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Pucker up, ladies; red is here to rule in 2024 and beyond. If your vanity is craving a makeup refresh – we’d assume you own a dozen nude lipsticks – consider this your cue to explore a slew of spicy shades and find your match made in heaven. After all, ’tis the season of love! Have your boo buy you a fiery shade this Valentine’s Day, and if you’re single, gift one to your Galentine. Meanwhile, if you’re not expecting any presents this year, get a saucy red shade for yourself. After all, self-love is the best love, right?
How to Find the Right Shade of Red Lipstick
Scrounging for the perfect red shade? Begin by discerning your skin tone and undertones. Trial and error is the way to go – swatch a bunch of red lipsticks and single out the ones that wash you out. If you own a shade too dark or light, consider mixing and matching it with another one or layer with a lip gloss before tossing it out. Remember, depending on the texture – creamy, matte, or glossy – lipsticks sit differently on your pucker when applied.
The Best Red Lipsticks For Fair Complexions
If your skin undertone is neutral or cool, pick a red shade with a cooler undertone for your lips. Alternatively, if your skin undertone is neutral or warm, opt for a red lipstick with a warmer undertone. Red lipsticks with a blue or purple hue as a base – in contrast to orange – will complement the natural pink flush on your skin. Plus, they can make your teeth appear more white!
The Best Red Lipsticks For Medium & Olive Complexions
If your skin tone lies somewhere between cool and warm, you can opt for red lipsticks that have both cool and warm undertones. However, steer clear of corals – they can wash you out and make you look pale. Olive complexions should reach for yellow and orange-based red hues, which are warmer on the undertone spectrum. Bear in mind that fuchsia and other cool-toned lipsticks are a big no-no.
The Best Red Lipsticks For Deep Complexions
Deep, dusky skin tones boast versatility when it comes to carrying a bold red lip. Darker complexions can easily pull off cool and warm undertones – think berry or brick red. A tangerine-ish red may work beautifully, too. All in all, those with deeper skin tones should embrace this fiery hue with abandon.
The Luxe Edit: Best Red Bullet Lipsticks
The Luxe Edit: Best Red Liquid Lipsticks
Frequently Asked Questions
• What makeup to pair with a bold red lip?
When sporting a red lip, ensure the rest of your makeup is understated to let your pucker take centre stage. Avoid edgy, dramatic eye makeup and opt for a luminous base with a hint of highlighter, subtly flushed cheeks, and a swipe of mascara. Overdoing your eyes or cheeks with a bold red lip may appear too jarring.
• How to make red lipstick last longer?
As for extending the wear of your lipstick, ensure you prep your pucker before application through adequate exfoliation and moisturisation. You could also apply a lip primer before applying your lipstick. Lastly, a lip liner from a similar shade family can go far to the increase wear-time of your lipstick. We recommend carting the Milani Rose Sugar Lip Scrub, Farmacy Honey Savior All-In-One Skin Repair Salve, M.A.C Prep + Prime Lip, and Smashbox Be Legendary Line & Prime Pencil in shade True Red.
• Can red lipstick be worn every day?
Reds needn’t solely be reserved for special occasions. Depending on the shade, you can sport a red lip on any day of the week, at any given time. Warmer complexions should opt for warm-toned reds, while those with a lighter complexion should pick cool, blue-toned red shades.
• Is red lipstick trending right now?
Lucky for you, the fiery red hue transcends trends and time. It is touted as one of the few evergreen lipstick shades that outlasts fleeting trends and beauty fads. However, when wearing a red lip, ensure the rest of your makeup complements your vibrant pucker.
• Which is the best red lipstick?
It comes as no surprise that M.A.C Cosmetics’ coveted Ruby Woo has risen to become a global cult beauty offering, suiting all skin tones. The versatile hue is a universal red that can be worn by women of all complexion types, as it has just the right proportion of blue undertones. Budget-conscious consumers can purchase the mini version of this classic red lipstick instead of splurging on the full-size.
