Best Cool Tone Lipsticks for Every Skin Type & Budget

Finding the right lipstick can feel impossible. You try shade after shade, but nothing looks right. Sound familiar?

You’re probably choosing the wrong undertones. Cool tone lipstick might be your answer. I’ve helped thousands of clients find their perfect lip color.

Here’s what I’ll teach you in this guide:

• How to tell if you need cool tone lipstick
• The best cool tone lipsticks for every budget
• Professional application techniques
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Perfect shades for your skin tone

My promise: By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which cool tone lipstick to buy and how to apply it like a pro. No more wasted money on wrong shades. No more lipstick disasters.

Just a beautiful, flattering color that makes you look amazing.

What Is Cool Tone Lipstick?

Cool tone lipstick contains blue, purple, or pink undertones. These colors make your teeth look whiter and your skin appear brighter.

Think of it this way:

• Warm tones = orange, yellow, golden undertones
• Cool tones = blue, purple, pink undertones

Cool tone lipsticks work well on certain skin types. They can:

• Make yellow teeth appear whiter
• Reduce redness in your complexion
• Create a fresh, vibrant look

Popular cool tone shades include:

• Berry colors
• True reds (with blue undertones)
• Plums and purples
• Rose pinks
• Mauve shades

How to Tell If You Need a Cool Tone Lipstick

Not sure if cool tones are for you? Here’s a simple test.

The Vein Test

Look at your wrist in natural light. What color are your veins?

• Blue or purple veins = Cool undertones
• Green veins = Warm undertones
• Both colors = Neutral undertones

The Metal Test

Which metal looks better on you?

• Silver jewelry = Cool undertones
• Gold jewelry = Warm undertones

The Paper Test

Hold white paper next to your face. Does your skin look:

• Pink or rosy = Cool undertones
• Yellow or peachy = Warm undertones

If you have cool undertones, cool tone lipstick will work well for you.

Top 11 Cool Tone Lipsticks for Every Budget

I’ve tested hundreds of lipsticks. Here are the best cool tone options:

Drugstore Picks (Under $15)

1. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink – Pioneer

• True berry shade
• Lasts 16+ hours
• $9.99

2. Revlon Super Lustrous – Black Cherry

• Deep plum color
• Creamy formula
• $8.49

3. L’Oréal Rouge Signature – I Explore

• Lightweight liquid lipstick
• Perfect rosy nude
• $9.99

4. CoverGirl Outlast – Moonlight Mauve

• Two-step system
• All-day wear
• $11.99

Mid-Range Options ($15-$35)

5. Urban Decay Vice – Backtalk

• Dusty rose shade
• Creamy comfort
• $19.00

6. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint – Uncensored

• Universal red
• Precision applicator
• $25.00

7. NARS Velvet Matte – Dragon Girl

• Vibrant fuchsia
• Velvety finish
• $28.00

High-End Choices ($35+)

8. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution – Walk of No Shame

• Cashmere finish
• Hydrating formula
• $37.00

9. Tom Ford Lip Color – Black Cherry

• Luxurious feel
• Intense pigmentation
• $57.00

10. Chanel Rouge Coco – Gabrielle

• Timeless elegance
• Comfortable wear
• $45.00

11. Dior Addict Lip Tattoo – Natural Berry

• Stain-like finish
• 8-hour wear
• $38.00

How to Apply Cool Tone Lipstick Like a Pro

The right application makes all the difference. Here’s my step-by-step method:

Step 1: Prep Your Lips

Start by exfoliating with a lip scrub to remove any dry, flaky skin. Apply lip balm next and wait 5 minutes for it to absorb. This creates a smooth base for your lipstick.

Step 2: Line Your Lips

Use a lip liner that matches your lipstick. This prevents bleeding and makes color last longer.

Pro tip: Fill in your entire lip area with liner. It creates a base that grips the lipstick.

Step 3: Apply the Lipstick

Start from the center of your lips and work outward. Use a lip brush for precision, especially around the corners and edges.

Step 4: Blot and Reapply

Press a tissue to your lips to remove excess product. Apply a second layer of lipstick. This locks in the color and makes it last longer.

Step 5: Clean Up

Use a small brush with concealer to clean the edges. This makes your lips look perfectly defined and professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cool Tone Lipstick

I see these mistakes all the time. Don’t let them happen to you:

Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Undertone

• The problem: Picking warm-toned lipstick when you need cool tones.
• The fix: Always test lipstick in natural light. Store lighting can be deceiving.

Mistake #2: Skipping Lip Prep

• The problem: Dry, flaky lips ruin even the best lipstick.
• The fix: Exfoliate and moisturize your lips daily. Not just before applying lipstick.

Mistake #3: Applying Too Much at Once

• The problem: Thick, uneven application that looks messy.
• The fix: Build up color in thin layers. It looks more natural and lasts longer.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Your Lip Shape

• The problem: Using the same application technique for every lip shape.
• The fix: Adjust your technique based on your lip shape. For thin lips, use slightly lighter shades and overline slightly. For full lips, darker shades work well, so line just inside the natural lip line.

Mistake #5: Not Setting the Color

• The problem: Lipstick transfers and fades quickly.
• The fix: Use translucent powder lightly over your lips after the first application.

Best Cool Tone Lipsticks by Skin Shade

Your skin tone affects which cool shades work best. Here’s my breakdown:

Conclusion

Cool tone lipstick can change your entire look. It brightens your complexion, and also makes your teeth look whiter, and gives you that fresh, polished appearance.

Test your undertones first. Start with drugstore options to find your perfect shade lipstick family. Always prep your lips and apply in thin layers for professional results.

The right cool tone lipstick is out there waiting for you. Use this guide to find it, and you’ll never struggle with lip color again.

Your perfect shade is just one try away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear cool tone lipstick if I have warm undertones?

You can, but it might not be the most flattering. Cool tones can clash with warm undertones and make you look washed out.

How do I make cool tone lipstick last longer?

Start with exfoliated, moisturized lips and use a lip liner all over as a base. Apply lipstick in thin layers, blot, reapply, and set with translucent powder.

What’s the difference between cool tone and neutral lipstick?

Cool tone lipsticks have blue, purple, or pink undertones while neutral lipsticks balance both warm and cool undertones. Neutral shades work on most people, while cool tones are specifically flattering for those with cool undertones.

Can cool tone lipstick work for everyday wear?

Absolutely, choose lighter cool tones like rosy nudes or soft berries for daily wear. Save the bold plums and deep berries for special occasions or when you want to make a statement.

How do I know if a “universal” red is actually cool-toned?

Look for reds described as “true red,” “cherry red,” or “blue-based red” as these typically have cool undertones. When in doubt, test the shade against your skin in natural light