How to find your dream red lipstick

Posted on 24 July, 2018

Icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marylin Monroe and Madonna somehow managed to nail their ideal red pout.

However, among all the options, brands, formulas and endless shades, many people struggle to find a red that really suits.

This guide will help you identify what you should look out for next time you’re on the hunt for your perfect red shade, and how to complete your makeup bag with a lip that best suits you.

Remember that no matter your skin tone, age, or demographic- makeup has no rules! If you love it, rock it- this is just a guide to get you on your way.

Skin undertones: What are they and why do they matter?

First things first: Your skin’s undertone matters when trying to find your dream lip shade.

Your skin either includes undertones of pink or undertones of yellow. Pink undertones are ‘cool’ and yellow undertones are ‘warm’. A quick way to ascertain your undertone is by looking at the veins on the insides of your wrist.

If your veins appear blue, chances are you have a cool undertone. If they appear green, on the other hand, you have a warmer undertone to your skin. Do your veins look like a bit of both?… You’re one of the lucky ones that probably has a neutral undertone, meaning you can pull off any colour you wish!

The perfect statement reds for a cool undertone

Blue-based reds often make the perfect lip for those with a cool undertone. Look for shades that have that ‘cherry red’ appearance to them, and you’re on the right track.

On a cool toned person, blue-based reds have the allure of making teeth look their whitest.

Mac Russian Red

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkk-FJ2nOe-/?taken-by=maccosmetics

For a cult-classic Mac Cosmetics lip, one cannot look past the infamous ‘Russian Red’. For cool-toned ladies, this is the perfect red to amp up your look and take you straight to Hollywood glam. Layer with a clear gloss on top to achieve the juiciest cherry pout.

Available at Mecca Maxima, Canberra Centre

Chantecaille Lip Stick in ‘Cerise’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdqxkvQgJyk/?taken-by=chantecaille

For a bold, bright cool toned red, Chantecaille’s ‘Cerise’ is ideal. The formula of this lip is creamy, opaque and extremely comfortable on the lips. It’s the ultimate pop of colour.

Available at Mecca Cosmetica, Canberra Centre

Suratt La Baton Rouge Lipstick in ‘Galocher’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhOcy6DAYWS/?taken-by=meccacosmetica

Surratt has amped-up lipstick technology with this formula. Not only have they created a stunning blue-red shade, but their double-ended lip stylo means that with one end, you can create a satin look and with the other end you can lock it down with a matte pigment powder.

If you can’t decide between rocking a creamy or matte lip that day, pop this in your bag and you can have the best of both worlds!

Available at Mecca Cosmetica, Canberra Centre

The perfect statement reds for a warm undertone

In contrast to their cool toned friends, women with warm toned skin generally look best in more ‘orange-y’ or warmer reds. Don’t be afraid to go darker, as wine-coloured lipsticks will also pop on any olive-toned goddess.

Hourglass Confession Lipstick in ‘I Desire’

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkNu2A5HLds/?taken-by=hourglasscosmetics

I love the Hourglass Confession Lipsticks for their chic design and easy-to-use shape, which makes filling in lips a breeze. The formula is fully pigmented with a satin finish and the shade ‘I Desire’, makes for the perfect orange-y red pout.

Available at Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima, Canberra Centre

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in ‘Beso’

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkiy7HVhpOu/?taken-by=stilacosmetics

Stila’s ‘Beso’ is an absolute classic when it comes to a firey, warm red. Delivering rich pigmentation and a matte long-lasting formula, wearing this unique shade is sure to give your confidence a little boost.

Available at Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima, Canberra Centre

Nars Audacious Lipstick in ‘Mona’

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg1LZ-yFljU/?taken-by=narsissist

Nars ‘Mona’ is your answer to a warm, vampy winter lip. I personally adore this formula, as it is great for someone who wants a comfortable long-wear lipstick that isn’t drying or matte. With one swipe, you’ll see bold colour opacity and a beautiful creamy texture to the lips.

Available at Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima, Canberra Centre