GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

The Best (and Worst) Red Lips for Every Skin Tone

We paired the most popular, iconic red lip colors with some expert advice from celebrity makeup artists to find the perfect hues
Photo 4/10
The Right Red Lips for Cool, Porcelain Skin
"Most lighter-toned skins look best in true blue-based reds," says celebrity makeup artist Amanda Shackleton. Allie's cool, fair skin was the perfect tone to test the theory.

Allie Loved: Like Shackleton suggested, Allie tried to find a true blue-red, but ended up liking this warm red best. Cle de Peau Beaute Extra Rich Lipstick, $60, in Warm Abundance felt "classic red" to her. "This lipstick was long-lasting and felt versatile -- I can wear it during the day or at night."

Not So Much: Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Cherry Jubilee, $8, was "way too dark" for Allie's preferences. "I like the formula of this lipstick, but I could never wear this during the day. Maybe if I figured out the right makeup to wear with it, I'd wear it at night."

Photo 5/10
The Right Red Lips for Warm, Fair Skin
If you have golden tones in your hair, celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes recommends "going a little more coral-red to bring warmth to your coloring." But, be warned: "Do NOT go orange, ever," Barnes adds. Orange lipstick, while trendy and eye-catching, makes your teeth look yellow.

Emily Loved: Merle Norman Age Defying+ Lipcolor in Americana, $15. "I LOVE this blue-red. It's the shade I think of when I think of a true red lipstick. This shade feels classic and iconic, and the blue of the lipstick makes my teeth look white!"

Not So Much: "I tried a coral red, (Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra in Flame, $22.50) but I just couldn't get over the orangey-ness of it. It felt comfortable, because it's less 'look at me,' but it wasn't the red I'm looking for."

Photo 6/10
The Right Red Lips for Cool-Toned Light Skin
For cool-toned brunettes (think: Lily Collins), Barnes recommends a soft red. "You'll end up looking like Cruella De Vil if you go to bold," he warns. "Nars has some great sheer reds."

Hayley Loved: NP Set Lipstick in Gold Coast, $22. This deep red is pink-based, which works with Hayley's skin tone. "I like true reds with pinkish undertones, so this is my go-to red lipstick."

Not So Much: Hayley was not a fan of Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor in Neon Red, $5.49. "I don't know how to pair the rest of my makeup with it because it's so bright -- I don't want to do dramatic eyes, because that seems like too much, but I also don't want to go without eye makeup. It's too bright for fall, but too high-maintenance for summer."

Photo 7/10
The Right Red for Warm-Toned Olive Skin
"Latina or caramel-colored southeast Asian (yellow-based) skin tones look best in orange-based reds," says Shackleton. "For olive skin, blue-red to burgundy and wine lipstick shades are perfect. I love MAC Ruby Woo, which is what I used on Catherine Zeta Jones at the Oscars earlier this year," adds Barnes.

Frances Loved: Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Fire Red, $22. "I don't usually wear red lipstick, because I don't feel like it suits my face. But I could tell right away this color was a warm, orange-based lipstick, which looks good with my skin tone."

Not So Much: E.L.F Royal Red Lipstick, $5. "This color is way too brown, which I knew even before I put it on. I grabbed it hoping I was wrong, but this ended up making my whole complexion look darker."

Photo 8/10
The Right Red Lips for Cool-Toned Tan Skin
"Those with tan skin usually look best in pink or brown-based reds," says Shackleton.

Erica Loved: Avon Ultra Color Lipstick in Scarlet Siren, $8. "I just like darker reds. I like that it's smooth and glides on well. It looks polished and makes me look more put-together instantly."

Not So Much: Cle de Peau Beaute Extra Rich Lipstick in Matilda, $65. "There was something almost clownish about this color on me. The satin finish was trying to be matte, but wasn't quite pulling it off. The lipstick is also shaped weird. It's sharp on the ends, which I guess is good for getting the corners, but I'm not a fan."

Looking for the perfect red lip for your skin tone? We called in celebrity makeup artists and a slew of the hottest red lipsticks to find the best red lip for every skin color.
BY EMILY WOODRUFF | OCT 21, 2013 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.