There’s something undeniably sexy about a sultry red lip—especially one that complements skin tone just right.
There’s something undeniably sexy about a sultry red lip—especially one that complements skin tone just right. However, we all know that finding the perfect hue can be downright frustrating. Thankfully, L’Oréal Paris has heard your cry and created an exclusive collection of vibrant reds designed for the fairest and darkest complexions. We caught up with L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Makeup Artist Sir John to answer a few of your burning beauty questions—plus offer a few expert tricks along the way.
(Related: How To Mattify Your Lipstick, So You Don’t Have To Shell Out For A New Matte Shade)
What characteristics make a red lipstick universally flattering?
A universally flattering red lip shade is one that does not have any pink undertones. Look for reds that are orange-based or blue-based. An orange-based red makes a complexion look tanner and adds a bit of a glow to the skin. While a blue-based red will help punctuate white teeth and put one’s smile on a proverbial pedestal.
How can I find the right red lipsticks for my skin tone?
Those with a fair skin tone should look for a blue-based red to contrast the pink undertones naturally found in their skin. My favorites are the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipcolour in Julianne’s Red or Doutzen’s Red. Those with medium to olive skin should look for a red with a bit of a brown undertone like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipcolour in Freida’s Red. Finally, someone with a darker complexion should lean toward a wine-colored shade like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipcolour in Zoe’s Red that will help increase the skin’s merlot undertone.
How much does my undertone matter?
Undertone is important, but one’s complexion (and the time of year) is even more important. Your undertone is never going to change, but your complexion can be based on the season. I suggest opting for a softer, vibrant shade of red in summer and a deeper wine shade of red in the winter.
What should I do if I am hesitant to try bright shades?
For someone nervous about embracing color, I suggest trying the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Lacque and Le Matte Lip Pens. They are non-committal ways of embracing color as they provide a dense application of color but with slightly less of a statement than the traditional lip color. They’re perfect for the girl who’s a true minimalist at heart.
Honestly, how can I make my lip color last longer?
I like to apply a small amount of pressed powder all around the lip before applying color. Doing this helps ensure your lip color doesn’t feather or bleed throughout all the nuances of the day, like eating and drinking. It really makes sure your lip color stays put.
How do I know which formula to pick for full-coverage cover?
The staying power of lipstick has a lot to do with a lack of hydration. The more matte color is, the less it appears to have a luster, so it will tend to last longer. What I love about the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Collection Exclusive Pure Reds Lipcolour is that they are very moisturizing and hydrating while giving a matte look. If you’re looking for full-coverage and long-lasting color, opt for my favorite, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolour—it goes above and beyond in terms of staying power.
What Is The Best Red Lipstick?
A holiday makeup look requires a great red lipstick, but there are a million shades out there. What is the best red lipstick you’ve ever tried?
The holidays are here, and basically, all holiday makeup looks to rely on a bright red lip. That means if you do not yet have a perfect red lipstick in your collection, it’s probably time to get one. You’ll get a lot of use out of it between now and January. But there are a lot of red lipsticks out there, so which one should you buy?
There really is a red lipstick out there for everyone, regardless of skin tone or lip shape. Some reds are a little blue. Some reds are a little orange. Some reds look pink if you squint at them. With all the different colors out there, there’s certainly one that will work for you. Is it a bright, pinkish, retro red like Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow? Is it a dark, gothy brick color like Chanel’s Rouge Noir?
I love both of those colors, but when I think of “the best red lipstick,” I think of a bright, true red. Now a “true red” is hard to find because there’s always some orange or blue or pink in there, and finding a red that looks equally red on every wearer is a pretty tall order. But to my eye, the perfect true red is Besame Red by retro makeup company Besame–which we can actually buy at Sephora now, so hooray for that!
But there are a lot of different reds in the world, and they all magically seem to look completely different on different people. The Gloss readers seem to have an affinity for a statement lip, so let’s try crowdsourcing this conundrum: What’s your favorite red lipstick? Let us know in the comments!