The right lipstick can transform your look instantly. But with so many options, finding the perfect shade can feel like an endless search. Lucky for you, these pointers will make it a whole lot simpler.

Finding your colors

Even though we look at ourselves in the mirror several times a day, most of us don’t actually know what our skin tone is. This is essential information, however, that can take much of the guesswork out of finding the perfect color palette, especially when it comes to choosing a lipstick, explains Michelle Spieler, a Hollywood makeup artist with more than 25 years of experience. That’s because the optimal lipstick shade is one that complements your skin tone.

So, how do you choose the right one? “Start by looking for a shade that is slightly deeper than your own lip color,” says Spieler. “[To test it out], swipe it once across your finger and wait to see what color turns if it turns orangey or warmer, it’s not your color. If it turns too purple, bluish, or plummy, it’s not your color. But if the color on your finger matches the color in the tube and you like it, it’s worth trying on!”

Here, makeup artists reveal more tips for how to choose the best lipstick for your skin tone. 

How to determine your skin tone