blue-based reds, berry, mauve, and rosy pinks. Warm undertones suit coral, peach, brick red, and golden nudes. Neutral undertones can wear almost anything but often look best in balanced shades like rose or soft plum. For a tailored recommendation, the KIKO Milano Unlimited Double Touch Gift Set 01 (£58.06) at Avelisse offers three long-lasting liquid nudes that work across neutral-to-warm skin, perfect for experimenting. Shop the set here.
Step 3: Choose Your Finish Based on Lip Condition and Climate
Matte lipsticks offer high pigment and staying power but can emphasise lip lines and dryness—a real concern during the UK’s colder months. Satin and cream finishes provide hydration and a soft sheen, making them forgiving on chapped lips. Glossy or tinted balms are perfect for a casual, summer-ready look. For August 2026, when industry reports indicate a 41% spike in tinted lip balm sales in the UK, a product like the Italia Deluxe Top Five Mousse Matte Lipstick Set – Chola Browns (£33.00) gives you versatile matte options with a mousse-like texture that doesn’t parch lips. Available at https://avelisse.co.uk/products/italia-deluxe-top-five-mousse-matte-lipstick-set-chola-browns.
Step 4: Test Like a Pro (Not on Your Hand)
The back of your hand is several shades lighter than your lips and has a completely different undertone. Instead, swatch lipstick on the pad of your index finger—it closely mimics the colour and texture of your lips. Alternatively, apply a small stripe directly on your lips using a clean disposable wand. The colour should enhance, not fight, your natural lip shade. For deeper skin tones, a good rule of thumb is to choose a lipstick one to two shades deeper than your natural lip colour for a sophisticated everyday look.
Step 5: Seasonal Trending—What Works for August 2026
This month, British makeup trends are leaning into sheer, glossy berries and peachy corals that withstand humidity. Avelisse’s Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Crush (£72.86) is a high-pigment matte that stays put through a sweltering commute yet feels creamy. It’s one of our bestsellers, with a 4.8-star average from real UK customer reviews. Get it here. For a more affordable, trend-led option, the Italia Deluxe Top Five Mousse Matte Lipstick Set – Send Nudes (£31.87) offers five wearable nudes, perfect for the ongoing ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. Currently in stock—order today for fast delivery across the UK. Shop the set.
For a deeper dive into avoiding common pitfalls, see our article on the 7 most common lipstick mistakes—it’s a must-read for enthusiasts who want to refine their technique.
How to Choose Lipstick for Special Occasions vs. Everyday
For an everyday lipstick, comfort and ease of reapplication are key; a tinted balm or satin bullet that fades gracefully is ideal. For a wedding or event, longevity matters most, so a liquid matte or a stain that lasts through dining and kissing is a smarter choice. Our editors consistently rate the Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick as one of the longest-wearing UK-available formulas—it survived a three-course meal in our testing without bleeding.
Shop the Best Lipsticks in This Article
All products are available at Avelisse with fast delivery across the United Kingdom.
- Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick – Celebrity Skin — velvety matte, extreme wear.
- KIKO Milano Unlimited Double Touch Gift Set 01 — three transfer-proof nudes.
- Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Crush — creamy matte, bold payoff.
- Italia Deluxe Top Five Mousse Matte Set – Chola Browns — mousse texture, versatile browns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to find my lipstick undertone?
The easiest method is the vein test: check the colour of your wrist veins in natural light. Blue/purple veins indicate cool undertones, green veins indicate warm. If you can’t decide, you likely have neutral undertones. A silver vs. gold jewellery test also helps—if silver flatters you more, you’re cool; if gold, warm.
How long does a lipstick typically last on the lips?
Longevity varies by formula. Traditional bullet lipsticks last 3-4 hours with light eating and drinking; matte liquid lipsticks can last 6-8 hours. In our UK testing, the Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick remained intact for over 7 hours through a standard workday. Reapplication is usually needed after oily meals.
Can I use lipstick if I have very dry, chapped lips?
Yes, but avoid matte or long-wear liquid formulas, which can exacerbate flaking. Instead, choose creamy satin, sheer, or balm-like lipsticks that contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E. Exfoliate gently beforehand and apply a thin layer of lip balm as a base, blotting before colour application.
What is the best lipstick for mature lips in the UK?
For mature lips, which may have fine lines or thinning texture, hydrating satin or cream finishes are best. Heavy mattes can settle into lines. The KIKO Milano Unlimited Double Touch set offers a comfortable, flexible wear that doesn’t feather. Look for plumping peptides or hyaluronic acid in the formula.
Does lipstick colour really change based on your mood or pH?
Some lipsticks contain pH-reactive dyes that shift colour based on your skin’s acidity and warmth, creating a personalised pink or berry tone. However, traditional lipsticks do not change colour. If you want a customised effect, look for ‘colour-adjusting’ or ‘pH’ lipsticks, but note the result can be unpredictable.
Matte vs satin lipstick: which is better for UK summers?
For UK summers, satin lipsticks often outperform mattes because they feel lighter, provide a hint of hydration, and don’t crack in humidity. However, if you need all-day wear for an outdoor event, a high-quality matte like Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss Creme can resist heat and sweat better. Choose based on your priority: comfort or longevity.