Lip Colors That Make Your Teeth Seem Whiter
Posted on 07/28/2022
Want your smile to look a little brighter without changing anything about your teeth?
The right lipstick or lip gloss shade can make your teeth look whiter by changing how surrounding colors contrast with your smile.
The basic idea is simple: cooler lip colors with blue or purple undertones tend to make teeth look brighter, while warmer shades with orange or yellow undertones can make yellow tones in teeth more noticeable.
Red Lipstick
A classic red can be one of the best choices for making teeth appear whiter — but the undertone matters.
Look for cool or blue-based reds rather than orange-red shades.
Blue undertones help visually offset yellow tones, creating more contrast between your lips and teeth.
Warmer reds with orange or coral undertones may have the opposite effect and make teeth appear slightly more yellow.
Pink Lipstick
Pink shades can also brighten your smile, especially those with a cool undertone.
Look for:
- Cool pink
- Rosy pink
- Berry pink
- Mauve
- Pink shades with blue or purple undertones
Try to avoid peachy or orange-based pinks if you want your teeth to look brighter.
Nude Lipstick
Nude lipstick can be a little trickier.
Warm beige, peach, and brown-toned nudes may emphasize yellow tones in teeth. Instead, consider a cool pink nude, rosy beige, or mauve-toned nude.
A slightly deeper nude can also provide more contrast than a very pale shade.
Berry and Plum Shades
Berry, wine, and plum lip colors can be especially flattering if you want your smile to stand out.
Their deeper, cooler tones create contrast against your teeth, which can make your smile appear brighter.
Look for shades such as:
- Raspberry
- Cranberry
- Berry
- Plum
- Wine
- Cool burgundy
What About Lip Gloss?
Lip gloss can add shine and dimension to your lips, which may help draw attention to your smile.
Try layering a clear or cool-toned gloss over your favorite lipstick. Just remember that the underlying lipstick shade usually has the greatest influence on how white your teeth appear.
Makeup Can Help — But It Doesn't Actually Whiten Teeth
Choosing the right lip color is a quick cosmetic trick, but it won't change your teeth's actual color.
If you want a noticeably brighter smile, professional teeth whitening may provide a longer-lasting result.
Tollgate Orthodontics offers whitening options for patients who want a brighter smile.
Before starting any whitening treatment, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and that whitening is appropriate for you.
Want a Brighter Smile?
Sometimes a small change in lip color is all it takes to make your smile look brighter.
But if you're looking for a more noticeable whitening result, talk with the team at Tollgate Orthodontics about your options.
We can help you determine which approach makes the most sense for your smile and your orthodontic treatment.