The 15 Best Lipstick Shades for Indian Skin Tones [August, 2024]

Lipstick is one of the most popular cosmetics that can instantly brighten your face and finish your look. But finding that perfect lipstick shade that complements your Indian skin tone can be quite tricky. The right lip color should enhance your natural lip pigmentation without looking too loud or washing you out.

We tested and curated 15 of the best lipsticks tailored for Indian complexions across various finishes like creamy, matte, liquid and more. Whether you like nudes, pinks, reds or browns, this list has got you covered!

1. Just Herbs Ayurvedic Liquid Lipstick Kit Set Of 5 With Long Lasting Matte Finish, Hydrating & Lightweight Lip Colour, Nudes & Browns – Paraben & Silicon Free

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Just Herbs’ liquid lipstick kit features 5 flattering nude and brown shades formulated with ayurvedic ingredients like kokum butter, sunflower oil, rosehip oil and more. The formula is very lightweight yet intensely pigmented. The matte finish is non-drying and long lasting up to 8 hours. Users love the texture that doesn’t feel sticky or crack. This is a great option for Indian skin tones looking for an all-natural ayurvedic lipstick that covers versatile nude and brown tones.

2. Maybelline New York Lipstick, Matte Finish, Non-Sticky and Non-Drying, Sensational Liquid Matte, 21 Nude Nuance, 7ml

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Maybelline New York Sensational Liquid Matte in Nude Nuance is a gorgeous warm nude shade that works well for medium to deeper skin tones. This affordable liquid lipstick provides full coverage opaque color with a smooth velvety matte finish. The formula is very comfortable on the lips. It applies evenly, doesn’t feel dry or sticky, and stays put for up to 12 hours. The doe-foot applicator allows easy and precise application. Overall, a stunning drugstore nude liquid lipstick for Indian skin.

3. RENEE Fab 5 Nude 5 in 1 Lipstick 7.5gm – Five Shades in One -long Lasting, Matte Finish – Non Drying Formula With Intense Color Payoff – Compact & Easy to Use

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RENEE’s Fab 5 Nude lipstick features 5 nude shades in one convenient bullet! It’s perfect for on-the-go touch ups when you want to switch up your lip color. The nude palette ranges from peachy nudes to pinky browns to mauvey taupes that suit Indian complexions very well. The matte formula feels lightweight and moisturizing. It’s highly pigmented giving opaque coverage in a single swipe. The lipstick doesn’t bleed or feather and has great staying power for up to 5 hours. Overall, a versatile multi-shade lipstick with smooth texture and intense color payoff.

4. Just Herbs Ayurvedic Creamy Matte Micro Mini Lipstick Kit Lip Hydrating & Moisturizing, Lipsticks for Women Suitable All Indian Tones (Pack of 16)

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This mini lipstick set by Just Herbs has 16 creamy matte lipsticks curated especially for Indian skin undertones. It includes universially flattering pinks, corals, berries, mauves, nudes and reds. The ultra-pigmented formula provides full coverage in a single layer. It has a velvety matte finish but doesn’t dry out the lips. The lipsticks contain nourishing oils like jojoba, olive, sunflower and more. They hydrate and moisturize lips while adding a vivid pop of color. The compact size is excellent for trying out multiple shades and for carrying it on-the-go.

5. Iba Pure Lips Moisturizing Lipstick Shade A50 Dusky Rose, 4g | Highly Pigmented and Long Lasting | Glossy Finish | Enriched with Vitamin E

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Iba’s Dusky Rose lipstick is a beautiful rosy brown shade for Indian complexions. It has a creamy, glossy finish that keeps lips looking plump and hydrated. The formula is enriched with vitamin E and other oils that condition and nourish lips. It glides on smoothly, delivers highly pigmented color, and doesn’t settle into fine lines. The lipstick is smudge-proof and long lasting for up to 5 hours. It suits everyday wear and gives lips a soft, glossy flush of color.

6. Swiss Beauty Soft Matte Lip Cream Weightless Lipstick | Long Lasting Lipstick With Velvety Finish | Shade- 05, 6Ml

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Swiss Beauty Soft Matte Lip Cream in shade 05 is a gorgeous pinky nude lipstick suitable for Indian skin tones. It has a velvety matte texture that feels incredibly lightweight on the lips. The formula is smoothing and non-drying. It provides intense color payoff in a single swipe and doesn’t smudge or bleed. This nude lipstick is comfortably long-wearing for up to 6 hours. The pointed applicator allows you to define and fill lips precisely. It’s an affordable matte lip cream that delivers soft, matte color while nourishing lips.

