why does brown lipstick look orange on me

Why Does Brown Lipstick Look Orange On Me

Brown lipstick has made the comeback of the century, but quite a few people slide a tube of brown lipstick across a perfect pout only to discover it looks orange. If you’re wondering why does brown lipstick look orange on me, this article is for you. 

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Why Does brown Lipstick Look Orange On Me?

Thanks to your undertones, lipstick tends to change its appearance based on your skin tone or undertones. Some people have warm undertones and can nail a warmer brown lipstick.

On the other hand, if you have cool undertones, a warmer lipstick shade may look a different color on you because it’s clashing with your undertones. Likewise, people with warm undertones can’t always pull off a cool-toned lipstick. 

Lipstick has ingredients that can react to your skin’s pH, making brown lipstick look orange. 

What Are Undertones?

Undertones are the hue under your skin tone. Some people have warm undertones, while others have cool ones. People with neutral undertones can pull off any look. The color of your undertones will determine what color makeup you can wear, and may answer why does brown lipstick look orange on me. 

People with cool undertones usually look better in silver jewelry, cool colors, and have blue veins. Those with warm undertones look better gold, warmer shades, and typically have green veins. 

Undertones are crucial when choosing the right makeup. Wearing makeup that clashes with your undertones can make it appear a different color. For example, brown, nude, or pink lipstick may look different when looking at the tube. 

Undertones In Makeup

Most makeup also has undertones. Warm makeup has undertones, usually red, orange, pink, or yellow. Makeup with cool undertones will have undertones that are blue or purple. These should match your skin’s undertones. 

How Do You Know Which Undertones Are In Makeup?

All makeup has undertones, but it can be challenging to determine which ones your makeup has. If you already have the makeup you’re considering, swipe it across printer paper or anything white. The undertones should show through. 

You can also read the packaging. Today, most makeup companies recognize the need for matching undertones in skin and cosmetic products, so they’ll usually list it in the product description or on the package. The easiest way is to search for it on the internet. A quick “what color undertones does MAC (insert shade) have?” can give you an answer in a few seconds. 

Lipstick Shade Doesn’t Always Matter

Traditionally, brown is a warm shade, so people think it only looks great on people with warm undertones. However, that’s not true anymore. Modern formulas ensure everyone can find a color with an undertone that matches skin undertones. You can easily find traditionally warm shades, like brown and red, with cool undertones, so it doesn’t clash with your skin. 

How To Make Brown Lipstick Work

There are a few tips and tricks for making brown lipstick work for you. The easiest way to do this is to learn your undertones and purchase matching lipstick. 

Canceling out the cool undertones on your face is another great way to accomplish this. Avoid setting powders designed for people with cool undertones or that come in cool colors, such as lavender setting powder. Cool-toned powders enhance cool undertones, making warm shades clash more. 

Instead, opt for a warm setting powder. Warm setting powders are often peachy, golden, or yellow. These can enhance the warmth of your face. Some people find that warmer setting powders help cancel cool undertones so that various lipstick shades work. 

Always Swatch Lipstick First

If you notice that you keep getting an orange hue regardless of what undertone the lipstick claims, it might be because the pigments react to your skin’s pH. In this situation, it’s best to purchase lipsticks in person and swatch them to see how they’ll respond with your skin before buying them. 

People purchasing lipstick online should avoid brown lipstick that mentions hues of orange or red. Avoid lipstick that has warm undertones because your skin’s pH may bring out the orange more. Instead, opt for cool browns with less or no orange in them. 

Our Picks

NYX Suede Matte Brown Lipstick

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Why Does Brown Lipstick Look Orange On Me

Brown lipstick usually looks orange on people because it doesn’t match their undertones or the lipstick reacts to their skin’s pH. Take the time to learn whether you have warm or cool undertones, and make sure the undertones in your makeup match the ones of your skin.

You should also test a swatch of the lipstick on your skin to determine if it’s reacting to your skin’s pH. Check out the rest of the site to learn more!

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