Determining Your Skins Undertone
Your skins undertone is the colour underneath the surface of your dermis that, combined with your skin tone, creates your complexion. Unlike your skin tone, your undertone remains the same throughout the year and determining it is a must-do to find the perfect makeup shade to enhance your complexion.
So, how can you tell which undertone you have? Simply look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they are greenish, you have a warm undertone, whereas if they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If you cant distinguish the colour of your veins, you probably have a neutral tone. In this case, choosing the best red lipstick for you is easy, as your skin can adapt to any colour.
An alternative way of determining your undertone is to hold a piece of white paper next to your skin and look in the mirror. If it appears purple, rosy or reddish, you have cool undertones. If, in contrast, it looks more yellow or golden, you have warm skin.
The Best Red Lipstick For Every Skin Tone
Need a new lippie for a red lipstick look? Search no further. We rounded up 30 of the best red lipsticks to shop now, including options for every skin tone.
But with so many shades to choose from, including blue-based pinky reds, blazing oranges and deep brick hues, it can be hard to narrow down the best red lipstick for you.. The slick red and gold tube is almost as gorgeous as the classic blue-based red lipstick it houses.. The dual-ended product comes with a transfer-proof lip color and a clear lip gloss for a mirror-like sheen that lasts all day.. Infused with nourishing oils, this bright, blue-based red manages to moisturize your lips without sliding off or feathering into lip lines.. Saturate your lips with creamy matte color with this luxe lip stain.
What Color Lipstick Is Most Attractive
Nude lipstick empowers women the most, according to a study done by SkinStore. A survey of 2,000 women found that nude lipstick makes them feel prettier and more attractive. While still in the top five, red is surprisingly not the favorite power color. Many lipstick brands have launched nude shades this year.
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Red Lipstick For Fair Skin Warm Or Neutral Undertones
Bring forward the warm undertone of your skin with a fiery red lipstick that has warm and orange undertones. Closer to a classic, true-red colour, orange-red lipsticks for fair skin enhance your natural glow. Since orange-red lipsticks are bold and vibrant, the key to nailing this look is to keep the rest of you look simple and subtle. Enhance your warm undertones by adding a sun-kissed bronzer, use a soft peach blush, and highlight your cheekbones with a golden highlighter to complete the look. Keep the eye makeup minimal to avoid clashing with the bright red lipstick.
Our pick Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Craving Coral, Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick Laugh Louder
Dior Rouge Matte Lipstick 999
I was first acquainted with this luxury red after interviewing celebrity makeup artist to Meghan Markle, Jessica Alba, and more, Daniel Martin. He pointed out the coral undertones of this shade, which make it universally flattering on all skin tones . I dubbed this my “special-occasion red” that I love wearing when I want to feel fancy. It sits so pretty on my lips and against my skin tone.
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How To Pick The Best Red Lipstick For Your Skin Tone
Red lipstick is like the little black dress of the makeup world. It’s versatile, essential, and best of all, can be worn by anyone to add an element of sophistication to any look, day or night. That said, when looking at the mounds of red lipsticks available on the market, it can be a pretty intimidating sight. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a red lipstick for your skin tone, but being equipped with some basic guidelines can help you narrow down your choices.
We called on celebrity makeup artist Latisha Nicole Rankin to learn how to find the best red lipstick for all skin tones. With a little perseverance , we’re confident you’ll find your go-to red below.
Meet the Expert
Latisha Nicole Rankin is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Jordin Sparks, Tracey Edmonds, Angela Simmons, and Paula Abdul.
Keep scrolling for some expert tips on finding the best red lipstick shade for your skin tone.
Best Red Lipsticks For Tan To Dark Skin
More MAC Lipstick domination with classics like Ruby Woo and Russian Red . I know Id appreciate it greatly, but Im sure many readers with deeper skin tones would also be thrilled to see more recommendations by those with similar complexions, so if you have a medium-dark to deep skin tone, please help us add recommendations!
The list below features products recommended by readers with complexions that are: tan, dark tan, deep, deep dark, or deepest dark. You can always go to our recommendation page for Best Red Lipsticks and refine by as much as you wantlike down to a specific skin tone and undertone and price!
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Choose Your Lip Shade Texture
People with parched lips usually avoid matte because theyll feel it draws attention to any dryness on their lips. However, the Joli Rouge Velvet is infused with apricot oil and is lovely and moisturising too, advises McHale.
Pro Tip: A time-efficient and clever tool that can help you find the perfect red is to try them on virtually. Clarins offers a no-fail and realistic try-before-you-buy experience.
Youre three steps away from finding your shade.
