How To Find The Best Red Lipstick For Your Skin Tone

Ahead, find your perfect red lipstick based on your skin and undertones. Take our quick quiz to identify yours, then follow along below. Happy shopping! 

See, cool undertones give the skin a pink, blue, or red hue, so pulling from those colors will help you nail down your go-to shade. (A bonus: Blue-based reds can neutralize any yellow tones in your teeth, which makes them look cooler and whiter.) Wine- and berry-laced shades will look divine, or find a true red below with slightly cooler tones.

If you align with the former, you might want to select a shade that leans more apricot or orange. "It will bring overall balance to the complexion instead of exaggerating the pink tone," makeup artist Alexandra Compton, product development manager at Credo, previously told mbg.

As the name suggests, those with neutral undertones have a mix of hues within their skin—and they can generally rock any type of red. "Because of their neutral undertones, they are able to wear red shades with blue undertones or orange undertones, as either will complement their skin tone," Saenz says. Crimson, rust, brick, or cherry—take your pick. 

Olive and warm undertones can typically find success with the same lipstick hues, just know that olive undertones often give a green or gray, sometimes ashen hue to the skin. To brighten up the complexion, "I love an orange-based red for people with olive undertones, including shades of coral and poppy," notes Saenz.

In terms of application, prepping the lips is key. Ensure a clean, even surface by exfoliating away flakes, then layer on a moisturizing lip balm; let those hydrating ingredients sink into the lips for a beat so that your color glides on effortlessly. Then dab your red lipstick in the center of your top and bottom lips, using your finger to diffuse the pigment (that will give you a lighter red tint). "When I'm looking for serious color payoff, I'll follow with a second layer," Saenz adds.

You can, of course, snag any shade of red that speaks to you, but it does help to find one that suits your personal undertones. It's a general rule for any lipstick shade (not just reds): Match the underlying hues peeking through your complexion, and your glam will look expert-level.