How to WEAR Red Lipstick

If you have been following my blog for long, you already know that I’m a big fan of red lipstick because I’ve worn it in numerous outfit posts (like this one), and talked about it repeatedly. What you may not know, however, is how to pick out a the best red lipstick for yourself.

In this post you’ll find information about how to choose a red lipstick based on your skin tone and lip shape. I’ll also provide recommendations for the best red lipsticks, based on this criteria.

There are shades of red lipstick out there that are specifically designed to compliment every skin tone. It’s simply a matter of finding ones that are right for you. That’s the tricky part.

Pale-skinned women…

Pale skinned women should gravitate toward reds with cool, blue undertones.

Red lipstick recommendations for women with pale skin:
Clinique Angel Red
Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Intense #42
Urban Decay Revolution (I own this one – Not only does it come is a fabulously sexy tube, but it’s a fantastic red that looks great on light and olive skin tones as well.)

Medium-to-dark skinned women…

Medium to dark skinned women can get away with deeper reds that have brown or tawny bases. In other words, warmer reds.

Best red lipsticks for medium-to-dark skinned women:
Kat Von D Painted Love in ‘Underage Red’
Vincent Longo Lipstain Lipstick in ‘Belle Etoile’

Darker skinned women…

Darker skinned women can pull off pinkish reds, fuchsias and orange-based poppy reds. For example,

The best red lipsticks for dark-skinned women:
Benefit Ruby Vibes
Benefit ‘Ms. Behavin’

When choosing the perfect red lipstick, you should also take the size and shape of your lips into account.

Fuller-lipped ladies…

Fuller-lipped ladies can get away with darker, deeper reds. (Just as a dark outfit is slimming, dark lipstick makes your lips appear thinner.)

Thinner-lipped ladies…

Thinner-lipped ladies (like myself) can still rock the trend if we lean toward brighter, more neutral tones.

Once you’ve found the perfect red lipstick…

Pair it with subtle face makeup. Go light on your blush and bronzer, to avoid looking like a clown. Also, avoid heavy eye shadows. When I wear red lipstick, I like to wear simple black liner and mascara. Allow your lips to be the part of your face that is making the biggest statement.

Another great way to find the shade for you is to go to your local makeup counter (or Sephora store) and test a bunch of different shades. I found mine by asking a Sephora sales person for assistance and help.