Celebrity-Inspired Lipstick Swatch Collection: Who Isn’t a Little Fairy?
Every girl’s makeup bag has at least one lipstick that can instantly boost her aura. And when that lipstick happens to be the exact same shade a celebrity wears, the thrill of “I can have that same charm too” makes it almost impossible not to click “buy now.” From Yang Mi’s famous “man-killer red” to Dilraba’s “first-love pink,” from Liu Yifei’s “elegant red” to the cinnabar orange of The Knockout’s iconic “big sister-in-law” character, celebrity lipsticks seem to carry a magical power—making us believe that wearing them brings us closer to our ideal selves.
But reality often tells another story. You put on that much-hyped shade with excitement, only to find that in the mirror you don’t exude the same sophistication as the celebrity—your complexion might look dull, and the vibe feels mismatched. Why does the same lipstick look dramatically different on different people? Today, let’s dive into the world of viral celebrity lipsticks, see who they truly suit, and learn how to find your own “destined shade.”
The Allure of Celebrity Lipsticks: More Than Just Color
The magic of a celebrity lipstick isn’t only in its shade—it’s in the aura it represents. In psychology, there’s a concept called social learning theory: people tend to subconsciously imitate those they admire or approve of. When a celebrity’s lipstick goes viral, earning praise like “breathtakingly beautiful” or “unmatched elegance,” our brains make a quick association: wearing the same shade = having the same charm.
Add in the hype from social media, and “celebrity-inspired” lipsticks quickly become a kind of social currency. Owning one means you’re in step with trends—and might even earn you a few envious glances from friends. The problem is, a celebrity’s flawless look is the result of an entire professional team—perfect base makeup, flattering lighting, and even post-editing. We, the everyday crowd, often only copy the lipstick step, so the results can feel underwhelming.
When Celebrity Favorites Don’t Work for You
Take Lancôme #196 Cinnabar Orange, nicknamed the “Spring Festival Gala shade.” On stars like Song Yi and Zhao Jinmai, it’s a radiant carrot orange that makes skin look luminous. But on an average person with warm yellow undertones, it might turn the complexion grayish or dull.
Similarly, FENTY BEAUTY’s #UNCENSORED—a true power red—looks fierce and glamorous on Rihanna. Yet on someone with a cool undertone, it can feel overly harsh and lose its refined vintage appeal. This shows that picking a lipstick isn’t just about chasing the celebrity effect—it’s about whether it truly suits your skin tone, personal vibe, and daily setting.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Start with Your Undertone
To avoid the dreaded “expectation vs. reality” moment, the first step is knowing your skin undertone. Skin tones are generally cool, warm, or neutral. Here’s a quick test:
Under natural light, check the color of the veins on your wrist.
Blue or purple veins = cool undertone.
Green veins = warm undertone.
A mix of both = neutral undertone.
Cool undertones suit lipsticks with blue or purple bases—like berry or rose pink. Warm undertones shine with orange-reds and maple tones. Neutral undertones can wear almost anything, but should be cautious with overly high-saturation shades.
For example:
YSL #208 Red on Fire, a vintage apple red, looks luscious on fair skin but can appear fluorescent on warm yellow skin.
L’Oréal #666, a blue-based red, is regal on cool fair skin but may look aging on warm tones.
Texture and Occasion Matter Too
Lipstick isn’t just about color—the texture and occasion are equally important.
Matte liquid lipsticks like FENTY BEAUTY #UNCENSORED dry quickly, last long, and are perfect for making a statement—but can feel too bold for daily office wear.
CHANEL #63, a rosey mauve in a velvet finish, is soft and understated—ideal for both work and dates.
Want versatility? Try CHANEL #627—sheer application gives a peachy tint, while a heavier layer turns it into a rich red-brown, making it a one-tube wonder for multiple looks.
Smarter Swatching, Less Regret
Finding your “forever shade” inevitably involves trial and error. Instead of blindly hoarding celebrity picks, learn to test smartly:
In-store: Skip the quick hand swatch—apply near your chin or lips to see how it blends with your complexion.
Online: Look for real, filter-free swatches or try minis to lower the risk.
Tech-savvy option: Many brands now offer virtual try-on apps, letting you preview the shade on your face at home before committing.
Your Lipstick, Your Magic
At the end of the day, lipstick isn’t about replicating someone else’s beauty—it’s about amplifying your own unique charm. Instead of obsessing over “celebrity dupes,” treat choosing a lipstick as a fun journey of self-discovery. When you stop letting trends dictate your choices and start focusing on shades that make your eyes light up and your smile grow wider, you’ll realize the best lipstick isn’t the viral one—it’s the one that makes you glance in the mirror twice, just to admire yourself.
After all—aren’t we all one-of-a-kind little fairies?