How to Pick the Best Red Lipstick for Your Skin Tone, According to Makeup Artists

portrait of smiling person on green cloth

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Red lipstick is like the little black dress of the makeup world. But with so many shades available, it can be hard to pick a favorite. What's more, it can be nearly impossible to pick a red lipstick that complements your skin tone, if you're not sure how to go about it.

"As a general rule, stick with the same shade undertone in the reds as one's skin undertone, cool with cool and warm with warm," says Kirsten Kjaer Weis, makeup artist and brand founder of Kjaer Weis. And while you can and should wear any color that makes you feel your best, being equipped with some basic guidelines can help you narrow down your choices if you are trying to suit your skin tone.

We called on Weis and celebrity makeup artist Latisha Nicole Rankin to learn how to find the best red lipstick for all skin tones.

Meet the Expert

  • Latisha Nicole Rankin is a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Jordin Sparks, Tracey Edmonds, Angela Simmons, and Paula Abdul.
  • Kirsten Kjaer Weis is a makeup artist and the founder of Kjaer Weis.

How to Find the Right Shade of Red

A good red lipstick can make a bold statement. But with so many variations in skin tones and undertones, some trial and error is needed to find the right shade. Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your perfect red.

  • Experiment, swatch, and try on various shades of red to see what you feel best in.
  • Found a red that's too bright or dark for your liking? Hold off on tossing it, as it can bring some depth to a too-light red. Or, you can also make a deep red lighter by layering a gold lipgloss on top.
  • Know that a lipstick’s texture (cream, matte, or gloss) could have an effect on the way the shade looks on your lips.
  • If you aren't ready to commit to bold red lipstick, ease into the shade with a sheer formula, or try a lip stain to gradually incorporate the color into your look.

The Best Red Shades For Deep Skin

Lupita Nyong'o in blue eye shadow and red lipstick
Ben A. Pruchnie/Stringer / Getty Images

"Deep skin tones can carry pretty much all reds, warm and cool undertones," says Weis, who says that her brand's Weis also says that her brand's shades of Amour Rouge ($30), a bright orange'y red as well as Authentic ($30), a deep, slightly cooler undertone red, "both complement deeper skin beautifully."

Reach for wines, berries, and brick reds for your deeper shade of skin. We're fans of NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($27) in Cruella as well as Kjaer Weis's Lipstick ($30) in Adore.

The Best Red Shades For Olive Skin

Winnie Harlow in a black velvet dress and red lipstick


Rich Fury / Getty Images

Weis recommends warmer undertones for olive skin, as cooler undertones can become a bit pasty. Think yellow or orange-based reds like coral and poppy. While fuchsia and anything else with a cooler undertone can dull out your complexion, pinks can still work with olive skin. Our picks are Kjaer Weis Lipstick ($30) in Empower; Maybelline's Color Sensational The Mattes Lipstick ($10) in Rich Ruby; and for a fiery shade, Charlotte Tilbury's Hot Lips 2 ($38) in Red Hot Susan.

The Best Red Shades For Medium Skin

Shay Mitchell wearing wine-colored lipstick
JB Lacroix / Getty Images

If you have medium skin tone, you have more versatility when it comes to picking a red lipstick. Both cool and warm reds will complement you, but keep in mind corals can make your skin appear dull, especially if your undertone is cool. "Medium skin tones typically have a warm/golden undertone, so I recommend warmer-toned lipsticks," says Weis.

Try Wet n Wild's Mega Last High-Shine Lip Color ($3) in Fire-Fighting or Kjaer Weis Lipstick ($30) in Sucre, a deep, warm, Hollywood red.

Byrdie Tip

When using a high-shine lipstick, ensure a smooth result by gently exfoliating your lips pre-application. And, to tone down any excess shine, try dusting some setting powder on top to slightly mattify.

The Best Red Shades For Light Skin

Gwen Stefani with a high messy topknot and red lipstick
David Becker / Getty Images

"Undertone for the light skin tone is important here; if neutral to warm, go for warmer undertones," says Weis as people with light skin tones can wear a bright red for a bold pop of color against their fair skin. However, this skin tone tends to look better in cool reds or berry reds with blue undertones (think: cranberry).

Try Pat McGrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick ($39) in Elson 013 or Jane Iredale's Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick ($35) in Gwen.

The Best Red Shades For Fair Skin

Nicole Kidman at an awards show wearing red lipstick
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

The best red lipstick for fair skin is one that'll complement the natural pink flush tone your skin already has. The same goes for undertone here as well. "If the undertone is neutral/cool, stick with cooler undertones for lips," says Weis. Look for cool-hued reds that use blue and purple as a base (versus orange) for a flattering finish. Best part about cool reds? They can also make your teeth appear whiter.

Try MAC's Powder Kiss Lipstick ($26) in Werk, Werk, Werk or Glossier Generation G ($18) in Zip.

The Best Red Shades For All Skin Tones

Gabrielle Union wearing red lipstick and a black dress
JB Lacroix / Getty Images

In the world of reds, there are a few that are universally flattering. Rankin's favorite? MAC's Retro Matte Lipstick ($23) in Ruby Woo. "It truly looks great on every complexion, as the blue undertones in this lipstick are just right," she says. "Oftentimes, other cosmetic companies add too much yellow or orange into their red lipsticks causing the lipstick to appear very bright on some skin tones. Ruby Woo is a perfect, universal red that anyone can proudly wear regardless of skin tone."

For a wallet-friendly option, try Maybelline's Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick collection ($5 each)—this shade selection is made to flatter skin tones on all ends of the spectrum.

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