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7 Lipstick Shades That Are Perfect For Work

Charmaine Patterson

Aug 20, 2018 09:00 AM +0000

Don't be afraid to express yourself at work, sis!

Whether you work in corporate America or a creative field, you don't have to completely shut down your style personality in the workplace. Yes, your job might have super strict rules on what you can wear from hair to wardrobe, but lipstick is just one of the ways you can take your work outfit from the norm to one that will make you want to strut the hallway like it's a runway.

While I completely understand that lipstick colors look different on everyone, there are quite a few shades that you can confidently wear to work without getting the side-eye or feeling like you're being called into the principal's office. Check out some of my favorite budget lipstick shades below:

Writer Char J. Patterson in Party In The Buff by e.l.f. Cosmetics

Let's just start with the easiest and safest shade. You really can't go wrong with a nude lip; especially at work. If you haven't already, I would suggest shopping around to see what shade of nude looks best on your melanin-infused skin tone. I had to go through a few different shades until I got to one that didn't look too chalky.
What I love about nude lipstick is that it might feel bland, but it really does add a subtle pop to your face. You should have no problem kicking off the week with a bare nude lip.
What I'm Wearing: Party In The Buff by e.l.f. Cosmetics
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Writer Char in Blushing Brown by e.l.f. Cosmetics

If you want to get a more daring look, spring for a nude that's a little (or a lot, depending on your style) darker than the traditional go-to. There's certainly nothing wrong with wearing this one to work either. A dark nude adds a little flair and spice to your look without going overboard, which is the goal here, right?
I have to admit I'm not really a fan of this one for me, but if you can rock a confident dark nude color with ease, I think it's safe to say you can do so in the workplace with no hesitation.
What I'm Wearing: Blushing Brown by e.l.f. Cosmetics
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Char in Wine Tour by e.l.f. Cosmetics

While I haven't fully embraced wearing this lip yet, I think it's totally appropriate for anyone to wear to work.
A little pop of color never hurt anyone. It's even better when it's a deeper shade like this one. I would suggest going a little subtle on your eyeshadow and blush so that your face isn't completely colorful. This color should really be the focus when it comes to various shades you wear to work.
And while it might draw a little attention, I'm pretty confident it won't be the bad kind; especially if you're known for having a popping personality among your coworkers.
What I'm Wearing: Wine Tour by e.l.f. Cosmetics
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Char in Spotlight Red by Wet n Wild

Even though there has been this ongoing debate about whether red lipstick "works for work," it's safe to say the consensus is: it's fine.
To be honest, whether or not this one is acceptable really depends on your workplace environment. Still, you don't have to shy away from it completely. You can try it out for a day and see how you like it, or mix it with another color so it doesn't pop as much. You could also wear it on a more casual day, like Friday, or when you're working a half day.
But if your coworkers are used to seeing you with a beat face, this one should be fine in almost any environment.
What I'm Wearing: Spotlight Red by Wet n Wild
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Char in Divine Wine by Maybelline

While this color is definitely safer for work, it's still just as fun!
Dark red can be a win for during the day and for after-work moments. I think it's safe to say we've all seen someone, including one of our coworkers, rock a dark red lip in their cubicle, and you don't have to be going to the annual Christmas party to do so.
This color is great, especially with a matte option instead of a glossy look. You don't necessarily have to pair it with all black, even though I'm here for a chic look. But there's enough room for fun and incorporation of your own personal style with this color. Thank God.
What I'm Wearing: Divine Wine by Maybelline
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Char in Secret Muse by Wet n Wild

This one pretty much falls into the same category as the deep red option. The only difference is that it could pop a little more, depending on your skin tone, and that it definitely comes across as more feminine, which is never a bad thing.
If you're not used to wearing lipstick to work, this could be a great one to start out with (along with the lighter nude) because it's a more natural color and can also serve as a subtle option compared to a bolder one.
Even if you stand out in this one, it won't be to the point that you'll feel you need to wipe it off. Just rock it confidently like only you can!
What I'm Wearing: Secret Muse by Wet n Wild
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Char in Berry Sorbet by e.l.f. Cosmetics

This is definitely one of my favorites on myself, especially when going into professional settings.
It's a bold color, but still doesn't make me look or feel like a preteen. It took a while to venture out from the pink family, and while this still falls in there, it's a little more adult. You don't have to worry about not being taken seriously because you decided to add a little extra pop of color to your day (and the office).
It serves as a statement color that will have you receiving double takes, without any side-eyes.
What I'm Wearing: Berry Sorbet by e.l.f. Cosmetics
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