Make the ultimate beauty statement with a scarlet pout this festive season. Here’s the perfect red lipstick shade for your skin tone.
Makeup trends come and go (we’re still pledging allegiance to dark lippies) but one that’s stayed, and will always stay is red lipstick. It’s an icon that dates back to 5000 years ago, when (fun fact!) ancient Sumerians decorated their lips with crushed gemstones, and Egyptians painted their puckers with smashed bugs. Today, it remains a beauty staple, which makes its most rounds in the festive season.
Alas, the struggle of finding the perfect red lipstick is real. Scoring the right shade is no easy feat – finding one that suits your skin tone to a T is like finding a gold mine. We give you the scoop on what shades work best for your skin tone.
Olive with gold undertones
A medium skin tone with gold undertones was made for a “true red” – the rich hues in this are heaven on your complexion. On Cam (pictured in lead image) is the YSL Rouge Pur Couture lippie in 01. She describes the formula as “wet” – a single stroke coats lips in a rich, scarlet and intense hydration.
Fair with cool undertones
This almost fuschia shade of red of this 3INA liquid lipstick (shade 500) contrasts with the cool pink undertones found in Chelsia’s alabaster skin. The creamy liquid-to-matte formula stays put all day, and keeps lips from drying out as it’s made with waxes and gelling agents.
Medium with warm undertones
True reds work well for the fair skinned with warm undertones. The limited edition Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet in No. 3 is a stunning punchy colour, and brightens up the warm undertones found in Delfina’s skin. We’re giving bonus points for the formula too – it contains ultra fine micro pigments for added luminosity and intensity, and silicone microbeads and a jojoba oil essence to keep lips moist while staying matte.
Tan with warm undertones
Rich raspberry reds pop brilliantly against the golden shades of tan skin. Not ready for a bold pout? The Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colour in Ruby is a pigmented yet wearable shade which applies sheer on the first coat. Layer more (here, I’m wearing three) for a fuller finish.
Fair with red hair
Don’t shy away from red if you’re a redhead! The coral undertones in this classic color looks incredible with milky-toned skin. On Kate is the MaxFactor (yes this popular beauty brand is back!) Velvet Matte Lipstick in shade (15 Flame). It’s a soft, satin matte and is infused with oils and butters for added hydration.
Medium with yellow undertones
Flatter the yellow undertones found in the gorgeous, natural tan of your olive skin with an in-your-face tangerine shade. On Selina is her signature rorange shade of MAC’s So Chaud. A swipe of this will instantly brighten your face (and your day!).
Like this story? Here’s more we think you’ll enjoy:
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All photography by Darissa Lee.