I’m not gonna lie, for the longest time I was staying away from red lipsticks as my go-to makeup look was all about nudes. But I’ve always been captivated by red lips as they give that Hollywood Glam (think Marylin Monroe) and sophisticated vibe! Plus I’ve also learned how to pick the right red for my complexion and hair! Yes, you read it right, you need to take your skin tone and hair color into consideration while choosing your red lipstick in order for it to enhance your beautiful complexion and not look clowny! So if you have an olive or medium skin tone like mine, pick a red lipstick with a warm undertone like gold, orange as a cooler undertone can dull out your complexion.
You can pair it with sharp eyeliner and matte skin for a sexy modern look, or a glowy and simple complexion if you want to rock it the French effortless way! As for the finishes, gloss, matte, or satin, they’re all beautiful to me and I don’t care about trends, as much as it suits you and makes you feel beautiful. But have in mind that matte lipsticks tend to make your lips appear smaller or thinner, whereas satin and glossy finishes give you more plump and juicy-looking lips. Either way, here are my favorite red lipsticks of the moment.
Clarins Joli Rouge Lacquer in Deep Red
This is one of my favorite textures as it is the perfect combo between lipstick and balm. The Joli Rouge Lacquer gives you the hydration of a balm thanks to its organic Salicornia extract and 70% oil composition, and the vibrant vinyl red color thanks to its highly pigmented formula.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution, in Red Carpet Red
If you are into matte lipsticks, you’re gonna love this one from Charlotte Tilbury. The formula is not too drying and the color is absolutely gorgeous. Charlotte Tilbury does the most beautiful lipsticks and has a range inspired by her favorite celebrities such as Sofia Vergara, Amal Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, so if your complexion is similar to these girls, it’s easier for you to pick the lipsticks that will match you perfectly!
Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge, in Rouge chéri
This is the lipstick I’m wearing in the photo and gives me the idea of this blog post. I love its satin finish and the formula is quite hydrating and long-lasting. I know that the L’Absolu rouge comes in three different finishes and they have several beautiful reds suitable for olive skin tones such as Berry Noir (matte) or Rouge Amour (cream).
Dior Rouge Dior in 999 (velvet)
I guess we can all agree to call this the perfect French red! Not too loud but still vibrant the 999 red by Dior comes in different finishes: satin, velvet, matte and metallic. But my favorite one is the velvet. It’s more sophisticated and elegant in my opinion.
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle, in Shawty
This one is the next-level red lipstick as it is more on the burgundy side as it is a deep rich red with maybe some brown undertone. It goes without saying that if you feel a little bit meh you need to step up your foundation game as these kinds of colors can make you look sick. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful pigmented red that you can apply fully for that sophisticated look or dab on the lips for that “bitten lips” effect