We often remember our first red lipstick: the one drawn out for a night out with the girls, an important meeting or an interview where we wanted to appear confident. An absolute classic, it crosses fashions and can be found in almost all vanities, whatever the age or style.
But finding the red that seems made for you, the one that you wear without hesitation in the morning and in the evening, often remains a headache. Warm or cool undertone, matte or shiny finish, light or ultra-pigmented texture: every detail counts so that the color blends with your face. And that’s where it all comes down to it.
Why red lipstick suits everyone
Makeup artists repeat it: no one is really excluded from red, you just have to adjust the shade. Reds are generally divided into two families of undertones. Cool shades lean towards blue, raspberry or cherry, while warm reds flirt with orange, coral or poppy for a sunny effect.
On very fair skin, almost everything works: a cold cherry red will give a chic contrast, a warmer geranium red will awaken the complexion. Matte or olive skin tones go well with orange-red and very bold reds. On black skin, deep reds or slightly purple ones create a spectacular result.
Choose the red lipstick that enhances your skin tone
Experts classify reds into two main families. Reds with cool undertones lean towards blue, purple or pink, with cherry or raspberry shades very popular. Those with a warm undertone contain a hint of orange, yellow or coral. Depending on your skin tone, hair and iris color, one of these families will flatter your features more.
The finish changes everything about how you wear red lipstick. A matte or powdered lipstick gives a very sophisticated look, visually refines the lips and lasts better over time. A shiny or glossy finish makes the mouth look fuller and more comfortable, perfect if your lips are thin or often dry. Shiny formulas like Guerlain’s KissKiss Shine Bloom, made with 95% ingredients of natural origin, focus on comfort, while mattes like Givenchy Deep Velvet advertise up to 6 hours of hydration and 12 hours of intensity, and Dior On Stage 24 hours of hydration.
Find the red lipstick you need every day
For a stress-free first step, choose a shiny and comfortable texture. YSL Loveshine, for example, offers intense color and long-lasting hydration. Sisley Phyto-Rouge Shine Sheer Chili combines red color, gloss shine and balm comfort.
To choose quickly, keep in mind:
- Is my skin fair, dark or black? ;
- Do I prefer a discreet or very intense red?
By crossing these answers, you come across your ideal red.