The beauty of glosses and sheer lipsticks is that most people can wear a range of colors, provided those shades complement the skin’s undertones. Start by determining if your skin tone is “warm” or “cool.” “If you can see bluish veins through your skin, you’re probably cool,” says makeup artist Bret Miedel. Those with warm skin will likely see greenish veins. Another test: Put a dab of warm orange or rust lipstick on one cheek, a dab of cool pink or lavender on the other. “One will complement your skin tone, while the other will look garish,” says Miedel.

To find the colors that best match your skin and hair, check the charts on the next pages.

Sheer Lip Colors for Cool Skin Tones

Sheer Lip Colors for Warm Skin Tones

Crowd Pleasers

Clothes labeled “one size fits all” rarely complement anyone, let alone everyone. But when it comes to sheer lip color, some shades really do flatter a wide range of people. “Pinkish brown hues are the most universal because they reflect natural lip coloring,” says makeup artist Bret Miedel. They’ll suit any skin tone, from very pale to very dark. Try Nars Lip Gloss in Chihuahua, Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmer No. 22, MAC Viva Glam V, or L’Oréal Colour Riche Lip Gloss in Rich Rose.