10 Plum Lipstick Shades for Any Skin Tone

As we all know too well, beauty and fashion tends to be cyclical. This year, we saw a comeback in lots of early 2000s trends: shaggy bobs, heavy blush, and we may even see a resurrection of – gasp – low rise jeans.

But we’re also seeing the comeback of a not-so-vintage makeup trend: plum lipstick. It was all the rage on autumn-themed Pinterests in 2015, and it’s making a huge comeback for fall of 2021.

Plum lipstick is one of those shades that anyone can pull off, since it exists on such a wide spectrum. Plum can range from a wine-colored red to a true blue-violet, meaning that there’s an option for everyone.

Since plum’s last big moment, lipstick has evolved for the better. There are far more cruelty-free formulas that are sustainable, comfortable, and long-lasting.

Plum lipstick has gone far beyond the vampy, gothic realm. Nowadays there’s pink plum, mauve plum, berry-red plum, and even blackened plum. So what shades go best with a plum lipstick?

As a shade that’s rich and jewel-toned, plum lipsticks go especially well with warm neutrals like gold, brown, peach, and any earth-toned neutral. Our Fruit Pigmented® Better Naked Palette is a perfect example of colors that work beautifully with plum.

So who looks best in plum? We’re here to tell you: whether you rarely stray from pinks and nudes or you stay solidly in the red range, we can guarantee that everyone can pull off a plum lipstick.

But how do you find the perfect plum lipstick shade for you? Ultimately, it depends on the level of blue in the lipstick. For olive-toned skin with lots of yellow, a bluish plum can look great. But for those with more pink in their skin, a redder, more berry-toned plum may be more flattering. Our motto: choose whichever shade that makes you feel the most confident.

Without further ado, let’s go over the best plum lipstick shades for fall!

When choosing the best plum lipsticks of the moment, we paid special attention to the pigment, the texture, and the formula itself.

For us, lipstick can’t just look great and last a long time. It needs to feel amazing on the lips and MUST feature clean, nourishing ingredients. With this lovely list below, we’re pretty confident you’ll find one you love!

100% PURE Pomegranate Oil Lipstick: Black Rose
Our very own anti-aging formula feels like silk on the lips, leaving them feeling extra plump and soft. This perfectly-balanced shade of plum is universally flattering for all skin tones.

100% PURE Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick: Aubergine
We love the way matte looks, but not so much the way it feels. That’s why we created a formula that defies the norm with nourishing, antioxidant-rich ingredients like cocoa butter, blueberry, and cherry. Perfect for skin with pink undertones.

100% PURE Fruit Pigmented® Lip Glaze: Rosehip
Our moisturizing lip glaze in the shade Rosehip is a deep, sophisticated berry brown. Real fruit pigments and avocado and cocoa butters combine to make a smooth, nourishing treat for your lips. You’ll love the silky, semi-gloss formula that makes this shade perfect for both day and night.

Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick: Ultra Violet
For those seeking something a little more on the berry/fuschia side, this long-wearing lipstick is both high-impact and comfy to wear thanks to rice bran and jojoba oil.

Honest Tinted Lip Balm: Plum Drop
For a more sheer, “everyday” kind of plum, this juicy balm from Honest Beauty is here for the fall vibes – minus the over-the-top vampiness. And with avocado and acai, get ready for a season of smooth, nourished lips even as the weather cools down.

Beautycounter Sheer Genius Conditioning Lipstick: Plum
For those with fair skin, some plum lipstick shades can feel a little too bold. Those seeking something subtle will love this conditioning lipstick from Beautycounter in the aptly named shade “Plum”. Organic vanilla extract is included as a sweet bonus your lips will love.

W3ll People Optimist Semi-Matte Lipstick: Let It Go
If you’re seeking a subtle plum but not-so-subtle shine, this deeply hydrating lipstick from W3ll People will satisfy your needs. It gives off a luminous satin finish, while keeping lips quenched.

Y Et Beauté Lipstick: James
Ready for something dramatic? This matte, high-pigment lipstick is here to deliver the vamp. High notes are beautiful hues of blackened plum and comfortable, long-lasting wear. This shade is a stunning complement to deeper skin tones.

Saint Cosmetics Velvet Lip Cream: Abu Dhabi
With the Velvet Lip Cream from Saint Cosmetics, you don’t have to choose between shiny satin or super matte – it delivers a happy medium. And with its buildable pigment, you can make this deep plum shade as subtle or intense as you choose.

Axiology Rich Cream Lipstick: Joy
If your lips tend to get extra dry this time of year, great news: you don’t have to compromise for great pigment. This butter-soft cream lipstick from Axiology nourishes your lips with coconut oil and avocado butter, and is especially flattering for fair to light skin tones.