The epitome of glamour and femininity, there’s no denying that red lipstick is the little black dress of your makeup wardrobe. But it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of beauty product; just like picking the perfect nude lipstick, finding the right red for you takes time, consideration and an open mind!
The Perfect Liner
When it comes to a bold red lip, having the right liner is a need, not a want! As you talk, drink, eat and go about your daily life the skin around your mouth creases and moves, and when you've applied a cream product to your warm lips you run the risk of the colour bleeding. That's all fine and dandy with a nude lip, but anything bold and you'll look less chic and more like a small child eating an ice lolly.
Laura Kate ArtistryThere are no rules for what colour to pick, but we have a few suggestions if you're feeling a little lost in the world of liners. The easiest option is to pick a liner that's the exact shade as your lipstick, keeps things simple and uniform so all you have to focus on is drawing a steady line around your mouth! If you're anything like me then you have a few different reds on the go at one time and a whole arsenal of liners can become quite cumbersome in your makeup bag after a while; my advice is to find clear waxy liner and slightly overline, this way you can create a seamless barrier to prevent bleeding that goes well with any lipstick! The only downside is you may need to use a brush for the initial application to ensure you have smooth, clean lines.
What Works With Your Complexion
Tess & JuliaFair
Look for cool-hued reds that use blue and purple as a base (versus orange) for a flattering finish, bright cherry, crimson and cranberry.
NARS Audacious Lipstick LanaAvailable from Brown Thomas for €36.50
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment StarwomanAvailable from Brown Thomas for €30.50
Light
Light complexions typically lean neutral or warm-toned. To really complement your skin tone, use a slight orange-based red.
BOBBI BROWN Crushed Liquid Lip Big AppleAvailable from Brown Thomas for €28
MAC Lipstick Lady DangerAvailable from Brown Thomas for €26
Medium
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; instead, reach for cool purple- or blue-toned reds.
DIOR Rouge Dior Forever Lacquer Lipstick TriumphantAvailable from Brown Thomas for €48
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment Light My FireAvailable from Brown Thomas for €30.50
Olive
Olive skin tones have a yellow-green undertone that tans very easily. To really complement your bronze skin tone, use a brick or rust-colored red.
BOBBI BROWN Crushed Lip Color Parisian RedAvailable from Brown Thomas for €34
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick Show OffAvailable from Brown Thomas for €31.50
Caramel
Caramel skintones tend to run warm and golden, for this reason reach for a true red/cherry to pick up the warmth in your skin tone.
MAC Lipstick Mac RedAvailable from Brown Thomas for €26
NARS Afterglow Sensual Shine Lipstick High VoltageAvailable from Brown Thomas for €31.50
Dark
Red is often considered the most flattering shade for dark skin, because of the warm golden undertones you can play in both bright true red and deep wine.
DIOR Dior Addict Addict Shine Refillable Lipstick SilhouetteAvailable from Brown Thomas for €48
LANCOME Qixi L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte 196Available from Brown Thomas for €38
Deep
Deep skin tones can carry pretty much all reds, warm and cool undertones; Reach for wines, berries, and brick reds for a dreamy classic Hollywood look.
DIOR Rouge Dior Forever Lacquer Lipstick EnigmaticAvailable from Brown Thomas for €48
NARS Audacious Lipstick BetteAvailable from Brown Thomas for €36.50
- Gráinne