Finding the perfect shade of red lipstick can be like trying to find the ideal partner. It can be the perfect color, but then the formula can be horrible. Or the formula can be great, but the shade can be off. I’ve had my share of different red lipsticks, and the ones that are my favorite are matte, comfortable, and have the perfect undertone for my skin tone. In my Sephora career, I’ve helped many women trying to find the perfect shade of red lipstick. It was a wild goose chase because they had no idea what they wanted the finish to be like or the type of red they wanted. To help you avoid that, I’m giving you advice on how to find the perfect red lip and listing some of my favorites.
- Decide on the finish
The perfect red can come in many different finishes. There is liquid matte, matte-cream, gloss, and even a satin finish. I prefer all of my red lipsticks to be in the form of a matte-cream or liquid matte. I find that those formulas offer the most pigment and are the most long-wearing.
Options if your looking for a cream or gloss formula
Hourglass the glosses are very pigmented especially the red.
Nudestix– Lip & Cheek pencil
2. Decide on the undertone
Reds can come in different undertones, most popular being orange or blue. Blue based reds I find to be the most universally the most flattering on any skin tone. Orange reds are usually brighter and give off a more vibrant feel.
3. Decide on the shade
Finding the perfect shade of red can sometimes be complicated, so knowing the type of red that you are looking for is critical. Vivid reds, Plumey reds, deeper reds, true reds are some of the most popular types of reds to wear.
When wearing red lipstick, the key is to be confident, bold, and comfortable. If you’re new to wearing red lipstick and slightly intimidated, I always recommend starting with a tinted lip oil or a tinted lip balm. Like one from Fenty or Hourglass. So here’s to being confident and getting the perfect shade of red for all of the holiday madness!
Check out some of my red lipstick recommendations based on shade undertones!
Plum Reds
Blue Based Reds
Orange Reds
