How to Find the Perfect Red Lip for Your Skin Tone

Red lipstick makes a statement. It can take time to find your perfect red lip, but it doesn’t have to. There are so many tips and guides to choosing the right shade and undertone, and today we’re going to break it down.

Matching Undertones

The easiest way to find the red that fits you best is to look at the undertone of your skin and lipstick. There are two undertones: cool and warm. Most people have a warm undertone (think olive, golden and peachy). Few people have cool undertones (think pink, red or blue).

For warm skin tones, best red lip is one that has warm undertones as well. Our top picks are Lipstick in Knockout or Uptown.

For cool skin tones, the best red is one that, you guessed it, has cool undertones as well. Our top picks are Suede Matte Crayon in Bombshell and Lipstick in Bullseye.

Opposite Undertones

Matching your skin and lipstick undertone is a safe way to go, but here is where you can get creative! Step out of the box and choose the opposite undertone for some unexpected red statements. For someone who has a warm, olive tone, picking out a deep, plum red will give you a classic, vintage look. For a cool, fair skin tone choose a deep, brick red to give warmth and drama to your look.

For warm skin tones, try a deep plum like Lipstick in Brick-house or Date Night, Gloss in Plum Glaze or a bright, cool red like Suede Matte Crayon in Bombshell.

For cool skin tones, pick Lipstick in Brick-house.

Don’t get too hung up on if a tone is right or wrong, pick a shade that looks best when on! Matching undertones is a guide, not a rule. When you find the right one, you’ll know it was a match made in heaven.