How to Pick Lipstick to Match a Dark Purple Dress

Don't match your lip color too closely to your dress; look for a similar, but softer, hue.

Finding the most complimentary match between lipstick and clothing is more a process of elimination than anything else. When wearing dark purple, it will be very easy to see what doesn't work right away. Selecting the best choice from what remains depends on a few simple factors, like skin tone and the formality of the occasion.

Things You'll Need

• All of your lipsticks and lip liners
• Excellent lighting or a quality makeup mirror
• Dress or a matching swatch

Instructions

1. Start the elimination process. Separate your lipsticks into similar color groups and do the same for lip liners. Orange shades together, reds together, and so on. Clear and pale glosses should be put in a separate group. Keeping in mind that the dark purple will be the primary color, begin the search for a complimentary color of lipstick based on the occasion.

2. Opt for neutral or paler colors for professional events. If you're attending an evening cocktail party, darker, bolder colors can be considered, otherwise eliminate them from the selection.

3. Study the fabric to determine if the purple has red tones or blue tones. Neutral or warm tones go best with reddish purples, whereas neutral, pale or cool tones go best with blue-based purples. For example, a bright red lipstick will likely clash with a dress that has blue undertones.

4. Take your skin tone into consideration. Dark purple on fair skin is a very stark contrast, so you'll want a lipstick that helps balance the two, such as a soft pink.

   If you have an olive complexion, the dark purple will be competing with your skin tone, so applying a third dark color can be overpowering; however, applying too light a shade can draw attention only to the dress. Try a lip liner in a soft brown along with a clear lip gloss.

5. Once you've significantly narrowed down your options based on the type of event, the type of purple and your skin tone, you should be able to easily find a shade, liner, and/or gloss to bring it all together. If you're still unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution: A pale gloss would be much preferred over a medium orange that is sure to clash. If you cannot find just the right shade, try blending shades or using a liner to get the look you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Accessories and jewelry should also blend with the clothing color and makeup selections.

References

• InStyle: How to Pick the Right Lip Color