Everyone loves sporting a red lip, including us! Whether you want to create a sophisticated look or a playful vibe, it’s our go-to colour due to its ability to go with pretty much any outfit and make you look and feel confident. Sometimes, if we see a gal pal looking smoking hot in a specific red shade, we feel inclined to try it, only to be disheartened when it doesn't quite suit. To avoid that disappointing feeling, here at HQhair we’re sharing our secrets on how to find the perfect red lipstick to suit your skin tone so you can feel super sassy and sexy!
If you've tried several red lipsticks and none of them seem to suit you well, it’s most likely that you’re just picking out the wrong shade for your skin tone. Some people best suit orange-toned lipsticks; which are more pink or peach, whereas some can’t pull off these shades and best suit blue-toned lipsticks which are darker and usually have a hint of purple.
Finding the Perfect Red Lipstick - Undertones
The first thing you need to figure out to find the perfect red lipstick is whether you have warm or cool skin undertones. If you have warm undertones, you will suit orange-red lipstick shades and if you have cool undertones then the blue-red shades look best. There are several different ways to find out your undertone but the quickest and easiest way is the vein test. Simply look at your veins and if they look blue, you have a cool undertone, if they look green, you have a warm undertone. If you have both, you’re neutral - which is pretty lucky, you should suit most red shades!
Finding the Perfect Red Lipstick - Complexion
Fair complexion:Remembering to keep your skin undertone in mind, there are a few red lipsticks which you can pull off with a fair complexion. Try a blue-based cherry shade such as the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in shade Jetset. The blue undertones make your teeth appear whiter which is always a bonus. For a darker red without the gothic vibe, a cranberry lipstick such as the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in shade Alarm is perfect as you can wear a darker red without looking washed out and overly-pale. If you’re more of a purple-red kinda gal, a striking wine shade like the Lipstick Queen in shade Metal Wine will instantly make your jaw drop, it really is gorgeous!
If you have a medium complexion, the shades for a fair complexion may blend too much and you’ll struggle to achieve a bold red lip. Try fiery orange-reds like the Maybelline Superstay 24hr Lip Colour in shade Fire Coral. Even though it is difficult to pull off, it’s vivid and works extremely well with warm complexions. For a sultrier look, a red-based purple or blackberry shade such as the Daniel Sandler Matte Lipstick in shade Casablanca is no doubt the perfect red lipstick.
To complement a dark complexion, there are quite a few shades which look absolutely divine! A punchy orange shade such as the Face Stockholm Lipstick in shade Ladakh just oozes confidence and makes your lips bright, bold and beautiful. For those of you with cool skin undertones, opt for an extremely deep and dark red with rich blue undertones such as the Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in shade Rosy Red. If you want to pull off this lipstick, it often looks best with very little makeup anywhere else to keep your lips as the centre of attention. For a more subtle red lip, a raspberry pink-red lipstick such as the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Collection Lipstick in shade Julianne’s Red topped with a gloss such as the New CID Cosmetics I-Slick Luxurious Lip Colour in shade Decadence is the way forward. Whichever shade you choose, wear it with confidence!
Finding the Perfect Red Lipstick - Application Tips
Now you've got the knowledge for choosing the right shade, you need to know how to apply your lip products to look great and last as long as possible. To achieve the perfect pout, make sure that your lips are always soft and smooth. If you have cracked, chapped lips, regular applications of Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm will help to heal them quickly.
Once your lips are moisturised and sleek, remove any excess lip balm and line your lips with a lip liner. If you can’t find a shade to match your lipstick, go for the Lord & Berry Silhouette Neutral Lip Liner as it’s made for use with any colour! After applying your first layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue and then apply the second layer - it helps the colour stay for longer. Finally, go around your lips with concealer and a fine brush to create a smooth, even line and prevent colour bleeding.
For a fuller looking lip, finish your lips with a lip gloss and ensure to drink plenty of water. This will keep your skin hydrated, causing fuller lips and healthier skin!
