Ahh, the red lip. A classic look that has literally withstood centuries.
While the origin of red lipstick is up for debate, no one can forget the classic Hollywood starlets that rocked the red lip on old movie screens. Timeless and bold, the perfect red lipstick is among one of the most important makeup bag staples (right next to a great mascara and flawless concealer). But even with all the hype and inspiring quotes that surround this popular beauty look, finding the red hue that is right for you is sometimes easier said than done.
As red lip-enthusiasts ourselves, we thought we might make your lipstick journey a little easier with a simple roundup of red lipstick hues that pair perfectly with your complexion. So, if you are still on the hunt for the ultimate red lip, or just want bold makeup ideas for this Valentine’s season, keep on scrolling to find the best red lip for your skin tone:
Fair Complexion
Fair-skinned beauties usually have a pink flush to their complexion, so finding a red lipstick that compliments this rosy undertone is a sure-fire way to make a bold lip look flawless! If you have a fair or light complexion, try experimenting with a red lipstick that has a blue undertone. This cool base will help balance the rosy glow of your skin, without washing you out. If you want to mix it up, you can also experiment with a tomato red lipstick—the playful orange undertones will add a radiant warmth to your skin.
Try: Moisture Matte Lipstick in Ladybird
Medium Complexion
Congrats. If you have a medium skin tone, then you mostly like tan without thinking about it and hardly ever burn (and for that, I am jealous). Medium complexions tend to have a caramel or olive undertone to their skin, which gives them more freedom when choosing a colour in the lipstick department. Red brick lip colors that boarder on the side of vampy and rich berry hues are great picks for medium skin tones, as they help accent the warmth of the complexion.
Try: Plush Rush Satin Matte Lipstick in Fired Up
Darker Complexion
Deep complexion are the true winners of the red lip. If you have a darker complexion, then you pretty much have complete freedom to play with whichever pigments and tones you choose. Both warm and cool undertones look great with your skin tone, but personally, we love the look of a true, cherry red lipstick. The bright, red colour really accentuates your pout and adds a bold pop to the complexion. It’s basically everything you could ever ask for in the perfect red lip!
Try: Liquid Lipstick in Come to Bed Red
Great for Everyone
Some red lipstick shades just make it easy for us to choose. If you are looking for a red lip that is universally flattering, try experimenting with a true red hue that has both cool and warm undertones. The balance of colour with ensure that your red lip doesn’t wash you out or make your skin appear dull. And, you can always layer this red lipstick over darker colours to create more dimension in the lips.
Try: Soft Matte Cream in Bossy Boots or Plush Rush Lipstick in Impulsive