Let’s be real, every makeup bag needs a hero red lipstick. It’s a instant mood-lifter, a confidence booster, and the quickest way to look like you have your life together.
But finding your red? The one that makes your skin glow and your teeth look whiter? That can feel tricky. The good news? It’s not about following strict rules—it’s about understanding your skin’s undertones. Let’s break it down, simply.
Step 1: Find Your Undertone (The 30-Second Test)
Your skin’s undertone is the subtle color beneath the surface. Here’s the easiest way to figure it out:
- Look at Your Wrist: Check the color of your veins in natural light.
- Cool Undertone: Your veins look blue or purple.
- Warm Undertone: Your veins look green or olive.
- Neutral Undertone: You see a mix of both, or can’t really tell.
Step 2: Match Your Red
Now for the fun part—picking the shade!
If You Have COOL Undertones:
You look amazing in reds with a blue or berry base. These shades are classic and chic.
- Think: Cherry red, raspberry, wine, or a true classic blue-red.
- Why it works: The cool tones complement your skin, making it look bright and vibrant.
If You Have WARM Undertones:
Your perfect red has orange, coral, or brick tones. These shades feel sunny and warm.
- Think: Orange-red, coral-red, tomato red, or a rusty brick red.
- Why it works: The warm base harmonizes with your skin, giving you a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow.
If You Have NEUTRAL Undertones:
Lucky you! You can pull off almost any red. Your best bet is often a true, pure red that isn’t too blue or too orange.
- Think: A balanced, true red. Experiment with both warm and cool tones to see what you love most!
A Quick Pro-Tip for Application
To keep your red lipstick from feathering:
- Line your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick.
- Fill in your entire lip with the liner first. This creates a base that helps your color last longer.
- Apply your lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply one more light layer.
So, go on and experiment! The perfect red lipstick is out there waiting for you. It’s more than just makeup—it’s your secret weapon.
What’s your go-to red? Share your favorite shade in the comments below!
