How to Look Good in Red Lipstick

The first time I ever put on red lipstick, I was ten.  I looked in the mirror and my first thought was “you look like an idiot”.  And I did.  Partially because I was ten, but also because I wasn’t doing it right.  Years later, I seem to have finally gotten it down.  Here are some tips for how to wear red lipstick, plus some reccomendations for reds you might like!

First, we need to explore picking the right red for you.  Yes, there are tons of reds out there–how do we pick which ones is best for us?

Get a cool red or a warm red- Cool red lipsticks are blue-toned.  Of course they aren’t blue, but they look more purplish as opposed to orange.  They veer towards cherry red, as opposed to tomato red.  Here are some examples of cool red lipsticks:

http://www.misschievous.tv/2009/08/makeup-trends-fall-2009-berry-lipstick.html

http://www.primped.com.au/galleries/article/big_banging_bright_lips

http://bubblegarm.blogspot.com/2010/03/barry-m-lip-lacquer-crayon-cherry-red.html

And then we have the warm reds.  Most reds seem warm because red is, in and of itself, a warm color.  These reds are more like “true reds”, but can also be like tomato, lobster, or other types of more orangey reds.  These can also be brownish reds, like brick.

http://myperfectred.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-to-wear-red-lipstick.html

http://www.thebeautyoflifeblog.com/2009/09/yay-or-nay-audrina-patridges-brick-red.html

http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20008689_20006811,00.html

Which lipstick should I get? Cool toned people usually look better with cool red lipsticks and the reverse with warm toned people. However, you can try and test other types of red lipsticks with your coloring, because you never know if you will find an exception to the rule.  To be safe, go with a neutral “true red” if you’re still not sure.  Otherwise, here is a list of cool and warm reds.

Cool reds

L’Oreal Color Riche Classic Wine

L’Oreal Color Riche Au Currant

Revlon Super Lustrous Cherries in the Snow

Revlon Super Lustrous Certainly Red

Maybelline Color Sensational Very Cherry

Maybelline Color Sensational Are you Red-dy?

Warm Reds

Revlon Colorburst Crimson

L’Oreal Color Riche British Red

Revlon Super Lustrous Ravish Me Red

L’Oreal Color Riche True Red

Maybelline Color Sensational Summer Sunset

Maybelline Color Sensational Sweet Nectar

Maybelline Color Sensational Red Revival

Now that you’ve selected the perfect red for you, now it’s time to talk about wearing the lipstick.

Wear lipliner- This is almost always a necessity, but the lip liner doesn’t have to be red.  It can be nude–just anything to make sure that your lip color doesn’t bleed.  Sometimes, coloring your lips with a light lip pencil can help the lipstick to stay put.  Otherwise, wearing a lip primer, like a sheer chapstick, can help as well.

If it’s too much, blot it- You can tone down over-the-top red lipstick by lightly blotting your lips with a tissue.

Wear with more subtle makeup- Red lips look best when paired with subtle eye makeup so you don’t look like a clown.  However, it’s important to have some sort of definition with your eyes, or else the lip color could wash you out.  Simple black eyeliner and mascara is good, just don’t make it smokey or too dark.  You want to go for clean, defined lines, and simplicity.  Winged eyeliner is okay too, but it might give off a “vintage” vibe, if you’re okay with that.

Stay away from bright red clothing- Bright red clothing (and also, blue eye shadow) can clash with red lips and make you look somewhat tacky.  However, red lipstick looks great with black clothing, animal prints, and many other colors.  Just stay away from bright reds and pinks to avoid a clash.