Beauty 101: How to match your lipstick and blush

The trick is to choose shades that are in the same colour family without being too matchy-matchy, and you can do this by choosing products that have the same undertone (warm undertone vs. cool undertone). We’ve rounded up a great selection of colours to show you six easy combinations that will take the guesswork out of pairing.

Look 1: Cotton Candy Blush, Cool Pink Lipstick

For a pretty and feminine face, a cotton candy pink blush is always a good starting point. If you’re going feather-light on the cheeks, it’s good to choose a delicate pink lip shade with blue undertones that won’t overpower your cheeks.

Our picks: Nars Blush in “Gaiety” ($30, narscosmetics.com) Revlon Matte Lipstick in “Stormy Pink” ($12, at drugstores)

Look 2: Classic Pink Blush and Lipstick

There’s nothing more timeless than classic pink. It’s the closest colour to a natural flush, and the best choice when you’re hoping to mimic a post-workout glow. Pair it with a classic pink lipstick in a matte finish for a slightly vintage look.

Our picks: Cargo Blush in “Catalina” ($26, cargocosmetics.com) Revlon Matte Lipstick in “Sky Pink” ($12, at drugstores)

Look 3: Rose Blush, Red Lipstick

This look is pure romance. When you’re going for a red lip of any finish, you can never go wrong with a perfect rose blush. If you want to go with a stained lip, feel free to be generous with your blush. On the other hand, if you plan to use a full finish, matte lip, apply your blush sparingly. It’s all about balance.

Our picks: Nars Blush in “Amour” ($30, narscosmetics.com) M.A.C Lipstick in “Viva Glam I” ($19, maccosmetics.com)

Look 4: Sangria Blush, Deep Wine Lipstick

For this rather sultry look, keep it in the family. As a general rule, if your lip colour could be described as anything that came from a vineyard (e.g. merlot, burgundy, port, claret) it’s good to choose a blush that could be, too! When you’re choosing a blush, look for a shade that reminds of of sangria— a slightly watered-down wine tone. As with the rose/red combination, the darker your lip shade, the lighter touch you should use with your blush.

Our picks: Nars Blush in “Seduction” ($30, narscosmetics.com) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Black Cherry” ($7, at drugstores)

Look 5: Peach Blush, Neutral Lipstick

This look is a beachy dream. There’s no better match for a warm, neutral lip colour than a pale orange blush. Of course, you can always go with bronzer, but for colder months, our pick is peach!

Our picks: M.A.C Blush in “Peaches” ($25, maccosmetics.com) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Nude Attitude” ($7, at drugstores)

Look 6: Plum Blush, Sheer Plum Lipstick

When you’re working with any red-violet shades such as plum, they generally work best with a similar toned blush. Try pairing a plum gloss with a sheer plum blush. You get a pop of dramatic colour with a dialed-down intensity that’s perfect for more natural beauties.

Our picks: M.A.C Blush in “A Breath of Plum” ($25, maccosmetics.com) Maybelline Color Whisper by Color Sensational in “A Plum Prospect” ($7, at drugstores)