7. Swiss Beauty Super Matte Lipstick | Waterproof | Long Stay | Matte Finish | Highly Pigmented | Shade – Terra Cotta, 3.5ml

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Swiss Beauty Super Matte Lipstick in Terra Cotta is a beautiful rusty brown shade that suits Indian complexions perfectly. It delivers incredibly opaque pigment in a single layer and dries down to a transfer-proof matte finish. The formula is exceptionally long-wearing, staying put for up to 12 hours without smudging or bleeding. It is also waterproof. Enriched with olive and almond oils, it moisturizes lips while coating them in vivid matte color. The pointed tip allows precise application. Overall, an amazing drugstore matte lipstick for Indian skin that won’t budge!

8. SUGAR POP Matte Lipstick – 05 Chocolate (Dark Brown) – 4.2 gm – Non-drying Formula, Long Lasting, Vegan, Paraben Free l Lipstick for Women

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SUGAR Cosmetics Pop Matte Lipstick in Chocolate is a beautiful deep brown that works well for all Indian complexions. This comfortable matte lipstick glides on smoothly and sets into a transfer-proof, non-drying finish. The highly pigmented formula provides opaque coverage in a single swipe. It doesn’t settle into lip lines or smudge. Enriched with vitamin E and grapeseed oil, it moisturizes lips while coating them in vivid matte color. The pointed tip allows precise application for a clean lip look. This vegan and cruelty-free lipstick provides intense color that lasts for 8+ hours.

9. FACES CANADA Weightless Creme Finish Lipstick – Sweet Mocha (Brown), 4g | Creamy Finish | Smooth Texture | Long Lasting Rich Color | Hydrated Lips | Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Almond Oil

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Faces Canada’s Weightless Creme Lipstick in Sweet Mocha is a beautiful warm chocolate brown that looks lovely on Indian skin. This nourishing lipstick provides full coverage pigment with a luminous satin finish. The formula feels incredibly lightweight and comfortable on the lips. It glides on smoothly, moisturizes lips, and lasts for 6+ hours without drying out. Enriched with vitamin E, jojoba oil, shea butter and almond oil, it keeps lips soft while coating them in vivid color. The pointed tip allows precise lip definition. Overall, a gorgeous brown lipstick with a creamy, luminous finish.

10. Swiss Beauty Ultra Smooth Matte Liquid Lipstick, Smooth Lip Color, Weightless Finish, Silky Matte Finish, Shade- Nude Bomb, 6ml

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Swiss Beauty Ultra Smooth Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Bomb is a perfect rosy brown nude for Indian skin tones. This liquid lipstick provides intense color payoff and dries down to a transfer-proof, matte finish. The lightweight formula is very comfortable on the lips. It applies smoothly and evenly without any streaks or gaps. The color is non-drying and long-lasting for up to 8 hours. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or smudge. Enriched with vitamin E, it nourishes lips. The doe-foot applicator allows easy and precise application. A great drugstore option for a nude brown liquid matte lipstick.

11. Mamaearth Hydra-Matte Crayon Transferproof Lipstick with Argan Oil & Hyaluronic Acid – 01 Lychee Pink- 2.4 g

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Mamaearth’s Hydra Matte Lip Crayon in Lychee Pink is a beautiful rosy mauve shade that works well for Indian skintones. This transfer-proof crayon lipstick glides on like butter and provides opaque color in a single swipe. The matte formula is non-drying and comfortable on lips. It is enriched with argan oil and hyaluronic acid to nourish and hydrate lips. The pointed tip allows precise application and lip lining. The color doesn’t smudge or bleed and lasts for up to 8 hours. It can be removed easily with a makeup remover. Overall, a hydrating matte lip crayon that stays put comfortably.

12. INSIGHT Cosmetics Matte Lipstick (10-BON BON)

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Insight Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in shade Bon Bon is a gorgeous warm mid-tone brown suited for Indian skin tones. This comfortable matte lipstick is infused with shea butter, vitamin E and sunflower seed oil to nourish lips. The formula glides on smoothly and evenly. It delivers highly opaque color in a single layer and has a soft, velvety finish. The lipstick doesn’t settle into lip lines or bleed. It lasts for up to 5 hours and leaves behind an even stain. The slim, retractable tube is convenient for application on-the-go. Overall, a beautiful brown lipstick with intense color payoff.

