Do Lipstick And Nail Polish Have To Match? (Answered)

For some people, wearing clashing colors, patterns, and textures is their way of self-expression. For others, looking put together and having confidence is all about pairing like with like. So, do lipstick and nail polish have to match? 

Do Lipstick And Nail Polish Have To Match?

There is no rule that lipstick and nail polish have to match. You should feel confident in exploring your creativity and personality through make-up and nailcare, whether that means mixing up color schemes, or ensuring that everything is complementary.

Matching your lipstick, nail polish, and make-up can create a cohesive look. If that is your goal then coordinating the two  can help you feel more put together and confident.

Alternatively, deliberately wearing clashing lipstick, nail polish and make-up may give your look a little bit of edge. 

If you’re a fan of wearing bright colors, loud textures, and vibrant cuts, then adding in mismatched make-up and nailcare can add that boost of rebelliousness that’s just what you need.

When To Mix And When To Match Lipstick And Nail Polish

There are different instances when mixing your lipstick and nail polish is a better idea, and other instances where matching them may be best.

Dress Up Events

If you’re planning an intense, theatrical make-up look for Halloween, then matching your lipstick and nail polish may be ideal. 

Pairing a deep purple or coal black lip and nail color could help you achieve a witchy-look, or you could go for something even more outlandish like a silver, bold green, or bright blue to resemble an alien.

Important Social Event

Alternatively, if you have a sophisticated dinner event or important work affair, then matching your lipstick and nail polish can help you to feel more collected and confident. 

Just as mis-matching your make-up makes a statement, so too does matching it. 

There’s little more sophisticated than a sleek black dress with scarlet lips and nails.

The festive period may also be a time to match your lipstick and nail polish. Opt for deep reds in shimmering finishes to conjure all things Christmas, and showcase your holiday spirit.

What Is The Most Popular Nail Color?

It’s difficult to say with absolute certainty what the most popular nail color is but here’s are a few examples:

Shades like pink and red tend to look good on everyone, so these are consistent favorites. 

They also look fabulous on both finger and toenails, too, and will add a dash of brightness to any day.

What Are The Most Popular Nail Brands?

There are so many nail polish brands to choose from, but there are a few that consistently pop up in the cupboards of beauty editors and nail technicians. 

Old favorites like Essie, Nails Inc, and OPI will always see you through your manicure needs. 

But designer brands like Chanel, Gucci and even Hermès have also offered head-turning shades to appeal to those who love glamour. 

Cult brands like the aptly named Smith & Cult or Olive & June look super cute on your dressing table, too. It all depends on what you want.

How To Choose A Nail Polish

Look At The Ingredients

When shopping for a nail polish, there are certain things you should keep in mind in order to ensure you’re getting the best possible one. 

Trying out new brands can be fun, but there’s a lot to be said for companies that have been in the game for years, and have a strong reputation. 

Check the ingredients of the polish that you’re using. Many now contain substances designed to nourish and strengthen your nails. 

Ingredients like formaldehyde and other nasty chemicals are also definitely best avoided. 

Look out for reviews that mention a particular polish as prone to chipping or flaking – you don’t want to spend a fortune on a polish that will peel within a day!

The Color To Choose

When it comes to nail colors, there are so many to choose from.

From different hues right through to different finishes, the number of colors on the market can feel staggering. It can seem even more difficult given the different kinds of manicures you can get.

From gel manicures to acrylic, and dip powder to classic polish, do you know one manicure type from the next? 

If you’re trying to choose a nail color that would suit you, it’s good to draw up a list of priorities. 

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you prefer a high-shine finish, or is a glitter design more your thing? 
• Are you a matte girl?
• What is your skin tone?
• what color clothes do you often wear? 

Establishing the answers to these questions can help you to pick out a range of personal nail colors that you’ll keep returning to time and time again.  

Should You Match Your Lipstick To Clothes?

There is absolutely no mandate on matching your lipstick to your clothes – even in a professional setting. 

In fact, if you’re feeling pressured to do so by a colleague or friend, then you may want to consider why they feel the need to tell you this is a hard and fast rule. 

You can look cool, calm, and collected regardless of whether your lipstick and clothes match. 

That said, if it would make you feel more polished in a professional environment if you were to match your lipstick to your clothes, then by all means do that.

If you have a job interview, for example, then you may want to feel that you’re looking as poised as possible.

Having an aesthetic that gives you confidence is important when you’re attempting to ace an interview.

It’ll give you the extra boost that you need to persuade your potential employers that you’re the person to hire. 

How To Match Lipstick And Clothes

You can always tailor your clothes and lipstick according to the environment you’re in.

In some instances, a dark purple – think a blackberry stain – with complementary clothes can look super sophisticated, but in some cases, it may be a little over the top. 

When deciding whether to match your clothes to your lipstick, consider the context. 

We’re all for expressing yourself through your make-up, clothes, and hair, but it’s also important that you feel self-possessed and self-confident. 

For some people, it can feel stressful turning up to an event and knowing that you’re more dressed up than those around you. 

For other people, dressing in a way that pleases and expresses their own needs and wants is the most important thing.

Only you know what kind of character, so use your clothes and lipstick to reflect that.

How Do I Know Which Lipstick Color Is Right For Me?

It’s always best to consider your skin tone when choosing a lipstick color:

Light Skin Tones

When you’re choosing lipstick color, there really aren’t any rules. However, if you do want some guidance, then you can consider your skin tone when choosing lipstick color.

If you’re fairer in color with cool undertones to your skin – if your skin has red, pink, or even bluish hues – then opting for lipsticks with blue and purple undertones works best.

This doesn’t mean actually wearing either blue or purple lipstick. Even dark red lipstick can have blue and purple undertones. 

But, if you’re more of a nude girl, then go for flushed rosy pinks. 

Opting for a more bold, dark tone will add a touch of drama to your look, which can be great in instances where you’re going out-out and are dressing to be seen. 

Darker Skin Tones

For readers with olive skin and warmer undertones, it’s better to avoid light pink and light nude colors. 

Go for lipsticks in warm shades – think gold, orange, copper, and brown-based hues. If you must wear a nude, go for a darker one, as paler ones will look a little strange with your skin.

Some people are blessed with neutral undertones, in which case you can wear whatever kind of lipstick color you want!