Even if you omit everything else in your makeup routine, don't skip the lipstick. Applying lip color is one of the fastest and easiest ways to help you look more put together.

But difficulty in finding the right shade of lipstick is a common problem. New trends and colors routinely appear on the shelf. From dark, sultry colors to light, bright pastels, it can be difficult to know which shades work best.

Normally, you would look at a color and it would be simple. The color you see is the color you get. But with lipstick, there is a world of undertones that are the real secret to lipstick success.

There are three main undertones to lipstick: blue, pink and orange. The best way to know which of these undertones will work for your lips is hiding in your closet. Ask yourself this question: If you tried on a blue shirt, a pink shirt and an orange shirt, which one would make your skin look the best? Your answer to that is also your answer to which undertone color you should be looking for in your lipstick.

Now that you know the secret of undertones, let's look at the tones on top.

Don't let the name fool you — cool tones can make you look hot if they match what you need in the color department. The most common cool tones are mauve and pink, but even if you are tired of mauve and pink, there are shades out this year that have never been seen before. Those pink undertones, even in a lipstick that's more brown, will still shine through and have you looking great and feeling fantastic. If you're tired of pinks, but find you don't look great in those darker shades because they're making you look too pale, take your pinks and mauves to the next level with a clear lip gloss over the top. It will look like a whole new lipstick and you'll feel like a new woman! The cool tones and pink undertones work great with light skin and fair hair.

Warm tones can make you think of a comfy fireplace and a night of relaxing, or it can be the warmth that comes from walking into a room and knowing people think you look great. Warm tones are deep chocolate browns and intoxicating wines that will look edible once they're on. Warm tones also include the dark berry shades as well as pink undertone lipsticks in darker colors. For olive or dark skin tones, warm colors are going to look absolutely amazing. Knowing you look good on the outside will give you a boost of confidence on the inside that will last all day and well into the night.

When you think of red lipstick, you probably only think of one kind. In fact, there are many different shades and styles of red lipstick. If you are looking for a dramatic look, red lipstick can be your friend. Get a red lipstick with an orange base if you have a medium skin tone that looks good in other orange-based lipsticks. A red with a blue base can work for light skin, and a deeper red shade with a touch of wine works well on dark skin. Red lipstick can go from a daytime look straight into night with the application of a fresh coat or a lip gloss on top.

Want to skip the skin tone and color analysis completely? An easy way to emphasize your lips is to take a look at their natural shade. Pick a lipstick a couple shades darker and it's sure to match. This method creates a lipstick look that is sexy but subtle, playing up your natural beauty and enhancing your lips in an almost invisible but still noticeable way.