Let’s be real—who doesn’t want a radiant, glowing smile? Sure, brushing and whitening strips help, but here’s a little-known beauty hack: your lipstick shade can instantly make your teeth look whiter. Yep, your makeup bag has been holding a smile-brightening secret all along.
Turns out, it’s all about undertones. Lipsticks with cool, blue-based hues work like optical magic. They cancel out yellow tones and make your teeth look brighter—no editing apps required. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a casual day out or heading to an elegant dinner, the right lipstick can give your smile that dazzling, photo-ready glow.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s explore the best lipstick colours that make your teeth look whiter—along with fabulous options from Brittany Cosmetics you’ll want in your cart, stat.
Cherry Red – The Smile-Brightening Icon
Cherry red isn’t just timeless—it’s teeth-enhancing brilliance in a tube. This blue-based red is a top pick for instantly whiter-looking teeth. The cool undertone creates contrast, making any yellowness in your teeth appear less noticeable.
Unlike warm reds and orangey tones (which can bring out discolouration), cherry red works like a lighting trick for your mouth.
Try This: Bold ‘N’ Bright is the ultimate statement gloss in this category. It’s high-shine, plumping, and oh-so-bold—perfect for date nights, parties, and power poses in front of the mirror. One swipe, and your smile’s brighter than ever.
Bright Pink – The Flirty Whitening Trick
Bright pinks are like a shot of espresso for your look: energising, bold, and oh-so-chic. But their secret superpower? Making your teeth look gleaming white.
Choose shades with cool blue undertones (think fuchsia or bubblegum pink), which offset any yellow hues and deliver a polished finish.
Go For: Beirut from our Luscious Lips line. It’s juicy, vibrant, and full of personality—just like you. Bonus: it looks amazing with fresh skin and fluttery lashes.
Purple – The Edgy Shade with Whitening Power
Don’t be scared of purple! Cool-toned purples—like berry, violet, and plum—can give your smile a whiter look, especially if your teeth are naturally a bit dull or stained.
Why? Because they act like a filter, toning down yellow and enhancing contrast. It’s one of the most underrated beauty tricks in the book.
Your Go-Tos: Orchid and Vinus from our Sparkle Lips range. Think intense colour, a multidimensional finish, and the kind of shimmer that makes your teeth and lips both sparkle under soft lighting.
Perfect for: winter glam, girls’ nights out, and slaying selfies.
Shimmer Gloss – The Effortless Glow-Up
Shimmer gloss isn’t just pretty—it’s strategic. The way shimmer reflects light adds dimension to your lips and brightness to your smile. When paired with a cool undertone, shimmer can visually make your teeth appear whiter and your pout more pronounced.
Top Pick: Sparkling is a sheer gloss with a gentle shimmer that complements any look. Whether worn solo or over a lipstick, it gives that “I woke up like this” glow. It’s ideal for weddings, Zoom calls, and everything in between.
Tips to Maximise the Whitening Effect
Want to boost the impact of your lip colour? Follow these pro-approved tips to make your smile even more stunning:
1. Avoid Warm Tones
Sorry coral lovers—orange-based shades tend to accentuate yellow, not hide it. Stick to cool tones like raspberry, cherry, plum, and fuchsia.
2. Use Lip Liner
A defined lip helps your smile look neater and your lips look fuller. Bonus: it prevents your gloss from feathering.
3. Gloss Smartly
Add a dab of gloss to the centre of your lips to catch the light—this draws attention to your mouth and creates the illusion of volume and brightness.
4. Know Your Undertone
The bluer the base, the better the whitening illusion. This rule applies whether you're shopping for lipstick, gloss, or even a tint.
Fun Fact: A study by the University of Manchester showed that lip colour has a significant impact on perceived facial attractiveness and smile appearance. That’s your science-backed excuse to go lipstick shopping today!
What Lipstick Makes Teeth Look White?
In short: lipstick with cool undertones.
Whether it’s cherry red, berry purple, or hot pink, blue-based shades can trick the eye into seeing whiter teeth. And with options like shimmer glosses, bold pigments, and multi-use glosses from Brittany Cosmetics, you’re spoilt for choice.
Your makeup routine just got way more strategic. And let’s be honest—there’s something about wearing the perfect lip colour that makes you feel like you can conquer the world.
Ready for Your Smile Glow-Up?
You’ve learned the trick. Now it’s time to try it! Explore the full lip collection at Brittany Cosmetics and find your next favourite shade. Whether you’re all about the gloss or living for bold colour, we’ve got the perfect match to boost your confidence and your smile.
Shop now and discover lip products that love your smile as much as you do.
Because honestly, your teeth deserve a little spotlight too.