The Perfect Red Lipstick For Every Skin Tone

With holiday party season upon us, red lips are more of a must than ever. But for anyone who has ever tried to seek out the perfect shade of crimson, you know that no two reds are alike. Even more important, most of the shades out there probably don't work for your specific skin tone. We asked Minneapolis-based makeup artist Lisa Reinhardt to explain exactly which red works for which complexion—so you don't have to struggle in the makeup aisle at the drugstore.

 

For Very Fair Skin…

Ladies with skin bordering on translucent don't need to shy away from bold red lips. Reinhardt says to look for a cool-toned red shade, one that is closer to a berry (as opposed to fire-engine red). It will contrast with the pink in your skin’s undertones. Her favorite is NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl ($25, sephora.com). "It will last you through the night—even after a few holiday cocktails,” she says.

 

For Peachy-Pink Skin…

Reinhardt recommends first lining the lips in a nude pencil to keep your look clean and to make the bright shade you're about to apply last. Then, follow with a hue that pops (think: hot, hot reds) like Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Fireworks ($33, sephora.com).

 

For Olive and Yellow Skin…

Have a medium skin tone with yellow undertones? Reinhardt says berry- or wine-toned reds are the best for your complexion since they tend to complement the yellow and green undertones in your skin. “Deep mauve-based tones are perfect,” she says. She recommends trying Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color in SPF 16($9.99, target.com).

 

For Medium-Dark Skin…

If your skin tone is similar to Kerry Washington's or Jennifer Hudson's, listen up! Reinhardt says that the best reds for warm, dark complexions are orange-red hues. “Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Red Muse ($35, sephora.com) looks stunning on these gals,” she says. For a more dramatic effect, she recommends the matte finish of a shade like Make Up For Ever Professional Rouge Artist Intense Lip Color in #43 ($20, sephora.com).

 

For Dark Skin…

“Darker ladies are so lucky,” says Reinhardt. “They can pull off a bright, bold lip with minimum makeup.” Translation: You can basically take your pick of shades. Reinhardt loves NARS Lipstick in Scarlet Empress ($26, sephora.com).