One easy swipe of it is the secret to looking all done up in an instant!
In fact, you can even skip eye shadow and blusher if you’ve got scarlet on your smackers. Yes, red lipstick is timeless, versatile and creates a polished look that it can be worn on its own.
Beyond that, a great red lip could also boost your confidence (studies suggest the colour red is associated with self-assurance and attractiveness), makes you look dressed up even when you’re dressed down (in the words of makeup artist, Charlotte Tilbury, “Red lipstick is instant glamour”.) and just the shade to wear on festive and special occasions (think of the upcoming Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day).
Best of all, red lipstick flatters most, if not all skin tones. It’s neutral and universal, but if you really want the right red shade – one that perfectly complements your skin tone – read on to find out our red recommendations.
What’s your red?
Fair
If you have a fair complexion, red lipstick with a hint of blue or purple undertone will look swell on you, making your skin appear more radiant and your teeth look whiter. Rouge Dior 999, Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red, Stila Cosmetics’ Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso and Guerlain’s KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick in Rouge Kiss are among the examples of blue-toned reds.
Medium
Berry and wine-red lip colours go very well with medium skin tones as these hues will make the skin look less sallow. Among the lip colours that flatter this skin shade are Giorgio Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in 400, Nars Audacious Lipstick in Audrey and Estee Lauder Pure Color Love Lipstick in Haute & Cold.
Dark
Red lip colour choices that complement dark skin tones are those that are rich and intense as they will give a stunning contrast. Vibrant red shades on the lips also help to minimise dullness and ashy-ness, which are often easy to spot on deep skin tones.
Some of the best bold reds are Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense Lipstick in Supernova, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red and Too Faced Melted Matte Lip Color in Lady Balls.
If you’re one of those who feel self-conscious about painting your lips red, you might want to try creating a ‘stained’, subtle look by applying lip balm first and then dabbing on red lipstick with your finger starting in the centre and outwards. This low-key look might not give you that femme fatale vibe but at least it’ll make your smile pop.
