Best Coral Lipsticks for Fair Skin
If there’s one lipstick color that I can’t wait to pull out when the weather warms up it’s coral. Yes, I love a bright lip all year round, but there’s just something about my coral lipsticks that I love. I guess it truly signifies that warm weather is here for a while.
Coral lipstick is actually one of the easiest colors to pull off. It looks good on most skin tones whether you are tan or not and it goes well with most summer clothing colors. I have learned that going into your favorite makeup counter and asking for a coral lipstick is a tricky question. Corals can range from an orangey-red to an orangey-pink. The can be sheer and soft or they can be bold so you need to be specific about what you are looking for.
I am going to break down how I have learned which shades of coral work best on my fair skin. Just so you know I have cool skin undertones and my lips are naturally quite pink. That is probably due to the fact that I have pink undertones.
If you are a bright lip lover like me, then you can read my tips for rocking a bright lip in midlife here. These tips apply to many shades of coral lipstick, not just reds and pinks.

Color Undertones and Fair Skin
Fair skin usually has cool undertones. However, sometimes you can have neutral skin undertones. Knowing your skin undertones will help you so much not only for choosing your makeup, but also your clothing. Once you are able to match up your undertones you will immediately notice that everything you put on suddenly looks amazing and enhances your natural beauty.
How to determine your skin undertones?
There are two easy ways to help you determine your skin undertones.
- Look at your veins. If they appear green, then you have a warm skin tone. If they appear blue or purple, then you have cool undertones. Can’t tell if they are green or blue, then you have a neutral undertone.
- How does your skin respond to the sun. Do you tan easily (warm undertone) or do you burn easily (cool undertone)? No matter your undertone you should always wear sunscreen. You can read about the best clean face sunscreens here and I even included one just for your lips.
After looking at these two easy ways you still can’t determine your undertone, then click here for a couple of more quick and easy tests.
Formulas and Finishes
We all have preferences as to how we like our lips to feel. Some like a really creamy feel to our lipstick while others want all day staying power. The formula of the lipstick can determine the pigment and the staying power. Once you know your lipstick application preferences it will help you determine which formula is best for you.
When you go shopping for lipstick you will find several categories or formulas of lipstick. Each of the categories has the positives and negatives.
Sheer
Looking for a touch of color and shine? If so, this is the formulation for you. It is usually made with a higher oil content which means that it is less likely to dry out. This is one of the most classic lipstick formulations and is a great choice for everyday wear. Many brands also offer moisturizing versions of this lipstick which is a plus. Be prepared to apply this formula more often because of that.
Cream
Cream lipstick is very similar to sheer lipstick. It glides on easily and provides a balance of texture with just a hint of gloss. Cream lipstick is higher in wax so it has a bit more staying power than sheer lipstick. It can also have nourishing ingredients such as aloe and vitamin E so check your labels.
Gloss
Want to lighten up the lips for the warmer months? Look to a great gloss for this look. They are great to wear when heavily pigmented formulas colors are a bit too heavy. Remember that lighter shades of gloss can add a youthful glow to daytime looks. Brighter glosses are made to be worn at parties, evening soirees, and when you want your lips to get some attention.
Matte
Matte is a formula that should be in every woman’s lipstick collection. It is a totally opposite of the gloss. Matte is pure color with smooth, even texture when it goes on your lips. It is not for your everyday look, but for when you want your lips to see and be seen. This formula has greater staying power, but can be drying. Make sure you do the prep work before pulling this out. You will want to make sure you use a good lip liner for this formula.
Stain
Lip stains are all about color, minimal shine, and staying power. If you don’t have time to reapply often or don’t like to reapply this formula is for you. Check the ingredients to make sure there are some hydrating elements or stains can be very drying. Also, be aware that you have to be very careful when applying. It’s not easy to correct mistakes with this type of lip color.

My Favorite Coral Lipsticks for Fair Skin
Now let’s take a look at some of my tried and true favorite coral lipsticks.
Nars Orgasm is one of my favorite daytime go tos in the summer. It is a satin light peachy pink sheer coral with a little gold shimmer. Not only do I wear this iconic lipstick color, but also the blush. All of the Orgasm products by Nars are known for their ability to look great on ALL skin tones. This is definitely a must have for everyone’s coral summer lipsticks collection
Charlotte Tillbury Coral Kiss is a warm pink coral satin lipstick. It has some blue undertones which will help make your teeth look even whiter. Who doesn’t love that. It also has a coordinating lip pencil for prep.
Laura Mercier Coral Vif is a great orange coral satin lipstick. Weightless, vibrant color with long lasting color.
Nars Velvet Matte Bolero is a pinky-orange matte pencil. It is a long lasting color that doesn’t dry out the lips. The Velvet Matte pencils by Nars are a cult favorite. If you haven’t tried these pencils then add it to your list.
Nars Orgasm Lips Shine Gloss will glide on your lips with mirror like shine. It will provide a little color and keep your lips hydrated for hours.
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss is when I want some true orangey coral color and plumping action. This is so hydrating for hours and has great staying power.
It Cosmetics Wink Pillow Lips Solid Serum is my new love this season. It is a soft true coral lip gloss that is SO hydrating. Truly a lip serum/treatment with a little color. It Cosmetics is known for being a skin care company first and foremost and then infuses that into their makeup products. This gloss is not sticky or tacky and will not settle into your fine lines or lip wrinkles. This is a product must have for every woman who has dry, aging, or chapped lips.
THANKS
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by my little corner of the internet. I really appreciate it. Warm weather is here so I hope this helped you figure out a great coral lipsticks to add to your summer collection. Please let me know if you have a favorite coral lipstick that I missed in the comments below. I’m always looking for a great one to add to my little collection.
Hugs,

The text that is underlined and shows up in a different color is usually a link to another blog post that I have written, another site, or a product. The links to a product are affiliate links. What that means is that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, Sassy for Short (a.k.a Beth) gets a small commission at no extra cost to you. The same goes if you click on any of the pictures to get more information about a product. I really appreciate you supporting the brands that make it possible for me to keep this blog going!
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