13. Swiss Beauty Stain Matte Lipstick | Long Lasting, Hydrating & Lightweight Lipstick | Hot Nude, 3.4gm

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Swiss Beauty Stain Matte Lipstick in Hot Nude is a pinky nude shade that works well for all Indian skin tones. This lightweight lipstick delivers vivid color while feeling comforable on lips. The matte, stain-like formula is non-drying and long-wearing. It glides on smoothly providing opaque coverage in a single swipe. Enriched with jojoba oil and vitamin E, it moisturizes lips while depositing intense color that doesn’t budge for 8+ hours. The pointed tip allows precise lip definition. Overall, an affordable nude lipstick that delivers highly pigmented, stain-like color that lasts all day.

14. Plum Matterrific Highly Pigmented Nourishing & Non-Drying Vegan & Cruelty Free Lipstick- Jazzberry – 127 (Dusty Plum)

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Plum’s Matterrific Lipstick in Jazzberry is a beautiful dusty plum shade that looks gorgeous on Indian skin. This highly pigmented lipstick provides opaque coverage in a single layer. The creamy matte formula glides on smoothly and feels very comfortable. It is enriched with meadowfoam seed oil, mango seed butter and shea butter to nourish and condition lips. The vivid color doesn’t bleed or feather. It lasts for up to 6 hours and leaves behind an even stain. This vegan and cruelty-free lipstick delivers nourishing color while moisturizing lips.

15. Maybelline New York Matte Lipstick, Intense Colour, Keeps Lips Moisturised, 660 Touch of Spice, Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick, 3.9g

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Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick in Touch of Spice is one of the best lipsticks for Indian skin. This warm rosy brown complements all complexions. The creamy matte formula keeps lips moisturized while depositing intense, vivid pigment. It glides on smoothly and evenly in a single layer. The color is non-drying and comfortable on lips. It doesn’t settle into lip lines or bleed. The pointed tip allows precise application. This affordable lipstick gives full coverage matte color that lasts for up to 6 hours.

Comparison for the Best Lipstick Shades for Indian Skin

How to Choose the Best Lipstick Shade for Indian Skin

• Consider your undertone – Lipstick shades look different on warm, cool and neutral undertones. figure out your undertone and choose colors accordingly. Warm undertones suit corals, peaches, browns while cool undertones suit plums, berries, mauves.
• Light, medium or dark complexion – Fairer complexions can wear soft pinks and nudes. Medium to dusky complexions look great in brick reds, roses, mauves. Darker complexions stand out in richer wines, berries, browns.
• Skin finish – Matte lipsticks accentuate dry lips. Opt for satin, cream or glossy finishes. Oily skin types should blot before applying matte lipstick.
• Formula – Look for hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, oils. Avoid drying alcohols and fragrances. Creamy, lightweight formulas are most comfortable.
• Shade range – Test out different shades like pale nudes, pinks, corals, browns, wines, plums, reds to find the most flattering options.
• Occasion – Sheer gloss for casual daywear, creamy satin for work, matte for night outs, bright pops for parties. Choose formulas and finishes accordingly.

Types of Lipsticks for Indian Skin

Creamy – These contain oils and butters that impart a creamy texture and luminous finish. Moisturizing and great for dry lips. Examples are cream, satin, cremesheen finishes.

Matte – These have a dry, velvety finish that’s transfer-proof. Can be drying. Look for nourishing matte formulas. Perfect for full coverage opaque color.

Liquid – Impart vivid color with a glossy or matte finish. Come in highly pigmented formulas ranging from sheer to opaque coverage.

Sheer – Lightly tinted formulas that give a wash of color. Hydrating and great for casual everyday wear.

Gloss – Give wet, glass-like shine and luminous color. Contains oils, butters and vitmains that nourish lips.

Stain – Deposit long-lasting color that sets into lips. Give a translucent finish. Require minimal touch ups.

Crayon – Offer precision application and convenience. Creamy and often nourishing. Great for portability.

Lipstick Usage, Care & Maintenance Tips

Prep – Exfoliate and moisturize lips before applying lipstick for smooth application. Use lip balm or primer beforehand.

Apply – Use a lip liner in a similar shade for definition. Apply lipstick directly from the tube for hygiene. Blot with a tissue to set.

Reapply – Reapply the lipstick after meals especially if it’s not a budge-proof formula. Carry a lipstick for quick touch ups.

Remove – Use an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to remove non-transfer lipsticks. Don’t rub lips vigorously.

Store – Keep lipsticks tightly closed and store away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Refrigeration can extend shelf life.

Disinfect – Clean the lipstick bullet regularly with a tissue soaked in rubbing alcohol to kill germs. Sharpen wooden pencils often.

