Our Best Red Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

We happen to believe that every woman should have a red lipstick in her makeup bag. Red lips are a classic after all and the color pairs well with just about everything. Whether you want to jazz up a LBD or jeans and a T-shirt, red lipstick should be your go-to makeup product. But how do you know the best red lipstick for you? After all, that dark red lipstick you borrowed from a friend might inexplicably not suit you—even if it looks amazing on her. The answer is to let your skin tone be the guide and play around with different finishes and shades until you find the one you like best. Follow our tips below to find the best red lipstick for your skin tone!

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT RED LIPSTICK FOR YOUR SKIN TONE

We talk a lot about finding the best red for your skin tone, but your undertones are really what’s most important here. If you have pink or cool undertones, reach for a blue-based red. Meanwhile, if you have warmer undertones, opt for a red lipstick with orange undertones. An easy way to tell what undertones your skin has is by looking at the inside of your wrists. If your veins are blue, you have cool undertones. If your veins are green, you have warm undertones. If you can’t tell, you very well may have neutral undertones, in which case both orange and blue-based reds will look beautiful on you!

When it comes to what finish of red lipstick to choose, take your personal preference into account—whether you pick a red matte lipstick or one that’s shimmery or shiny, it’s totally up to you.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR EVERY SKIN TONE

Ready to add the perfect red lipstick to your makeup repertoire? To get you started, here are a handful of gorgeous options—from bright red to burgundy—for every skin tone.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR FAIR SKIN TONES

If you have fair skin, you may be hesitant to reach for a red lipstick. Don’t worry, we have you covered with the perfect shades to complement your skin!

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in British Red: This blue-based red lipstick is perfect for those with cool undertones. You’ll be rocking a traditional, bright red lip. The creamy formula also contains nourishing ingredients like omega-3, vitamin E, and argan oil to give your lips intense hydration.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Matte Lipstick in Doesn't Matte-r: Want to rock a bold red lipstick without toning things down or sticking to a true red hue? Try wearing a burgundy shade instead. The darker color, which suits those with cool undertones, is perfect for slightly more formal events. This is the way to embrace red lips without going overboard.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in Volcanic: Warm undertones, we’re looking at you! This orange-based bright red hue is the perfect shade for those who want to wear a classic red lip.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR LIGHT SKIN TONES

If you have light skin, you may be wary about a red lipstick being too harsh against your skin tone. Never fear—your perfect red lipstick is here!

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in Classic Wine: Try a slightly deeper red lip with this wine-inspired hue. The hydrating formula will nourish your lips while giving you luxuriously rich color. This deep red shade complements those with cool undertones.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lip in DIY Red: This bright red lip color, which looks amazing on anyone with cool undertones, will give your pout the classic red you crave. The formula provides vibrant, full-coverage color and comfortable wear.

L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Achieve: Love a candy apple red lip? Look no further than this orange-based red, which is perfect for those with warm undertones. The long-lasting matte liquid lipstick will feel light on your lips.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in Raspberry Rush: This pink-red lipstick will coat your lips in a bright red hue worthy of your next Instagram selfie. The orange-based red will look stunning on those with warm undertones.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR MEDIUM SKIN TONES

If you have a medium skin tone, you’re in luck! There are a variety of red hues you can rock. Here are some of our favorites:

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in True Red: This rich, classic red lip is ideal for those who have warm undertones. The bright hue will contrast beautifully with your medium skin tone while the conditioning formula will help keep your lips hydrated.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in Ruby Flame: This bright red lip has blue undertones that make it the perfect shade for those who have coordinating cool undertones. The formula provides luxurious color while conditioning your lips.

L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Am Worth It: This blood red lip color offers a slightly darker take on a traditional red hue. With its blue base, it’ll be most flattering on those with cool undertones.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR OLIVE SKIN TONES

If you have olive skin, you can venture into more daring hues. Here are some of our favorite red lipsticks for olive skin tones.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Matte Lipstick in Matte at Bat: Think you can’t quite pull off red lips? Think again! Give classic red lipstick another chance with this orange-tinted red, which looks amazing when paired with warm undertones.

L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Don’t: Want to wear a classic red but have cool undertones? This beautiful, bright, blue-based red is exactly what you’re looking for.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Matte Lipstick in Devil’s Matte-vocate Red: This rich red with blue undertones is just slightly darker than a classic red. Your lips will be coated in rich matte color while getting intense hydration.

