a girl is applying the right lipstick that makes her teeth look whiter
Badge field

The Best Lipstick Colours For Whiter, Brighter Teeth

Published date field

When you think of brightening your teeth, you probably think of whitening toothpastes, gels or even laser whitening treatments. These are all great ways to achieve a brighter smile, but there may be a much quicker, cheaper trick right there in your make-up bag.

The right shade of lipstick, blusher or eyeshadow can really make your teeth sparkle. On the other hand, the wrong shade can leave them looking dull and yellow. The trick is knowing which colours work for you, and how to use them for maximum brightening effect.

Blue-Toned Lipsticks

You may already know that certain lipstick colours complement the hues of different skin tones. For example, cool pinks have a flattering effect on fairer skin, while deep berry shades and darker skin tones look divine together. But did you know that lip colour can also influence the appearance of your teeth?

Lipsticks with warmer undertones of yellow, orange or gold can make the teeth appear yellower than they are, while cooler reds have the opposite effect. For a whitening effect, choose a lipstick with blue undertones, such as cherry or fuchsia shades.

Shimmer And Sparkle

Not the red lipstick type? You can still get a dazzling effect with a subtle lip gloss.

Sticking to the cool-tone rule, choose a lip gloss or balm with a silver shimmer rather than a warm gold, or even go for a translucent blue gloss. The slight shine and sparkle can still give a brightening effect, with or without the bold colour of a lipstick underneath.

Blushing Beauty

If you have dark or olive-toned skin, you might be tempted to go for an orange or peachy blusher. However, those warm undertones can give a yellow cast to your teeth, so experiment with cooler colours to brighten them up.

While icier pinks tend to pair well with very fair skin, warmer skin tones can rock brighter shades, so don’t shy away from pink! Add a pop of colour along your cheekbones and a light sweep around the outside of your face for a teeth-brightening boost.

Bright Eyes

If you prefer to draw attention away from your teeth altogether, dramatic eyes are the way to go.

As with blusher and lipstick, avoid warm-toned shadows in orange or gold shades. Use a smouldering smoky eye to create a focal point, with darker blue-toned shadows to create a contrast between your eyes and teeth.

Choose a navy eyeliner for a flattering alternative to jet black, or a plum-toned eyeliner to make the whites of your eyes appear brighter, and then finish the look with a sweep of black or navy mascara.

Ultimately, the best way to whiten your teeth is to remove surface stains by brushing twice a day, or to speak to your dentist about more advanced whitening options. In the meantime, use these quick make-up tricks for the instant illusion of a whiter, brighter smile.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.