A Red Lip Never Fails: Find Your Perfect Red

A red lip is a bold statement, especially around the holidays. I've loved red lipstick since my early twenties. As someone who cannot wear eye makeup during certain seasons, I focus on my lips. Whether I worked as a nanny, in human resources, or as a substitute teacher, I love wearing a red lip. The only time I recall not wearing a red lip for a couple of years was the early stages of motherhood where I became a very relaxed and muted version of myself. Then there was COVID-19, where I worked from home for over three years and barely wore an ounce of makeup. By this time, I owned not one red lipstick. I don't know what I was thinking, but I was clearly out of my mind. As a way to get back to my normal self, I went on the hunt for red lipstick since my old lipstick was discontinued. I was so lucky to have found my color on my first try.

Here are some tips on finding your perfect red lipstick:

How to Choose the Perfect Red

See it on Your Skin Tone. It is recommended that we know our undertones to pick out the perfect lip color, but that may not work all the time. If you don't know whether you are a warm, neutral, or cool undertone, shopping in person is your best bet. For those who do know their undertone, you can flex your muscles with both in-person and online shopping.

Choose your Finish. Color is not the only thing to consider when choosing lipstick. The finish is equally important to the final look. Here are a few things to consider:

• Are you looking for a long-wearing matte formula, a tinted lip balm, or a satin lipstick with high moisture?

• Keep in mind that a lipstick’s texture (cream, matte, or gloss) could affect the way the shade looks on your lips.

• If you want to ease your way into a bold red lip, a gloss is a great place to start and build from.

• Some websites allow you to find your perfect shade by uploading a photo of yourself and applying different shades

Accentuate. Your overall look contributes to the appearance of your lipstick. You can add a lip liner to perfect the outer lines of your lipstick or for contrast. You can also go for a soft look, something dewy, or even full glam. Whatever direction you go, this is the moment to enhance your lipstick and accentuate your features.

If you keep these three things in mind, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect color.

Bold, Renata Poleon, 2024

(Top photo from Shutterstock)