After figuring out your skins undertone*, selecting your red lipstick should be straightforward. We selected the best shades of red that will complement every skin tone.
Did You Know Wearing Red Lipstick Could Make You Look Younger
According to research, scientistshave found red lipstick could increase facial contrast between facial features and the surrounding skin, making you look younger.
For women with mature skin, it is strongly advised to stay away from super dark shades but opt for lighter shades of red with a matte lip finish. Try Joli Rouge Velvet in Guava.
Wearing red lipstick is a form of expression and should match your personality. Swatch lipstick shades at your nearest Clarins counter or watch How to Wear a Red Lip guide to get started.
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These Are The Best Red Lipsticks If You Have Dark Skin
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The incredible history of red lipstick and its popularity among makeup lovers is irrefutable. Red lipsticks has the power to take any plain outfit and kick it all the way up to a ten. It can essentially be used as a statement piece. Like a yellow handbag or multicolored pumps, a pop of red commands attention and turns heads Whether you pair your red lips with a matching dress or use it to make a black outfit stand out, red lipstick is the right way to go when you’re looking to be as bold as possible.
When you are blessed with plenty of melanin, it’s incredibly important to look for products that take that into account. From the best sunscreens to awesome bronzing products for darker skin tones, searching for beauty and skincare products created specifically with melanin in mind can save you a headache and a trip back to the store.
Equally as important is knowing what shade works best with your skin tone. According to Lancôme USA, a vivid, luscious red looks downright gorgeous on dark skin because darker skin tones often have both cool and warm undertones, but what are the best lipsticks to look for?
The Best Red Shades For Olive Skin
Rich Fury / Getty Images
Olive skin looks best in yellow or orange-based reds . Fuchsia and anything else with a cooler undertone can dull out your complexion. For a fiery shade, pick up Charlotte Tilbury’s Hot Lips 2 in Red Hot Susan or Maybelline’s Color Sensational The Mattes Lipstick in Rich Ruby.
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Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick In Love Bite
Charlotte Tilbury may be best-known for the nude pink Pillow Talk shade, but dont sleep on the brands more vibrant hues. Love Bite is a warm yet luminous red that makes a statement whether you pair with a no-makeup makeup base or a carefully-curated contoured look.
It is created with unique light-diffusing pigments that add to the luminosity as well as extracts to fight against UV damage and keep your pout perfected and hydrated. One of the lipsticks in the K.I.S.S.I.N.G collection sells every two minutes.
Buy now £26.00, Charlotte Tilbury
Best Red Lipsticks For Medium Skin
1. BITE Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Sour Cherry
BITE Beauty is known for its deliciously creamy and moist lipsticks. This red seems like a glossy neutral, but it actually has a bit of blue to it, albeit subtle enough that itll look beautiful on most. You can find it easily at .
2. Stila Stay All Day Liquid in Beso
If youre one of those people who have a difficult time keeping creamy lipsticks on, you can be comfortable knowing that these liquid lipsticks from Stila will not budge. Theyre not very moisturizing, so take good care of your lips beforehand. Beso is a perfect true red with slightly cool undertones thatll suit all skin tones. You can pick it up at .
3. Huda Beauty Lip Strobe in Saucey
This holographic red lipstick looks like molten metal it is glamorous and luxurious and absolutely perfect for the holiday season. The blend of pink and golden glitter in here makes it difficult to tell what the exact undertone is, but itd definitely suit those with warm, medium skin. You can purchase it at .
4. NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Cruella
These lipsticks in a pencil form give an easy application that makes applying a perfect red lip easier than it would otherwise be. Cruella is a deep, matte red that looks mature and sophisticated, and will suit most undertones. It is available for sale at .
5. Burberry Beauty Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Union Red
6. Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in Grenat Initie
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Armani Ecstasy Shine Lipstick
For those among you who find matte lipsticks too drying, Armani has created the solution. The Ecstasy Shine collection is part-colour depositing, part-balm and leaves a glossy finish. The texture is creamy and it glides onto your pout in one swift swipe.
The high-shine effect is black tie-ready, while the formula – enriched with emollient oils – has plumping properties with eight hours of lasting moisture. It leaves no stickiness behind and feels lightweight once applied. You can also layer it up with ease.
There are two different reds available 400 and 401, the latter of which is a classic bold red.
Your Finish Of Choice
Keep in mind that the texture you choose could change the way the hue reads on your lips. Matte shades tend to have a more intense color payoff, whereas glosses, stains, and balms are more subtle and can be built to your desired level of drama.
- Do I need to wear lip liner with red lipstick?
