How to Find the Right Red Lipstick

Are you looking for the perfect red lipstick but feel overwhelmed by all the choices? Maybe you’ve found yourself lost in makeup aisles, swatching countless shades of red, feeling frustrated because none of them seem right. You don’t have to keep stressing about your best choice. Finding your ideal lip color can be fun and easy with just a few simple tips and tricks!

It all starts with understanding your skin tone and undertone. Knowing these two factors can help you determine which shades of red look best on you and which to avoid.

Whether you’re searching for a classic crimson or bold berry hue, today we’ll show you how to find the right red lipstick that complements your unique skin tone and personal style.

What Will You Need?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s ensure you have everything you need. To find your perfect red lipstick, you’ll need:

• A good natural lighting source
• A variety of red lipsticks (ranging from warm to cool tones)
• Makeup remover or wipes.

Once you’ve gathered these essentials, let’s get started!

10 Easy Steps on How to Find the Right Red Lipstick

Step 1: Determine Your Skin Tone

The first step in finding the right red lipstick is determining your skin tone. You may already know if you have fair, medium, or dark skin, but that alone isn’t enough. There are three main types of skin tones: cool, warm, and neutral.

• Cool: Your skin tone is cool if you have a pink or rosy undertone.
• Warm: Your skin tone is warm if you have a yellow or golden undertone.
• Neutral: If it’s difficult to tell whether your undertone is pink or golden, your skin tone may be neutral.

Step 2: Identify Your Undertone

Next, you’ll need to identify your undertone. This is the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin. To do this, look at the veins on your wrist in natural lighting. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they appear greenish, you have a warm undertone.

Step 3: Match Lipstick to Your Undertone.

Now that you know your undertone, you can start to match it to the right red lipstick shades. If you have a cool undertone, go for lipsticks with blue or purple tones. These will complement your skin without making it appear washed out. On the other hand, if you have a warm undertone, select red lipstick with orange or yellow tones. These will highlight the warmth of your skin. For those with neutral undertones, you’re in luck! You can pull off cool and warm reds, so feel free to experiment and find what you like best.

Step 4: Test Lipsticks in Natural Light

After you have selected a few red lipsticks matching your undertones, the next step is to test them in natural light. Department store lighting can be misleading and might make the color look different than it is. Try the lipstick on your lower lip and compare it with your bare upper lip. The shade that looks good and gives a lift to your complexion without making you look washed out is the one for you. Don’t forget to use a makeup remover or wipe to clean your lips between tests to avoid color mixing.

Step 5: Consider Your Teeth Color

The shade of your teeth can also influence how your red lipstick appears. Generally, red lipsticks with blue undertones will make your teeth look whiter, while those with orange can sometimes bring out the yellow in your teeth. Try smiling while testing lipstick shades to see which ones make your teeth look their brightest.

Step 6: Think About Your Hair and Eye Color

Your hair and eye color can also impact how a lipstick looks on you. Typically, if you have cool-toned (blonde, ash brown, black) hair and blue or grey eyes, a red lipstick with blue undertones will complement you well. If you have warm-toned (red, golden brown) hair and brown or green eyes, a red lipstick with orange undertones might be more flattering. However, these are just guidelines, not rules. Feel free to experiment with different shades until you find the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Step 7: Consider the Occasion

The occasion or event for which you’re choosing lipstick can also influence your decision. For daytime events or more casual settings, you might opt for a subtler shade of red or even a red-tinted lip balm. You might opt for a deeper, more striking shade of red for evening events or more formal occasions. Remember, the perfect red lipstick is not only the one that complements your skin, hair, and eyes but also fits the context in which you’ll be wearing it.

Step 8: Test for Longevity

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s essential to consider the longevity of your chosen lipstick. You want your perfect red to last throughout the day without constant touch-ups. To test this, apply the lipstick and let it sit for a few minutes. Drink a glass of water or have a snack. If the lipstick fades dramatically or transfers easily, it might not be the best option. Look for lipsticks advertised as long-lasting, or consider using a lip liner or primer to extend the wear of your chosen red.

Step 9: Consider the Finish

The finish of the lipstick also plays a significant role in how it looks on you. Typically, red lipsticks come in three main finishes: Matte, Satin, and Glossy. Matte is a flat finish with high pigmentation but can sometimes dry. Satin, or semi-matte, provides a balanced mix of matte and shine and is usually comfortable to wear. Glossy or shimmery reds add shine to your lips and make them look fuller. You can select the finish that suits you best depending on your preference, occasion, and comfort.

Step 10: Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, the best way to find red lipstick is to trust your instincts. While the tips above can guide you, everybody is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. If lipstick makes you feel confident and beautiful, that’s probably your perfect shade, regardless of any “rules” or guidelines. Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression, and there are no right or wrong choices, only choices that make you feel good. Don’t be afraid to experiment and step outside your comfort zone – you might surprise yourself!

By following these steps and considering your undertone, teeth color, hair and eye color, occasion, longevity, and finish, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect red lipstick for you.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Research and Swatch Before Purchasing: Sometimes, the shade of red lipstick in the packaging may look different from how it appears on your lips. To avoid disappointment, research beforehand by looking up reviews and swatching the color on your hand or arm.
2. Try Before You Buy: Many cosmetic stores allow customers to try on lipsticks before purchasing. Take advantage of this opportunity to see how shades of red look on you.
3. Consider the Occasion: Bright, bold reds may be perfect for a night out, while softer, subtler shades might be better for the office.
4. Balance Your Makeup: If you choose a bold red lip, consider minimizing your eye makeup to keep the focus on your lips.
5. Maintain Your Lips: Red lipstick can highlight dry, chapped lips. Regularly exfoliate and moisturize your lips to keep them looking their best.

With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll surely find the perfect red lipstick for any occasion. Remember to have fun experimenting with different shades and finishes, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Over Applying: Less is more when it comes to applying red lipstick. Too much product can smudge and make your appearance look messy.
2. Don’t Forget Lip Liner: Skipping the lip liner can lead to your lipstick bleeding outside of your lip line. Always apply a liner that matches your chosen red lipstick shade.
3. Avoid Applying Directly: Using a brush for application instead of directly applying the lipstick can provide a more precise and even application.
4. Don’t Neglect Undertones: Choosing a red that clashes with your skin’s undertone can make your skin look washed out. Analyze your undertone and choose a complementary red shade.
5. Avoid Dry Lips: Applying lipstick, especially matte lipstick, on dry lips can lead to flaky and unappealing results. Ensure your lips are well moisturized before any lipstick application.

You can achieve that perfect pout with your red lipstick by avoiding these common mistakes. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your unique features.

Conclusion

With the right inspiration, knowledge, and resources, you can find the perfect red lipstick. Now that you have a better understanding of how to find the right red lipstick–from your lip shape, skin tone, and personal style–you are more than ready to rock a bold, beautiful red lip look. Be fearless with your choices, and experiment with what feels good and looks good on you. Take a little risk in playing up your pout and create stand-out looks that no one could resist.

Remember: take time to shop around these days – no lipstick shade is worth settling for when boundless options are available at any price point! Have fun playing around with different products and shades until you find “the one” that fits just right. Now get out there and let those lips shine!