Seeing Red: Lipstick Shades for Every Skin Tone

You’ve been in this position before: you approach a makeup counter completely confident in your decision to purchase a tube of red lipstick. After all, how hard could it be? Red is only one out of six colors in the rainbow. The closer you get to the counter you begin to realize: there’s a whole spectrum of lipsticks in different shades of red. How do you choose the right one to avoid that hollow feeling of disappointment when you get home and find the shade you choose looks terrible on? To make the best decision possible, use your skin tone as a guide.

Light Skin Tones

Daytime: Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Tarnish in Busted; Nighttime: Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Raven

Coral helps enhance the peachy undertones of fair skin, so an orange-red lip complements the complexion but with a brighter, “look at me” pop. No matter what time of day it is, be sure to apply makeup to even out your complexion because the contrast of piercing red against light skin can emphasize imperfections. You should also apply mascara so your eyes don’t lose the limelight. A playful colored shadow, such as the purple shown on the right, combined with an orange-red lip is a great way to put a modern spin on a classic look. Excellent nighttime options include Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Raven, NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red, Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick in Wild, and Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in #5 Hot Tango.

Medium Skin Tones

Daytime: NARS Lipstick in Gipsy; Nighttime: Sephora Color Lip Last in #20 Wanted Red

Girls with medium skin tones can handle “true reds” the best. In other words, Gwen Stefani shades with names like “Fire Engine”, “Siren”, or “Russian Red” are fair game. If you have medium or olive skin, you can also opt for a plum, wine, or blue-based shade of red, and don’t be afraid to be bold. Lipsticks like Too Faced La Crème in Stiletto Red or NARS Lipstick in Gipsy will brighten and complement the warm tones of your complexion. Matte lips will be a big beauty trend for spring, and wearing a bold opaque color requires precision. To get a polished, defined look, first line your lips with a liner that matches your lipstick. Next apply your lipstick with a brush instead of directly for more control. The liner will actually act as a magnet for your lipstick, holding it in place longer! Great shades for medium skin toned girls include Sephora Color Lip Last in #18 All You Need Is Red and NARS Lipstick in Red Lizard.

Dark Skin Tones

Daytime: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey; Nighttime: Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Belisima

Girls with darker skin tones have a wider variety of colors that look great with their complexions than girls with fair or medium skin. The general rule of thumb is: “the deeper your skin tone, the more color your lips can hold.” This means that no shade of red is off limits to you, but deep burgundies, blood reds, and shades of wine highlight your lips and let your complexion shine. If you want to avoid accentuating your lips, you can contour your lips with a darker liner than your lipstick to create an illusion that your lips are smaller. On the other hand, if you have small or thin lips, you should avoid dark or matte shades; choose a lipstick that’s sheer, glossy, and reflective to give the appearance of more volume. Great shades for dark skin tones include Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Belisima, NARS Lipstick in Afghan Red, Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Eternal Passion, and Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in 44.

What’s your favorite shade of red lipstick?

Images: Photographed by Ben Ritter for Refinery29

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