The Perfect Red Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

March 02, 2021
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

No makeup stash is complete without a red lipstick. In the lip category, there’s no color as classic, and depending on the shade you choose and how you wear it, the color can be vibrant, bold, sophisticated or edgy. In addition to the overall vibe you’re going for, your skin tone should come into play when searching for your perfect red lipstick. While some shades of red are universally flattering, there are others that best complement light, medium or dark complexions. Read on for tips on how to find the best red lippie for you.   

For Light Skin Tones

A cool, blue-toned red will complement and brighten your fair skin and natural flush without washing you out. We love the new Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick in More Ruby. The striking red shade has blue undertones and a creamy matte formula that’s comfortable and non-drying.


For Medium Skin Tones

Medium skin tones pretty much have their pick when it comes to red lipstick — both cool- and warm-toned shades will flatter you. A great true red is the L'Oréal Paris Brilliant Signature Lip Stain in Be Brilliant, which is vibrant and has a high-shine, long-lasting finish. 

For those with an olive complexion, go for an orange-based red that will pop against your skin. A favorite is the YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture x Zoe Kravitz Lipstick in London Sky that has a spicy look and an edgy vibe.

For Dark Skin Tones

Deep skin tones deserve a red as rich as their complexion. Go bright with a pinky-red shade like the 

NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud Pro Pigment Lip Shine in Rebel in Red. Or, choose a lippie with depth on the other end of the spectrum. You can’t go wrong with The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Brickhouse, a brown-toned red. 


Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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