Finding the most flattering colour for your complexion is a cinch if you’ve got the right guide. Read below to find out which one is for you.

 Fair Complexion:

Which Hue is For You?

Alabaster skin tones can have fun with most colours. As your skin has a pink to red undertone it’s best to opt for blue-based bold reds, as these will make your lips standout against your porcelain complexion. If you’d rather an au natural look then peachy nudes like coral and soft pink will prevent your skin from looking too washed out. To warm up your cool complexion opt for rich berry hues like cranberry and plum.

What To Avoid:

Steer clear of brown shades of any kind from chocolate to cappuccino, hot pinks and orange-reds as these will overpower your complexion.

You Need:

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick (R220) in Nylon Nude, Pout, Posey Pink, Melondrama or Legendary.
Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer (R250) in Pout, Calypso, Rosewater, Flamingo or Firecracker.

Medium Complexion:

Which Hue is For You?

Says Smashbox Make-Up Artist Lauren Engelbrecht, “You lucky girl! Most neutral nudes, pinks, orange and red shades work on you. It’s generally hard for you to miss the mark.Your outfit and the occasion probably plays the biggest role in determining which colour to wear.” Crisp colours contrast beautifully against olive skin tones, but if your skin has warm undertones then cappuccinos and caramels will look beautiful on you.

What To Avoid:

If you want a bright, beautiful complexion then don’t wear purples or dark browns as these will blend with your skin tone.

You Need:

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick (R220) in Honey, Mandarin, Posey Pink or Legendary.
Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer (R250) in Off Duty, Flushed, Coral, Pink Social or Orange Crush if you’re feeling daring!

Dark Complexion:

Which Hue is For You?

Now’s your time to shine! Darker complexions can rock beautiful bold lips with no trouble at all. Says Engelbrecht, “You have the skin tone to pull off deeper shades, like deep berries, reds, plums and even browns as these naturally makes the best of your gorgeous skin tone.”

What To Avoid:

Unless you’re going for the 60s mod look try and stay away from anything too light or chalky on the lips as this can be unflattering against your skin tone.

You Need:

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick (R220) in Honey, Cognac, Chestnut, Legendary, Fig or Vivid Violet
Smashbox Be Legendary Lip Lacquer (R250) in Beet It, Currant, Bordeaux, Legandary, After Dark or Flushed.

Top Tips: Smashbox Make-Up Artist Lauren Engelbrecht shares her insider tips on choosing the right hue for you.

Do not let your eyes lead you into temptation.

It’s easy to get excited when you see the beautiful colour selection in stores and race to try them on the back of your hand to see if they suit you. The problem is that the colour of the skin on your hand is not the same as the colour of your lips!

Know your skin tone. It’s all in the wrist!

If you are not sure of your skin tone, follow the guide below:

Check your wrist:

* if your veins appear green, you have a warm skin undertone
* if your veins appear blue, you have a cool skin undertone
* if your veins appear both blue and green, you are the lucky owner of a neutral skin tone that can pull off just about lipstick colour.

Work it!

Now you know your skin undertone it’s time to complement it. Warmer undertones are flattered by warm reds, corals, pinks and neutrals. Cooler undertones sizzle with shades of berry, burgundy, plums, rose and purples. Avoid pale, ashy or grey colours as these can make you look washed out.

Which complexion do you have? Share it with us in the comments box below!