The perfect red lipstick for every skin tone (and undertone), from deep burgundy to pillarbox red

Red lipstick still remains one of the most versatile makeup looks – it can be alluring, seductive, festive, outspoken, rebellious, bold, loud and ultra, ultra chic. That’s a lot of personality traits to get from one lipstick bullet.

Plus, red lipstick is the easiest way to look powerful, pulled-together and glam in a single swipe. If you change nothing else about your makeup, a strong red lip can instantly change the whole feel.
Gwyneth Paltrow once said: “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kickass red lipstick.” We couldn’t agree more.

Given lots of us have had to relegate our lipsticks for the majority of the past two years, the festive season seems like the right time for their joyful and triumphant return. Whether you’re off to a pub lunch for a cosy catch-up with mates over mulled wine, heading to the annual office party or reuniting with family over the Christmas break, a swipe of holly red seems a fitting tribute. 

It’s a chance for us to truly get our glad rags on and fall back in love with getting glammed-up – even briefly – before we go back to skipping hair washes in Jan. Plus (bonus), experts say putting on makeup is an effective way to boost your mental health.

Seasoned red-lip wearers already know the power a rouge lip holds. But, if you’re still in the market for the perfect bold lip colour having not yet found your match, its simple to customise the finish to a look you’re comfortable with. If you don’t fancy a full-on matte lip, opt for a slightly sheerer texture (like that of the YSL Rouge Volupte Shine), or apply your lipstick to the centre of your lips and blend out with your fingertips for a more diffused finish. If you like a bolder finish, layer up the colour for a punchy and audacious red lip.

Shade-wise, the options are endless there, too. “Generally, we find that blue-toned reds work best on skin with cooler undertones, while warmer skin can get away with most shades of red, from orange hues to intense, wine tones,” explains Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne Beauty. 

However, it appears that the choosing the perfect hue process is not a one-size-fits-all situation. “Skin tone differs so immensely from person to person, but also through the seasons which people often forget, and who are we to say if you can or can’t wear a shade that you love? That’s why we like to say ‘Your shade your rules’. Confidence is the key to looking striking in any shade!” she added.

But don’t be boxed in by the ‘rules’ – experiment. You might find a red with a hint of fuchsia rose is your jam, or a luxuriously deep garnet feels most ‘you’. As for a full festive red lip look, check out the tutorial below which takes you through pretty eyeshadow pairings and a bullet-proof formula that will withstand your mask without streaking.