Finding the best orange lipstick
If you are looking for a bright and fun way to update your look, consider wearing orange lipstick. While less conventional than red or pink lipstick, everyone can wear this bold color that comes in various shades from light coral to deep pumpkin.
Boost your confidence and elevate your style with the right shade of orange lipstick for you.
What to consider when buying orange lipstick
Skin tone
Choose a shade of orange that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, you may want to pick a light coral or peach shade. For medium skin, a red-orange or deep peach will likely look best. Blood orange or a deep coral hue may be the most flattering on darker skin tones.
Skin undertone
Your skin’s undertones will affect how certain shades look on you. To find out your undertone, look at your wrists. If your veins appear green, you have warm undertones. If they look blue or purple, you have a cooler undertone. If you cannot tell the color, you probably have a neutral undertone which means you can wear almost any shade. Choose an orange lipstick that has the same undertone as your skin.
Type
Traditional lipsticks are lightly pigmented solid sticks with a twist-up application. They keep your lips moist and can be removed with water. Liquid lipsticks have a doe foot applicator and are highly pigmented. They require minimal touch-ups.
Finish
Lipsticks are available in sheer, cream, matte, satin, high shine and metallic finishes.
Moisturizing
Some lipsticks have hydrating ingredients. Sheer and cream lipsticks are more moisturizing than matte, satin and metallic lipsticks.
Longwear formula
Matte and metallic lipsticks require the least reapplication because they usually stay on well while eating and drinking. Cream and sheer lipsticks are more likely to require frequent reapplication.
How to wear orange lipstick
Line your lips with a nude lip liner to create a base and to make the lipstick color last longer. Start at the center of your upper lip and follow the contour to fill in the color. Repeat the same on your bottom lip. Blot the excess with a single ply of tissue paper.
Cost of orange lipstick
Drugstore brands make orange lipsticks that cost about $10. High-end and luxury brands offer longer-lasting, hydrating and more pigmented lipsticks that start at $25.
Orange lipstick FAQ
Does orange lipstick look good on all skin tones?
A. A true orange lipstick looks good on all skin tones. Make sure to match the lipstick's undertone with your skin.
What makeup looks best with orange lipstick?
A. Orange lipstick looks best when the rest of your makeup look is minimal. Avoid heavy eye makeup when you do a bold lip.
What shade of orange is best for beginners?
A. If you have fair skin, choose coral or orange with a pink undertone. If you have tan skin, opt for a brick red with a brown undertone.
Best orange lipsticks
Dior Addict Lacquer Stick in Party Red: available at Sephora
A full-coverage lipstick in a bright orange-red compliments fair skin with a high shine and metallic finish.
Made with rose flower extract to soften lips, this replenishing lipstick in fiery orange-red perfectly complements medium and olive skin.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipstick in Fever Pitch: available at Sephora
Made with pure matte powder pigments, this true orange lipstick provides full coverage and complements darker skin.
This rich orange has subtle blue hues to complement fair, medium and dark skin with cool undertones. It has a creamy and weightless texture.
Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick in I Am Happy: available at Ulta
Matte warm coral is ideal for those with warm undertones, and this highly pigmented lipstick is enriched with moisturizing Monoi oil to give you vivid color in one swipe that will last for hours.
Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seeker: available at Amazon, Sephora and Ulta Beauty
A perfect mix of red and orange for warm and neutral undertones, this liquid lipstick gives you a beautiful matte finish while keeping your lips hydrated with jojoba, apricot and sunflower oils.
Armani Beauty Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick in Hollywood: available at Sephora
If you are a beginner or looking for a water-like finish with the staying power of a lip stain, this deep orange tone is perfect for you.
This long-lasting liquid lipstick has Vitamin E and avocado oil that won’t dry your lips. The bright Orange County shade works on all skin tones.
Ilia Colorblock High Impact Lipstick in Cinnabar: available at Amazon and Credo Beauty
Ilia’s universally flattering brick tone lipstick can last for hours without smudging or feathering. It is an excellent choice for clean lipstick, as it is free of fragrance, soy and gluten.
Every skin tone will look good in this ideal blend of pink and peach with a satin finish. The lipstick also protects your lips from UV damage.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Saw-C: available at Sephora
This tangerine hue is a creamy lipstick with a moisturizing feel that is flattering on everyone. It is also free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
Urban Decay Cosmetics Vice Lipstick Comfort Matte in Hitch Hike: available at Ulta
This fiery burnt shade of orange lipstick is infused with Vitamins C and E for antioxidant benefits and complements all skin tones.
PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance™ Lipstick in Elson 2: available at Sephora
One stroke of this luxurious and richly pigmented lipstick in fiery orange-red will provide a smooth and creamy finish.
Hourglass Confession™ Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in I Desire: available at Sephora, SpaceNK and Ulta
Ultra-slim packaging allows you to contour your lips with a satin finish on-the-go or anywhere. This burnt orange with a hint of red is vegan, creamy and long-lasting.