We’ve all been there—you swipe on a lipstick that looked perfect in the tube… only to realize it somehow makes your teeth look a little, well, dull. The truth is, certain lipstick shades can instantly brighten your smile, while others can bring out the yellow tones you didn’t even know were there.
So, if you're on the hunt for shades that make your teeth pop (in the best way), we’ve got you covered. Let’s break down the best lipstick colors for a whiter, brighter smile—and what to avoid.
💋 1. Blue-Based Reds
If you only remember one thing from this blog, let it be this: blue undertones = whiter-looking teeth. Unlike orange-based reds, which can bring out yellow hues in your smile, blue-based reds create contrast that visually cancels out discoloration.
Go for: Classic cherry red, cranberry, or a deep ruby
Avoid: Orangey reds or brick tones
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, hold the lipstick next to something blue—if it pops, it likely has cool undertones.
💄 2. Berry & Wine Tones
Deep berries, plums, and wines have cool undertones that make your smile sparkle. These shades are bold, chic, and perfect for evening looks or a fall makeup moment.
Go for: Plum, raspberry, merlot
Avoid: Anything too brown or muddy—it can dull both your skin tone and your smile
🌸 3. Cool-Toned Pinks
Not into bold reds or dark hues? No problem. Light to medium pinks with a cool base can still give you that brightening effect. Think rose, mauve, and cotton candy pinks.
Go for: Soft rose, blue-toned fuchsia, mauve
Avoid: Coral pinks, peach, or salmon—they can lean warm and emphasize yellow
✨ 4. Nude Shades with a Hint of Pink or Mauve
Nudes can be tricky—some can wash you out or make teeth appear less vibrant. The trick is to pick nudes with a pink, beige, or mauve base instead of yellow or orange undertones.
Go for: Pinky-nude, taupe, soft mauve
Avoid: Warm beige, peachy nude, or anything too pale
⚠️ Colors to Use with Caution
Let’s talk about the shades that can make teeth look more yellow if you're not careful:
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Oranges – Fun, yes. Teeth-brightening? Not so much.
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Browns – Often have warm undertones that clash with natural tooth color.
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Peachy shades – Especially ones with a lot of orange or coral.
That said—if you love these colors, wear them! Confidence is always your best accessory.
💫 Final Thought
The right lipstick can do more than complete your look—it can brighten your whole smile. Whether you're heading to brunch or date night, picking shades with cool undertones is an easy trick to elevate your glow and your grin.
