Yaar, you ever stand in front of a makeup counter, swatching lipsticks till your hand looks like a rainbow ka chhota cousin, and still walk away with the wrong shade? Matlab, you wanted that “natural nude” look but ended up looking like a zinda murda? Been there, done that.
Quick Answer: To choose the perfect lipstick shade, match it with your skin’s undertone (warm, cool, or neutral), your outfit vibe, and the occasion because yes, wearing neon pink to your cousin’s shaadi ka milad isn’t always the flex you think it is.
Why It Even Matters
Lipstick is not just lipstick. It’s a whole mood. The right shade can make you look like you’re the star of a Pakistani drama OST, while the wrong one will have people asking if you’re okay, beta.
Think of it this way: lipstick is like chai. You can survive without it, sure, but why would you want to?
Step 1: Figure Out Your Undertone
Undertones are like those hidden plot twists in Pakistani dramas, you don’t always notice them, but they decide the whole story.
- Warm Undertone (yellow/golden skin hues) → Corals, peaches, brick reds will make you glow like Mahira Khan in Humsafar.
- Cool Undertone (pink/blue skin hues) → Berry shades, mauves, and blue-toned reds are your BFFs.
- Neutral Undertone (mix of both) → Congratulations, you can pull off almost anything. Even that bold gulabi pink your phupho hates.
Step 2: Match the Occasion
Look, you can’t just wear the same lipstick everywhere. Imagine rolling up to your university presentation in a bold maroon shade, you’ll look like you’re about to fight the professor.
- Daily wear / College → Nudes, soft pinks, peach tones
- Work meetings → Muted mauves, browns (professional yet stylish)
- Shaadi / Dawat → Deep reds, bold berries, glossy browns (basically, statement shades)
- Casual outings / Chai dhaba scene → Tints, balms, or glosses (easy breezy, less maintenance)
Step 3: Don’t Forget Outfit & Personality
Your lipstick has to vibe with your outfit. Wearing bright orange lipstick with a black kurta can work but only if you’re going for “fashion blogger” energy. Otherwise, thora chill karo.
Pro tip: If you’re confused, just go with a nude shade that matches your lip color but is one or two tones darker. Instant upgrade.
Step 4: Test Before You Commit
Lipstick aisles can be more confusing than trying to check your CNIC number with your mobile number. Swatch it on your wrist, sure, but the real test is on your lips. And if you’re shopping online, read reviews like your life depends on it (kyunke sometimes it really does).
Also, don’t fall into the trap of lighting deception. Mall lighting will lie to you harder than a shady online seller. Step outside, check it in natural light, then decide.
FAQs People Actually Ask
Q: Which lipstick shade is best for daily use?
→ Nude, peach, or soft pink shades. Basically, your lips but better.
Q: Can dark skin tones pull off nude lipstick?
→ 100% yes. Just pick a deeper nude (mocha, caramel, warm brown) instead of pale beige.
Q: What’s the most universal lipstick shade?
→ A classic red with blue undertones, it suits every skin tone.
The Pakistani POV
In Pakistan, lipstick is a statement. Wear a bold red to a dawat, and you’re instantly that one stylish cousin. Wear gloss to class, and suddenly you’re the “effortless queen.” Wear nothing at all, and people will ask if you’re sick.
And don’t even get me started on how aunties notice lipstick shades more than rishta proposals.
Final Thoughts: Lipstick = Power
At the end of the day, lipstick is like that one best friend who hypes you up no matter what. The shade doesn’t have to be perfect according to beauty gurus, it just has to make you feel good.
So, agay barho, experiment, own your look. And if anyone judges your neon purple lips, tell them to first track their TCS package before they come for you.
Over to you:
What’s your go-to lipstick shade? Be honest, are you a bold red wala bandwagoner or a nude-for-life minimalist? Drop it in the comments, or better yet, share this with that cousin who still thinks “lip balm = lipstick.”
👉 Also check out more fun guides on fashion and lifestyle at Bloggy.pk!
