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You just haven’t found your right red yet.
A history of red
Red lipstick is a timeless look that has lasted generations. For over 5,000 years, red lipstick has been a symbol of status, power, rebellion and even a mark of independence and freedom for women’s voting rights in the early 20th century, according to a 2024 National Geographic article by Faye Keegan. We’ve seen it worn proudly on female icons such as Marilyn Monroe and Taylor Swift. So why are so many women scared to wear a red lip?
One of the most common misconceptions about red lipstick is that not everyone can wear it. Many women believe the color isn’t right for them, claiming the red lipstick is too bold or it makes them look silly, but there is a right red out there for everyone. Maybe the problem isn’t the red; it’s the type of red.
Knowing your palette
Red is an incredibly diverse shade range for lipstick, so knowing your personal color palette can aid you in your journey to find your best red. First, start by checking to see if you have cool, warm or neutral undertones as outlined in a guide by withSimpilicity. You can do this by checking the color and shade of the veins on your wrist.
Knowing your undertones can help determine which red shade you should try.
Blue/purple veins: You probably have cool undertones and should consider a blue-based red lipstick
Blue/green veins: You probably have neutral undertones and should consider a true red-based lipstick
Green/olive veins: You probably have warm undertones and should consider an orange-based red lipstick
Types of finishes
Shade isn’t the only variable to consider for red lipstick; the finish of a lipstick determines its intensity and effect on your lips. Matte, sheer, glossy and cream, there’s a finish out there for you.
I’m feeling…
| Bold and glam | Natural and minimalistic | Fresh and youthful | Confident and comfortable |
| Try…A matte red lipstick! | Try…A sheer red lipstick! | Try…A glossy red lipstick/gloss! | Try…A cream red lipstick! |
| Pros: Matte is longer-lasting than any other finish. Cons: Can be drying on the lips and feel uncomfortable after a while. |
Pros: Sheer is a low-commitment option with a natural look. Cons: Can come off very quickly and end up looking more pink than red. |
Pros: Gloss is often more vibrant and visible than sheer, yet is still a low-commitment option. Cons: Isn’t as natural-looking and comes off easily. Many applications are sometimes required. |
Pros: Cream is the best of both worlds between matte and sheer. Vibrant but lightweight. Cons: Can come off quickly and application matters most with this type. |
Your right red is right around the corner (or at your local cosmetics store)
From drugstore to high-end, the right red for you is out there somewhere. Combining your best shade and your preferred finish, here are some of the best reds within your budget, whatever that budget might be.
Easing yourself into your newest obsession
Red lipstick can be a big commitment, so knowing how to apply your new red is just as important as finding your perfect match.
Sheer and glossy finishes can help you ease into your red and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, but matte and cream lipsticks don’t have to be overwhelming either.
Try blurring: starting from the inside of your lips and moving outwards to apply your red. Instead of swiping, however, tap the product onto your lips. This creates a more subtle look while still maintaining the red coloring.
Try blotting: after applying your lipstick, take a thin tissue to your lips and press down. This method can help remove some of the excess product and create a more even finish.
For red lipstick, less is often more.
Are you red-dy for it?
Red lipstick is a spectrum and somewhere in that spectrum is the right red for you.
The right red for you isn’t necessarily the red that follows these guidelines or even the red that, on paper, would look best on you; it’s the red that makes you feel the most confident in yourself. You just need to find it.