The Ultimate L’Oréal Paris Lipstick Guide

You’re never fully dressed without a smile — or the right shade of lipstick. Lipstick theory is a real thing: A fascinating finish or vibrant hue has the power to transform your makeup look. A bold red lipstick offers a sudden surge of confidence, while a dark burgundy can create an air of mystery. 

Because we’re such big fans of this makeup product, we’re sharing all the lipstick tips and tricks you could need. Read on for the ultimate lipstick guide to L’Oréal Paris lipsticks, including the different finishes, offerings and how to choose the best shade. 

How to Choose Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

We live in a time where lipstick is available in virtually every color. But with such an overwhelming array of options available, determining the right colors for your skin tone can often be a challenge. The best way to start is by determining your undertone. Flip your wrist over and take a look at your veins. Green veins indicate a warm undertone, blue veins indicate a cool undertone and a mix of both indicates neutral undertones. 

If you have a cool undertone, to name a few, you’ll look best with neutral or cool nude, pink, cranberry, and wine shades. If you have a warm undertone, to name a few, try coral pink, peachy nude, deep pink and bronze hues. If you have neutral undertones, take your pick of either. 

How Do You Tell If a Lipstick Is Warm or Cool-Toned?

If your lipstick has yellow tones, it’s warm. If it has blue tones, it’s cool. This can be difficult to decipher if you’re not used to looking at colors like that, so a good hack is to place your lipstick swatch near a bright blue or yellow object — whichever one it best complements is the tone it has. 

What Are the Different L’Oréal Paris Lipstick Finishes? 

Lipstick comes in many finishes and formulas so there is an option to suit everyone’s needs. Check out the lipstick guide for picking out the right L’Oréal Paris lipstick with the finish you prefer.

Sheer Lipstick

Add a wash of color to lips with a sheer tint. This finish is ideal for a natural look but can be layered with a few extra swipes to build up a stronger shade. L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract provides sheer, hydrating color with comfort that is reminiscent of your favorite lip balm. 

Satin Lipstick

Satin lipstick combines pigmented color and shine. It doesn’t look like a gloss on the lips, but it has a luminous finish. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Les Nus by Colour Riche Intense Nude Lipstick both provide a satin finish that gives creamy, long-wearing and bold color in a single swipe.  

Matte Lipstick

Matte lipsticks dry down with zero shine and are seriously on trend right now. They tend to be the most long lasting finish and they come in different formulas, like traditional lipstick and liquid lipstick. L’Oréal Paris has a few matte lipstick formulas. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick has a powdery matte finish that’s infused with hyaluronic acid for a comfortable, yet long lasting finish. And L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick provides smooth, matte color in a traditional bullet format. 

Liquid Lipstick

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick is a liquid lipstick formula that wears for up to 16 hours. The formula starts as liquid but dries on the lips for a lasting finish. For this reason, liquid lipsticks can be dry, but this formula includes hyaluronic acid to address that. With one swipe you get comfort, long lasting wear and intense color. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick is another liquid lipstick from the brand’s lineup. In comes in tons of different colors to provide pigment and long-wearing color. 

Luminous Lipstick

A lipstick with a luminous finish boasts a hydrating, lip balm-like texture that provides color and moisture. L’Oréal Paris Lip Balm-in-Gloss has a luminous finish; it’s a great choice for mature skin because it doesn’t feather.

High-Shine Lipstick

Taking a luminous finish a step further, some lipsticks will boast a high-shine finish to rival a gloss. L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Signature Shiny Lip Stain Lipstick provides a shiny finish with a lightweight, long-wearing formula. 

How to Apply Lipstick 

As with most makeup, applying lipstick can take a bit of practice and skill. Below, find lipstick tips and tricks to make application easier.

1. Always Prep

Before diving in straight to lipstick application, start with a bit of skin prep. Gently exfoliate lips with a damp washcloth or lip scrub to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas. Apply a light layer of lip balm to lock in moisture. 

2. Use a Lip Liner or Lip Brush 

Use lip liner to create an outline for your lipstick. This will allow a more precise application and it will prevent your lipstick from feathering or smearing. If you’ve decided to wear a matte lipstick, use a matte lip liner like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner. If you’ve picked a satin lipstick, use a satin lip liner like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner. If you don’t have a corresponding lip liner, use a lip brush to outline your lips with your lipstick color. Once you’ve lined your lips, use the same liner to fill in the center part. 

3. Fill In Your Lipstick With Lipstick

After you’ve lined and filled in your lips, apply your lipstick shade of choice. Start with a light layer, let it dry and add more as needed — multiple layers of lipstick may lead to a crackly, textured look so only add more if necessary. 

4. Use Concealer to Create Definition

Any messy edges post-lipstick application can be cleaned up with some concealer (we suggest L’Oréal Paris Infallible Full Wear Concealer up to 24H Full Coverage) loaded onto an angled brush. It’s a great way to clean up your lipstick while adding precision and definition to your lip shape. 

5. Look In the Mirror

Take a peak in the mirror after applying your lipstick to make sure everything looks right. Check your teeth because that’s the last place you want your lipstick to be. If you have lipstick on your teeth, fold a tissue, place it between your lips and press down to remove the excess.

How to Remove Lipstick 

To remove lipstick, use a makeup wipe, like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes, which is suitable for use on your face, eyes and lips. These easy-to-use wipes remove all traces of makeup and help lightly exfoliate the skin. 

Next: The Best Glossy Lip Balm for Dry Lips

Photographer: Stephanie Price, Photo Assistant: Evan Mann, Digi Tech: Sergio Colon, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Creative Producers: Becca Solovay and Hannah Lee, Content Director: Shalwah Evans, Visual Designer: Sarah Duvivier, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Daniel Lutz, Wardrobe Stylist: Rika Watanabe, Wardrobe Assistant: Serena Orlando, Model: Dara Woo