Everything You Need To Know About Orange Lipstick & How To Choose A Shade That Suits You

Orange Lipstick: the phrase itself evokes an air of boldness and vivacity. But just like a splash of citrus can brighten up a dish, an orange lipstick can instantly elevate your make-up game. Whether you’re looking to make a statement or subtly embrace some warmth, orange lipstick offers a versatile palette of shades and styles that cater to every taste and skin tone. In this article, Beauty Daily takes advice from celebrity make-up artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis and dives into the world of orange lipsticks, exploring their flattering potential, a spectrum of hues, and how to master the art of wearing orange with confidence.  

Is orange lipstick flattering?  

The right shade of orange can light up your complexion and bring out your inner radiance. But the real beauty of orange lipstick lies in the fact that it suits all skin tones, situations, and sensibilities. And with so many varieties, you don’t have to pick just one. Let’s break down the different styles, looks, and moods that orange lipstick can evoke.  

Vibrant brights  

For those who revel in the spotlight, vivid and bright orange shades are the perfect way to make a bold statement. These hues exude energy and confidence, drawing attention to your lips and giving your overall look a high-fashion edge.  

Luminous lights  

If you’re a bit apprehensive about diving headfirst into the world of orange, fear not. Lighter shades of orange, such as delicate corals and peachy tones, offer a more subdued and wearable option especially for those with fair skin. These shades add a touch of warmth without overpowering your look, making them ideal for everyday wear.  

Dramatic darks  

For a sultry and mysterious vibe, delve into the realm of deep, dark oranges. These carry a sense of intensity that’s ideal for evening looks.  

Burnt beauties  

Imagine the rustic hues of autumn leaves – that’s the essence of burnt orange lipstick. This hue offers an earthy yet captivating charm that can be worn effortlessly all year round.  

Coral infusions  

Coral shades strike a beautiful balance between orange and pink, creating a harmonious blend that flatters a range of skin tones. From fair to deep, coral hues offer a universally appealing option that’s both trendy and timeless.  

Radiant reds  

For a touch of drama that’s the epitome of chic, embrace the fusion of orange and red for a captivating and confident look. 

Peachy keen  

A soft and charming alternative, peachy tones bring a touch of innocence to your pout. Great for achieving a youthful and fresh appearance, peach lipstick is low-key yet impactful. 

Read: Lipstick love stories: our favourite colours, textures and types  

 
Orange lipstick shades  

Now that we’ve explored the spectrum of orange lipstick shades, let’s dive deeper into each category to find your perfect match:  

Vivid/bright  

For the daring souls who want to make a splash, consider Ilia Beauty Colour Block Lipstick in Flame, £28. This electrifying shade will have you standing out in any crowd.  

Light  

Opt for a delicate hue like Clarins Lip Comfort Oil in Apricot, £22, for a subtle touch of warmth that complements any make-up look.  

Dark 

Clarins Lip Perfector Glow in Pomegranate Glow, £21, offers a rich and alluring dark orange shade that’s perfect for when you want to make a statement.  

Burnt  

Capture the essence of autumnal burnt orange leaves with the SUQQU Sheer Matte Lipstick in Shinomi, £33. 

Coral 

Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick Refill in Papaya, £19, strikes the perfect balance between orange and pink, giving you a soft hit of orange.  

Orange-red   

Infuse a hint of red into your orange with Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick Refill in Joli Rouge, £19. This shade adds a touch of drama while maintaining the vibrancy of orange.  

Peach  

Clarins Lip Perfector Glow in Peach Glow, £21, offers a soft and enchanting peachy tone for an uber-youthful look.  

Read: Everything you need to know about finding the perfect lipstick  

 
How to wear orange lipstick  

According to Nguyen-Grealis, “choosing the right shade can be tricky, so it’s best to start off with a subtle tone and build up. Ensure lips are exfoliated and moisturised before application, and outline lips with a liner that matches the shade. Once you have applied your lipstick, blot off any excess product with tissue and reapply until you have reached the right density – this helps it to stay on longer. As orange is a bold colour, keep the rest of your make-up fresh and muted.”

What skin tone does orange lipstick suit?  

Fair skin     

If you have fair skin, consider opting for lighter shades of orange, like peaches and corals. These shades will add a touch of warmth without overwhelming your complexion.   

Medium skin  

Medium skin tones have the luxury of versatility. You can experiment with a wide range of orange shades, from bright and bold, to soft and sheer. 

Dark skin   

Black and brown skin tones can carry off the boldest of orange shades with panache. Don’t shy away from vibrant oranges or burnt hues.   

Is orange lipstick warm or cool?  

Orange lipstick comes in both warm and cool undertones. So, keep this in mind when making your final decision. Warmer oranges have undertones of red or coral, while cooler oranges lean towards undertones of pink or even brown. Consider your overall skin undertone when choosing between the two. If you have warm undertones, opt for warmer oranges – and for cooler undertones, cooler shades will complement your complexion beautifully.  

Next read: Our must-have lip products to buy now