Red lipstick is a classic for a reason; bold, alluring, chic, and simply never out of style. A universally flattering lipstick choice with an infinite number of shades. Finding the best rouge may seem like an endless task, but we've got you covered. Read on to discover the ultimate red lipstick for your skin tone, tips for ensuring it's long-lasting, and our top product picks.
The Art Behind Choosing Your Red Lip: Undertones
Interestingly, the secret to perfecting your red lip is all to do with your complexion and involves the subtle art of selecting a colour that complements your skin and its undertones. With shades of red from deep wines to bright scarlets, there is a colour for everyone, and within that, a lipstick that will make you look and feel a million dollars.
What Undertones Do I Have?
There are three categories of skin undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. Similar to choosing a foundation, when looking for your go-to red lipstick, embracing your undertones will allow you to achieve the best makeup look. There are a few simple ways to determine the undertone of your skin, which involves noting everything from the colour of your veins to how your skin reacts to the sun.
WARM UNDERTONES
You are likely to have warm undertones if you have green or olive veins and skin that tans well. You might also find that warm colours with undertones of yellow, brown and, olive will suit you best.
COOL UNDERTONES
Cool undertones are found in people who have purple or blue veins and skin that turns red or burns easily in the sun. Those with cool undertones will find cool colours with undertones of blue, black, white, and purple, compliment them well.
NEUTRAL UNDERTONES
And finally, features of neutral undertones are veins that have an undeterminable colour, and skin that may tan or burn in the sun.
The fuss-free formula to finding your perfect red lipstick? Opt for a lipstick with an undertone that aligns with your skin's undertone. Easy right?
How to Achieve Long-Lasting Lipstick
When applying your rouge lip, staying power should be your top priority. Make sure your lipstick lasts all night long with these four tips.
1. NOURISH
Apply a lip scrub to achieve lush flake-free lips. A lip balm is an excellent follow-up to exfoliating, and products with SPF will give further nourishment to your lips by protecting against harmful UV rays. Getting your lips in top shape will make applying lipstick a breeze, leaving them glowing all day and all night.
2. PRIME
Lip primer is an innovative makeup goodie and is ideal for those who suffer with dry lips. It acts as a smooth base, aiding your lipstick's lasting power. A neat alternative is to use your concealer or foundation to prime your lips.
3. LINE
In our eyes, lip liner is a Holy Grail makeup product, which will allow you to conquer almost anything. The secret is to outline your lips and completely fill them in with a liner before applying your lipstick. Be sure to match the colour of the lip liner to your chosen lipstick for a seamless seal.
4. APPLY, BLOT AND GO.
For long-lasting lipstick, a matte finish is the way to go. Work with your natural lip shape and apply an even layer of lipstick across your lips. Grab a paper towel or aptly named blotting paper, pucker up and blot your lips. Reapply and blot until you achieve the perfect pout. If liquid lipstick is more to your style, use the same steps above to achieve all-day coverage.
The Ultimate Date Night Red Make-Up Look
You may have been searching endlessly for red lipstick makeup looks in a bid to find out the best eyeshadow and more to complement your look. Well, look no further. This statement smokey eye will complement any shade of red you decide to glam up with, giving you the ultimate sultry date night look. Whichever order you apply your makeup in, this bold eye look is sure to turn heads.
We've opted for the to achieve this look, which has 14 gorgeous pigmented shades.
Statement Smokey Eyeshadow for Red Lipstick
Step 1: To begin with, apply an eye makeup primer and base colour to your eyelid.
Step 2: Starting with the crease, we recommend applying the shade burnt orange and blending raw sienna directly on top.
Step 3: Define the outer corner of your eye by buffing in antique bronze with a bullet brush.
Step 4: To make the look pop, apply primavera on the lids to even your highlighter and add some shimmer. Press in with a flat brush and pat out with your finger.
Step 5: As with every eye makeup look, the key is to blend, blend, and blend.
Step 6: When it comes to eyeliner, less is more. We advise avoiding black or liquid eyeliner, and opting for a softer brown eyeliner, and smudging this out on your lash line.
Step 7: Apply mascara or natural-looking falsies of your choice. Our top trick is to curl your false lashes before applying them.
Step 8: To your lower lash line, apply the shades raw sienna and antique bronze and a thin layer of mascara.
Step 9: To finish up, highlight your brow bone and inner corner with a highlighter or the shade primavera.
Step 10: And at last, but by no means least, add some drama with the all-in-important red lip liner and lipstick of your choosing.
Grab your setting spray, change into your killer outfit, pop on some jewellery and you are date night ready.
Red Lipstick: Our Top Picks
With so many glamourous colour choices, having just one favourite red lipstick can be nearly impossible. The Tom Lost Cherry Deco Lip Color Set brings together four sophisticated shades allowing you to transform your look from day to night. Find a shade to compliment every skin tone with Fenty Beauty's Stunna Lip Paint and enjoy a perfect pout with lipstick that stays in place all day. Charlotte Tilbury's Look of Love Lipstick collection will allow you to achieve dreamy, luscious lips.
Whatever lipstick you decide on and wherever your night takes, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident. Follow the tips in our guide, and there is no doubt you will achieve the ultimate soft kissable lips.
RED LIPSTICK TOP PICKS