L’Oréal Paris L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in Blazing Lava: Don’t want to wear a matte lip? No problem! This red lip has a satin finish and comes in a slightly darker hue with blue undertones—perfect for all our gals with cool undertones.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR DEEP SKIN TONES

Have a deep skin tone? Lucky you! Your deep skin will be flattered by just about any red hue, whether you opt for a candy red or a sultry maroon.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible PAINTS/LIPS Matte in Cinna-bomb: If you prefer a red that’s more on the maroon side of the spectrum, this is the color for you. This dark red lipstick has a blue base that will complement those with cool undertones. The matte formula provides high impact color, full coverage, and comfortable wear.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Shine Lipstick in Enamel Red: This bright, orange-based red lipstick will flatter those with warm undertones. The ultra-rich formula provides comfortable wear and rich color pay-off with a glossy finish to top things off.

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick Lipcolour in Divine Wine: This dark, purple-red color will look seriously gorgeous against your deep skin tone. The blue-based lipstick is perfect for those with cool undertones and will give your lips ultra-hydrating color.

OUR BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR ALL SKIN TONES

While picking a lipstick based on your skin tone is a great way to find a color that is sure to look stunning, there are a few shades of red that are universally flattering. Consider adding one (or all) of them to your makeup collection!

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-ly In Love: If you’re in love with classic, true reds and old school swivel lipsticks, make sure to get your hands on this eye-catching hue. The rich pigment glides on smoothly to create a gorgeous lip look that will last through your morning coffee and after-work drinks.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Stirred: Hey, true reds aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get in on this go-to look. Instead of rocking a bright, candy apple red lipstick, consider trying this dustier color, which blends red, nude, and brick hues together for a more muted red lip.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Matador: Love a good matte lip? Who doesn’t? Pair a lipstick with a matte finish with a red hue and you’ll have yourself a picture-perfect pout.

HOW TO APPLY A RED LIP

Determining which red lipstick will complement your skin tone best—and finding it in your favorite finish—is only half the battle. How you apply your red lipstick is an important part of the process, too. Here’s how to do it right:

STEP 1: PREP YOUR POUT

Putting lipstick onto dry, flaky lips? We don’t think so! Use a lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your lips first.

STEP 2: PRIME YOUR LIPS

Use an invisible lip liner as a primer, filling in your lips and then tracing along your natural lip line. This can help prevent bleeding and make your lipstick stay put all day.

STEP 3: APPLY YOUR RED LIPSTICK

It’s go time, so get to work! Pick up your red lipstick and smooth it onto your lips.

THE BEST RED LIPSTICK MAKEUP: HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR LOOK

Red lips are a total statement-maker, so you may be wondering how to finish your red lips makeup look. Consider choosing one of the following options for makeup looks to pair with your red lip!

OPTION #1: KEEP IT SIMPLE

Make your red lips the center of your look by keeping the rest of your face simple, fresh, and dewy. To get the look, use a lightweight, glowing foundation, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow Foundation. It has a dewy finish that looks fresh off the runway. For best results, apply it with a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender. Place a small amount of foundation on the pointed tip of the blender, then use dabbing and rolling motions to blend the foundation onto your skin using the bottom of the sponge. Top off your look with a coat of volumizing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara, and you’re done. Seriously, that’s it! When you wear red lipstick, it does all the work—so minimal makeup is all you need.

OPTION #2: AMP UP THE DRAMA

Just because you’re rocking a statement lip doesn’t mean you have to forego a statement eye. Take your whole look up a notch by wearing a classic black smoky eye with your red lip. This is the perfect pair for a night out on the town or a special occasion.

OPTION #3: MAKE IT BRONZE

Bronze makeup is a personal favorite of ours, and it happens to be seriously on-trend at the moment. Tie your red lip makeup look together with a bronze eye. This pairing offers a great balance between subtle and dramatic. To get the look, start by painting your lids with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Amber Rush. Then, define your crease with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe. Finish your eye makeup with a few coats of the L’Oréal Paris Unlimited Lash Lifting and Lengthening Washable Mascara.

Think your makeup bag may be missing the perfect pink lipstick? Say no more! Find your perfect shade in our article, How to Find the Best Pink Lipstick for Your Skin Tone.