There’s one lip colour on everyone’s minds at the moment, and it’s Clinique’s marvellously vintage, uniquely kaleidoscopic and colour-shifting Black Honey.
Said to suit every skin tone, the deep-hued and balmy lipstick has catalysed a renaissance of sensual, dark and cool-toned 1990s lipstick shades. The problem? Contrary to popular belief and no matter how silky the texture, lipsticks of all kinds look different on all skin tones.
When it comes to choosing the best lipstick shades for pale skin, the delicate balance of colour theory plays a crucial role. With the right shade, a pale complexion can glow, while the wrong choice can wash out the face or make it appear stark.
Colour theory in makeup revolves around the idea that certain shades will either enhance or clash with one's natural colouring. Pale skin often has blue-pink undertones, so lipsticks with cool tones tend to work well. Shades like berry, plum, or mauve are natural allies for fair complexions, as they create a harmonious contrast. These colours bring out the natural rosiness in pale skin without overwhelming it, offering a sophisticated, understated look.
However, it’s not just about picking cool hues, for a well-chosen warm lipstick can also flatter pale skin – especially those with a pinker base. The key lies in finding shades that have a balance of warmth and depth, so they don’t make your complexion look too drained. Think soft peach, coral or petal pink. These shades add a hint of warmth without overpowering the delicate balance of fair skin.
Now, the red lipstick for pale skin dilemma is age-old. The classic red lip can seem daunting for those with fair skin, but we can take a cue from Miss red-lipped, classic herself, Taylor Swift, in this department.
Swift has made the cool-toned red lip her signature (Pat McGrath’s LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4 to be specific), creating a bold contrast with her fair skin. The secret here is the undertone of the red – look for blue-based reds or deeper crimsons which pop against pale skin and keep it from looking washed out. Avoid orange-based reds, which can make pale skin appear sallow.
Ultimately, makeup is about personal expression. While colour theory offers guidance, your preferences and confidence are what will truly make a lipstick colour shine. The right lipstick can elevate your natural beauty, drawing attention to your features and enhancing your complexion.
Without further ado, we’ve curated a selection of the best lipsticks proven to look fabulous on paler skin tones.
Shop now
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Beloved in the 1990s and a cult favourite today, rejoice for the comeback of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in the universally flattering Black Honey shade. Sheer, glossy and subtly buildable - suiting everyone may be the tagline of this hydrating wonder, but it’s available in two shades for a reason.
Black Honey is perfectly suited to paler skin tones looking for a daily pop of colour, while Pink Honey is perfect for warm-toned complexions.
Buy now £24.50, John Lewis
Chanel Rouge Allure in Noir
It simply doesn’t get any better than a Chanel Rouge - and this vintage Noir shade is oh-so 90s, and perfect for paler skin. Offering a second-skin texture thanks to the highly nourishing formula, Noir is a deep, gothic cool-toned berry shade which adds a touch of drama to any look.
Buy now £34.00, John Lewis
Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon
This is one of the newest additions to Laura Mercier’s collection and has been created for those who like a matte shade without the dry lips often associated with the texture.
The formula has been infused with a so-good-you-can-almost-eat-it fruit blend of raspberry seed oil and mango butter that provides hydration as you apply. It comes in 20 shades. Our personal favourite for fairer complexions is the cool-toned, natural and perfectly plump pink Maia.
Buy now £25.00, Cult Beauty
Glossier Ultralip in Cranberry
Glossier’s Ultralip in Cranberry is the perfect blend of balm, gloss, and lipstick – serving as an everyday hero for pale skin. With its buildable formula and rich, mixed berry hue, it offers a fresh pop of colour without the heaviness of traditional lipstick.
The nourishing ingredients hydrate and plump lips, leaving them feeling soft all day and looking like you’ve just eaten a punnet of delectable blackberries.
Buy now £22.00, Glossier
Refy Lip Blush in Bloom
Offering perfect harmony between soft colour and hydration, Refy’s Lip Blush in Bloom features a lightweight formula which provides a wash of pink that enhances pale skin without overwhelming it – creating that natural ‘just-kissed’ look.
Infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, it delivers a comforting feel and buildable coverage, perfect for those who love the no-makeup makeup vibe.
Buy now £16.00, Refy Beauty
Merit Signature Lip in Millennial
Merit’s Signature Lip in Millennial is a cult favourite for a reason – and we implore Gen Z’s not to get turned off by the name. Its sleek, satin-matte finish glides on smoothly and offers a modern, wearable colour that suits pale skin beautifully.
The muted rose shade provides the ideal ‘your lips but better’ aesthetic, while the clean formula – free of parabens, sulfates, and other nasties – hydrates and nourishes throughout the day.
Buy now £23.00, Merit
Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick - Elson 4
Known as Taylor Swift’s go-to red lippy, Pat McGrath’s LiquiLUST in Elson 4 is a luxurious deep red that is as bold as it is wearable. The matte lipstick offers full coverage with a velvety texture that never feels dry, making it ideal for pale skin tones craving a statement lip.
The formula’s high-performance pigments ensure long-lasting wear (see Swift’s post-game, post-smooch pap shots), while the hydrating ingredients keep your lips comfortable all day long.
Buy now £32.00, Cult Beauty
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick Moisturizing Colour Lipstick in Play
For a luscious, highly pigmented colour and an ultra-glossy finish, look no further than Victoria Beckham Beauty’s ‘Posh’ Lipstick in the colour Play.
The star spent most of the 1990s and early 2000s sporting perfect nudes and deep brown lipsticks – Play feels like an ode to such shades, with a deep berry twist for paler complexions.
Buy now £37.00, Victoria Beckham Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in 90s Pink
Offering up a nod to vintage glam with a modern twist, Charlotte Tilbury’s latest creamy, hydrating formula glides on effortlessly and offers a flattering pink hue that suits pale skin beautifully.
The K.I.S.S.I.N.G range has also been crafted to give your lips a fuller look, and we can’t think of a better shade to highlight fairer complexions while drawing attention to those luscious lips than ‘90s Pink’ – a subtle yet pigmented, mauve-based hue.
Buy now £29.00, Space NK
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry
Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick is great if you’re someone who likes a little variety. At less than £8, it’s easy to pick up a few of these shades to alternate between days.
Despite their budget-friendly price tag, these lipsticks provide impressive, smooth colour with a slick, moisturising finish. Formulated with micro-fine pigments for high-impact colour, this soft, creamy shade is boosted with vitamins A, C and E as well as silk-enriched moisturisers.
Buy now £7.49, Boots
