Red lipstick is the high heel of the makeup world – timeless and never out of fashion.
However, it can be a daunting colour, and with so many shades available, it can be difficult to know what lipstick is right for you.
From skin tone to undertones, we’ve shared everything you need to know, so you can find your perfect match.
How to Find a Red Lipstick that Suits You
To ensure you look your best, a basic understanding of your skin tone and undertones could be helpful when searching for makeup products.
Here, we’ll walk you through identifying your natural hues, and how to decide on the most suitable shade for you.
Determine Your Skin Tone
The first step to finding what red lipstick suits you is to identify your skin tone.
Broadly speaking, they fall into three main categories: fair, olive, and dark.
This is determined by the level of melanin in your epidermis (the outermost layer of skin).
Generally, people with darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin.
Keep in mind that regardless of what yours is, there's a wide range of shades that could work for you.
Consider Your Undertones
It may also be helpful to take your undertones into consideration when choosing your best shade.
Now, you’ve likely come across the terms ‘cool’, ‘warm’, and ‘neutral’, right? Well, these terms refer to the subtle hues beneath your skin’s surface.
So, although your skin tone can change due to factors like sun exposure, your undertone remains consistent.
Here’s a breakdown of the undertones:Cool: hints of pink and blue.
Warm: yellow, golden, or peach hues.
Neutral: a balanced mix of both warm and cool shades.
To test this on yourself, we recommend looking at the underside of your forearm. Greenish veins may suggest warmth, while bluish veins may indicate coolness.
Alternatively, think about the jewellery you prefer – a preference for gold points towards warmer hues, while silver suggests cool undertones.
If neither test gives a clear result, you may be neutral, which could suit most red lipsticks.
Which Red Lipstick is Best for Your Skin Tone
Now, it’s time to choose your shade. Here’s a whistle stop tour of what red lipstick may suit fair, olive, and dark skin.
What Red Lipstick Suits Fair Skin?
Fair skin tones are best complemented by lighter reds but can also pull off vibrant hues. For a natural look, choose light pinks or, for party season, go for a bold coral or cherry red.
Fair Cool Skin Tone: To enhance the natural blush of fair skin, consider rosy pinks, raspberry, or cherry reds.
Fair Warm Skin Tone: Peachy pinks and corals may help to enhance the warmth in fair skin.
What is the Best Red Lipstick for Olive Skin Tones?
Olive skin tones can generally wear a variety of red lipsticks. However, if your undertone leans more towards one side, here are some suggestions to help you look your best:
Cool Olive Skin Tone: Mauves or berry tones, like crimson, may complement this undertone.
Warm Olive Skin Tone: The warmth in olive skin can be enhanced with a traditional brick red, terracottas, or coral hues, for a vibrant touch.
How to Wear Red Lipstick on Dark Skin
The warm and deep undertones of dark skin beautifully complement bold reds, allowing the colour to pop without muting the skin’s natural warmth. Deeper reds and orange tones are often the most flattering.
Cool Toned Dark Skin: Best matched with red lipsticks that have cool or blue undertones, such as cherry red, crimson, true red, or plum red.
Warm Dark Skin Tones: Pair well with warmer red shades, like orange, brick red, and coral.
Expert Tip: When browsing red lipsticks, don’t give up if you can’t find the exact colour you’re after. You may be able to lighten certain shades or darken them using a lip gloss, lipstick or liner you already have at home.
Now that you're clued up on the best red lipstick for you, check out our guide on how to make it last longer - so you could say goodbye to endless touch-ups!
