Having the perfect red lipstick is just like having the perfect little black dress – it is a style staple. It’s versatile, suits all looks, from day to night and adds an element of sophistication to any outfit. The trouble is, with so many red lipstick options out there it can be hard to know what shade of red suits your skin tone. There really are no set rules per se, but there are certain shades of red that suit certain skin tones and we have broken it down for you in an easy to follow guide with some of our favourite red lipstick picks.
Deep Skin Tones
Darker skin tones can generally handle deep, intense colours with blue undertones – such as wines, berried and brick reds.
Our picks are: M.A.C Ruby Woo and Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint – Uncensored
Olive Skin Tones
Olive skin tones usually look better with yellow and orange-based reds such as poppy or coral tones. Also, try to avoid anything with a blue undertone as they can look more like a fuchsia than a red on olive skin tones.
Our picks are: L’Oreal Paris Signature Ink – I Don’t and NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment – Somebody to love
Medium Skin Tones
If your skin tones leans more on the medium side then you’re lucky, you have more versatility when it comes to picking a red. Both cool and warm tones will suit you, but try to stay away from coral tones as they can make your skin look dull.
Our picks are: NYX Full Throttle – Locked and M.A.C Retro Matte – Quite the standout
Light Skin Tones
People with light skin tones look best with bright pops of red, think cool reds or berry red with blue undertones.
Our picks are: Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Lipstick – Gwen and M.A.C Amplified Lipstick – Dubonnet
Fair Skin Tones
Cool- hued reds will suit the pinkish flush of fair skin tones. Reds that use purple or blue as a base, rather than orange based reds.
Our picks are: Karen Murrell – Rumba Rhythm Red and M.A.C – Russian Red
Images supplied.