It’s that time of year. Winter and the holidays are all about bright, weather-challenging colors, and red is no exception. Unfortunately, finding the right shade of red lipstick can be a real challenge. Here’s a short guide to get you going.
Aubergine wine red: This color looks best on paler skin tones, like those of Rose McGowan and Nicole Kidman. If you blot it on, it will look dramatic and almost like color stain, which makes your face look like perfection. Aubergine wine red also works well with warmer skin tones if the hair has golden or reddish tones in it. This is true of celebrities like (pre-blond) Lindsay Lohan.
Scarlet blue-red: This more harsh red works well with cooler skin tones and dark hair with no color highlights or tones added. The solid, daring shade will accentuate rosy or olive sin and eyes that are blue, green or hazel. Some celebrities that best represent this shade are Angelina Jolie and Natalie Imbruglia. The scarlet blue-red can also work on medium skin, usually with people whose lighter hair has dark streaks or tones in it, such as Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba.
Coral red: The harsh brightness of coral red is a great summer look, particularly on olive skin tones, like those of Aishwarya Rai (you may know her best from Bollywood movies or for winning Miss World in 1994) and Penelope Cruz (you may knew her if you’re living human being). This color works especially well with a little gloss over it, adding a dramatic coloring to a dramatic face.
True red: This sold color works well with all skin tones. The classic shade will accentuate your dark features and stand out among lighter skin tones. As a bonus, you’ll look daring to boot. However, if you have blemishes on your skin, then red should probably be avoided. Stick with a soft rosy color, like sheer cherry or nude red, to soften the appearance of blemish on your skin.
None of the above? If your skin tone doesn’t handle reds well, then go with a dark brick red or a nude invisible red. They’re versatile and soft, so you can wear them any time of day and any time of year. If you’re not comfortable with daring reds, then try rosy or sheer reds, like sheer cherry red, sheer blackberry red or nude invisible red. They’re cute, festive and great for the holidays. As a bonus with the blackberry red, it becomes more dramatic as you apply more, so you can test out different levels of daring chic.
Trying on lipstick: I know that your mother taught you to dab the lipstick on your hand for a good idea of how it will look, but honestly, that doesn’t work. You’ll never know how a shade looks on your lips until you try it on your lips. For this reason, you should go to the mall prepared with makeup cleansing wipes. Find a well-lit counter and tell the lady behind the counter what you’re looking for. She’ll likely know what she’s doing, and you can try on lipsticks all day.
What are your favorite shades of red? Do you have a favorite brand? Let me know!
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/tashagear/4454597225
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