If you want to, but it isn’t mandatory. While a lip liner will create a more precise lip shape, you can feel free to go without it if you’re after a different effect. A lip liner in the same color family as your red lipstick will create a more blended, tone-on-tone finish, while a darker red lip liner will create a bold, contrasting appearance.
- Should I prep my lips before using red lipstick?
Saturated, matte formulas of red lipstick may emphasize any dryness or flakiness, so it’s always a good idea to prep your pout with a gentle lip scrub, followed by a thin layer of lip balm to lock in moisture. Find out how to properly exfoliate your lips here.
- How can I make my red lipstick last longer?
Before you apply your hue, try filling in your lips completely with lip liner. This helps to extend the lipstick’s staying power, while also creating a more opaque color payoff. Additionally, applying a very light layer of translucent face powder can also help, but will produce a shine-free finish. Make sure to use a light hand in tandem with a small brush to dab the formula in place.
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Why Does Red Lipstick Not Look Good On Me
Red lipstick can look a little off if you just throw it on without doing a little colour-correction. This is because something about the pigments in red lipsticks draws out the redness in your skin and makes it look blotchy. So, if your skin is already full of red pimples or rosacea, concealer is necessary.
Wet N Wild Missy And Fierce
Range: Wet n Wild Red Lipstick
Type of Red: Orange red lipstick
Tanned to dusky skin tones with yellow undertones should consider buying this bright red lipstick shade. The matte finish gives a touch a subtlety to a pop color like this, in case you want to wear it during the day. If you plan to wear this lipstick in the evening, Id suggest a topping it up with gloss.
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick Sarafine
If you can’t tell by now, I love reds that saturate your lips in a bold burst of color. This blue-based red does just that and outlasts every single thing it comes in contact with. I started wearing this red heavily in my college days and still recommend it to all my friends. The pointy applicator makes it easy to ditch lip liner if you want.
Pat Mcgrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick Elson 013
Leave it to the one-and-only Mother of Makeup, Pat McGrath, to create an elegant red that makes me feel like a grown-ass woman. I find that blue-based reds look the best on dark skin tones because they complement our undertones and never look too light or ashy. This doesn’t feel like your typical matte it’s unexpectedly hydrating, and those two characteristics usually don’t coincide. I love layering this on top of a brighter red to give it some depth.
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Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick In American Doll
With the bullet tip design of this lipstick, you wont even need a mirror to get full, even distribution. Follow the contours of your lips and youll impart colour like a pro. The texture dries to a matte finish which gives the product the long-lasting effect that is known for.
There are six shades available but the American Doll is the red that weve best caught our eye for the striking pigment – and it will stay put meaning theres no need to constantly reapply. Cue the compliments.
Buy now £21.00, Space NK
Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Beso
This is another one of those oldie-but-goodie shades that stays at the front of my vanity. I love lipstick, but I absolutely hate reapplying it. You can’t talk about a non-budge formula without throwing this star player in the mix. Plus, the color payoff is the truth and looks especially stunning on brown skin.
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Gucci Beauty Goldie Red Rouge Lvres Voile Lipstick
The Gucci Beauty lipstick collection takes inspiration from the gilded era of Hollywood with each shade named after a famous face and character. No wallflowers here: the hues are bright, bold and lively and are housed in beautiful floral-adorned packaging, referencing the pieces in the Italian houses fashion offering and vintage 1950s prints.
The Goldie Red has a sheer finish and the colour is semitransparent, allowing you to get creative with application and forge different looks with just one product. You can also dab onto the cheeks to add rouge where needed. The formula is moisurising and delicately scented with floral-fruity notes and violet at the heart.
Honourable mention also goes to the 500 Odalie Red , and 502 Eadie Scarlet .
Buy now £36.00, Gucci Beauty
Is There A Red Lipstick That Suits Everyone
MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo There is a reason this classic product is MAC’s bestselling red lipstick. The timeless true red shade suits almost everyone and its blue undertones makes your teeth and eyes appear brighter.
Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint is universally flatteringand for all skin tones, too.
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The Best Red Shades For All Skin Tones
In the world of reds, there are a few that are universally flattering. Rankin’s favorite? MAC’s Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo. “It truly looks great on every complexion, as the blue undertones in this lipstick are just right,” she says. “Oftentimes, other cosmetic companies add too much yellow or orange into their red lipsticks causing the lipstick to appear very bright on some skin tones. Ruby Woo is a perfect, universal red that anyone can proudly wear regardless of skin tone.”
For a wallet-friendly option, try Maybelline’s Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick collection this shade selection is made to flatter skin tones on all ends of the spectrum.