Protect – Apply a layer of lip balm or petroleum jelly before going to bed to heal, nourish and condition lips.

FAQs about Best Lipstick Shades for Indian Skin

Q. Which color lipstick is best for Indian skin?

A. The best lipstick colors for Indian skin tones include nudes, pinks, corals, berries, plums, browns, mauves and reds. Shades should be chosen based on your specific undertone and complexion depth. Fair skin can wear soft pinks and peachy nudes. Medium and dusky skin look great in bolder roses, bricks, wines and browns. Darker complexions stand out in richer plums, berries and deeper browns. Always test out shades before purchasing to find the most flattering options. Cream and satin lipstick finishes also work well for Indian skin as they provide moisturizing color.

Q. Which lipstick shade suits dark Indian skin?

A. Darker Indian complexions look beautiful in deeper, jewel-toned lipstick shades that make the skin glow. Some of the best shades for dark skin include deep plums, bold berries, richer wines, chocolate browns, deep reds like oxblood and marsala. Dark skin also looks great with muted, earthy tones like deep mauves, burnt oranges, mustard yellows. Matte and liquid lipstick formulas provide intense color payoff. Stay away from very light or bright shades that can look too stark. Always test shades beforehand to find the most flattering options for your skin tone.

Q. Which Lakme 9 to 5 lipstick shades are best for wheatish skin?

A. Lakme 9 to 5 lipsticks have some gorgeous shades that suit wheatish and medium Indian skin tones. Some of the best options include Copper Coin, a brown with copper shimmer; Cafe Latte, a mocha nude; Mauve Mist, a pinky mauve; Blushing Nude, a pinky beige; Cappucino Touch, a peachy brown nude; and Nutty Nude, a deep brown nude. These shades complement and enhance medium and dusky Indian complexions beautifully. The lipsticks have a creamy, lightweight formula containing vitamins and SPF for moisturized lips.

Q. Which lipstick is best for my skin tone?

A. Choosing the best lipstick for your skin tone depends on factors like your complexion depth and undertone. Fair skin looks great with soft corals, pinks, peaches and rose shades. Medium skin stands out in bold reds, classic roses, terra cotta nudes and pinky browns. Dark skin looks beautiful in richer wines, plums, chocolate browns and deep berries. Check your wrist veins to determine if you have a warm (green), cool (blue) or neutral undertone. Warm tones suit oranges, corals and warm reds. Cool tones look great in berries and cool-toned pinks. Neutral tones can wear both. Try out different lipstick shades and finishes to see what flatters your skin tone the most.

Q. How can I find the perfect lipstick shade for my skin complexion?

A. Finding your most flattering lipstick shades takes some trial and error. Test out lipsticks across different finishes like cream, matte, satin, gloss and sheer. Try out shades in pink, nude, red, coral, brown, plum, berry families. See what undertones complement you – warm, cool or neutral. Click selfies in natural light to see how the shades look against your skin. The most fool-proof way is to get matched at makeup stores or counters for suggestions tailored to your unique skin tone. Ask friends for recommendations too. With some practice, you’ll be able to find lipsticks that enhance your complexion beautifully.

Q. What are the best lipstick shades for Indian skin?

A. The most flattering lipstick shades for Indian skin are nudes, pinks, reds, browns, plums, mauves and corals in a cream, satin or matte finish. Shades should be chosen based on your skin undertone and complexion depth.

Q. How do I choose the right lipstick shade for my Indian skin tone?

A. Consider your undertone and complexion when picking shades. Fair skin looks great in softer pinks, peaches, roses. Medium and dusky skin stands out in bold reds, wines, browns. Darker skin looks beautiful in deeper plums, browns, berries. Always test shades before purchasing.

Q. Which lipstick finish is best for Indian skin?

A. Cream and satin finishes are great for dry skin as they moisturize lips. Matte lipsticks look beautiful but can be drying. Add a lip balm underneath for comfort. For oily skin, matte and liquid lipsticks work well as they don’t smudge or transfer.

Q. Should I use a lip liner with my lipstick?

A. Using a lip liner in a similar shade as your lipstick will help define your lips and prevent feathering. But it’s not a necessary step. You can use clear lip liners also to just fill in the edges of your lips smoothly before applying lipstick.

Q. How can I make my lipstick last longer?

A. Exfoliate and moisturize lips properly before application. Apply lipstick straight from the bullet. Blot with a tissue to set the color. Avoid oily foods and drinks. Reapply after meals, especially for creamy formulas. Touch up throughout the day as needed.