Pretty Mauve Lipsticks for Fair Skin, From Sheer to Matte

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One of my most reliable makeup bag must-haves is a pretty mauve lipstick. As a lover of Old Hollywood beauty, I often gravitate toward red lipstick, but I also like to try new colors depending on my mood or the occasion. Sometimes I’d just rather not bother with the precise lining and application required for red lipstick. On those days, I choose a light mauve lipstick. When I want something more dramatic, a dark mauve lipstick is the perfect complement to evening dresses and fall outfits.

The color mauve is a pale purple with a slight gray tint. Not a pink yet not quite a plum, mauve is a universally flattering in-between shade. In makeup terms, this translates to gorgeous pinkish-purple blushes, eye shadows and lipstick colors. Mauve lipsticks range from light to dark mauve, and some are more rosy while others have cool undertones. Mauve looks especially good on redheads, as purples naturally complement our hair color and fair skin. There’s a mauve lipstick for everyone, though; you just have to find the right shade for you.

Whether you’re looking for a glossy sheer lipstick or a bold matte lip color, one of these pretty mauve lipsticks will suit the occasion.

Light mauve lipsticks for fair skin

These light mauve lipsticks add a pop of color that flatters fair skin.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “On the Mauve”

I own a handful of Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick shades. It’s easy to start collecting them, given how comfortable they are to wear and the affordable price point. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “On the Mauve” is a beautiful, wearable shade that’s appropriate for day or evening. This mauve shade from the cult-classic line of lipstick feels just as creamy as you’d expect.

Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick in “Goji Gang”

Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick in “Goji Gang” is a “rosey mauve,” so it leans more warm than cool-toned. The sheer formula adds subtle color with a lot of shine and a light shimmer. Since it isn’t opaque like most lipsticks, I can apply it faster and even without the help of a mirror—yes, I’m truly living on the edge. This is gorgeous on its own but I also like layering it over a darker lipstick shade or under a gloss for an even brighter, shinier look.

Dark mauve lipsticks for fair skin

Looking for a more bold lip color? These dark mauve lipsticks are gorgeous on fair skin for fall.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Sheer Azalea”

Stila Liquid Lipstick in Sheer Azalea - Dark Mauve Lipstick

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Sheer Azalea” has become one of my favorite lip products for evening makeup looks. This “true mauve” liquid lipstick doesn’t look exactly sheer as the name implies, but it has a softer coverage than the original Stila liquid lipstick shades. I prefer this because you still get the color payoff but to a more subtle degree than completely opaque lipsticks. The matte formula also lasts for hours without the need for touch-ups.

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in “Save the Queen”

Described as a “dusty mauve,” NARS Power matte Lip Pigmen t in “Save the Queen” is the shade I wore on my wedding day. The formula is similar to liquid lipstick, but with a more lightweight feel and a soft, matte finish. I wouldn’t call it kiss-proof, as it has a tendency to transfer, but it does wear off evenly without becoming patchy.

Mauve lip liner

MAC Lip Pencil in “Dervish”

Described as a “pinky mauve,” MAC Lip Pencil in “Dervish” is a dependable mauve lip liner to pair with a range of lighter mauve lipsticks. I especially like it under sheer lipsticks or gloss to add some dimension.