Festive Looks with Red Lipstick
It’s RED LIPSTICK season! Red lipstick is super festive, bold and glamorous! The holidays are the perfect time to wear a red lipstick and elevate your look with a bold pop of red! There are many shades of red and it can become overwhelming as to which shade of red will go well with your skin tone. The red with blue undertones is my go to although I also like some deeper darker richer shades of red. My skin tone is medium or olive. Which is yours? Hopefully, this guide and recommendations will help you pick a shade that’s just right for you! If you think you can’t wear a red lipstick, think again…there’s a shade for everyone!
Universal Shades
A true red shade (with equal amounts blue and orange) is likely to look good on every single skin tone because it doesn’t wash out any of the undertones in your skin.
Fair Complexions
Fair complexions usually have a pink-based undertone. To really complement your skin tone, use blue-based reds or pink-based reds—think raspberry tones.
Light Complexions
Light complexions typically lean neutral or warm-toned. To really complement your skin tone, use a slight orange-based red. These lipsticks will pick up the golden undertones and really brighten your complexion.
Medium Complexions
Medium complexions can lose and gain a suntan easily, so change your red lip based on the season. In the summertime when you are soaking up rays, wear an orange-based red. This will complement your bronze skin and lend a brightening look to your complexion.
In the winter when you’re cozying up by the fire, wear a blue-based red. This will complement your lighter skin tone while giving the appearance of brighter teeth.
Olive Complexions
Olive skin tones have a yellow-green undertone that tans very easily. To really complement your bronze skin tone, use a brick or rust-colored red. These earthy tones will warm up your complexion while blending with your skin.
Golden Tan to Dark Complexions
Golden dark skin tones have a yellow undertone. This type of skin tone can really play with pigment when it comes to choosing a red lipstick. For a bolder look, try a true red. This will pick up the warmth in your skin and create a brighter complexion.
For a more natural-looking red, try blue-based reds—think oxblood. This will complement your darker skin tone.
Deep Complexions
Deep complexions can really play with pigment when it comes to red lipsticks. If you want a bolder look, use an orange-based red to really make your pout pop.
For a more natural-looking red, use a blue-based red—think Merlot. Both types of reds will complement your skin tone and create a brighter smile.
My Top 5 Red Lipsticks
1. Maybelline Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick
I had heard a lot about Maybelline’s Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick. According to their website the lipstick is “Dubbed Best Classic Red Lipstick Shade of 2020 in the Allure Best of Beauty Awards. Made For All Lipstick makeup features specially selected and obsessively tested pigments that make these universal lipstick shades looks sensational on all complexions.” Sounds good and like a no brainer since it’s been tried on over 50 skin tones. So I decided to try it for myself.
I was pleasantly surprised! I’m not typically a fan of matte lipstick as it feels so dry. Additionally, I don’t like when my lipstick or lip gloss bleed into the lines around my mouth. The Red for Me was not dry feeling and did not bleed. The color did work with my skin tone. It can help to outline your lips prior to adding the red lipstick to keep it from bleeding. I added a gloss, which I’ve talked about before and love. The glass added a nice shine and shimmer! The price point on each of these is great they are all under $7.00.
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Lifter Gloss 001 Pearl Metallic
Maybelline Colorsensational Shaping Lip Liner 145 Very Cherry
The Maybelline Red for Me lipstick was the perfect lip color for my holiday plaid suit. Did you see last week’s blog on Festive Fashion? (Click to see the previous post, HERE.)
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2. Too Faced – Too Too Hot
Too Faced Too Too Hot was part of the Too Faced throwback collection several years ago! This has been my go to red for many reasons. The color is great on me. It stays put and doesn’t bleed even without liner. Its not drying. the best part is that it has a metallic shimmer finish although I feel it is very subtle!
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Too Faced Too Too Hot ( Iridescent Ruby Red with Metallic Shimmer Finish)
This blue tweed blazer with silver threads is a perfect holiday options. I paired it with my silver shimmer tee and black dress pants. My metallic silver boots and belt complete the look along with my Too Faced Too Too Hot lipstick.
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Long Sleeve Silver Shimmer Top
3. Clinique – Red Handed
Clinique Red Handed is a bright, medium red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a cream finish. It’s not drying and stays put on my lips. It has a nice shine although not super shiny. Additionally, it can be used as a blush although I haven’t tried it.
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Anytime I can wear my faux leather skirt is a win! It’s super comfortable and so easy to style so many ways. (To see a previous blog post on how to style faux leather click, HERE.)Here I paired it with a Holiday sweater (which has some shimmer although very subtle) and this super cute zip front sherpa flannel plaid jacket. My fur trimmed socks added to the festive vibe as did my shimmery boots! Clinique Red-Handed topped off my look!
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4. Mac – Starlight Fire
I’ve had my Mac red lipstick for quit some time and it appears that they no longer offer this color. However, I think I would now go with their Ruby Woo, which is a very matte vivid blue red. I put on my Mac Prep + Prime first, outline my lips and add my matte lipstick. On top, I like to layer a gloss like their retro matte liquid lipcolour.
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I’ve had this Mrs. Clause sweater for a few years now. I’m always excited to pull it out and wear it. I’ve styled it several different ways but I think my favorite is pairing it with my red plaid pants. I add a white belt and white booties to complete the look. Wearing my Mac Starlight Fire lipstick to enhance my festive and fun look!
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5. Gucci – Madge Red 511
I purchased this lipstick last winter for the holidays and although it was a lipstick splurge, it does not disappoint! I love this color! It has a glittery, iridescent finish. “Inspired by the designs of vintage makeup, this limited edition shade introduced within the Rouge à Lèvres Mat collection—a range of intensely-hued lip colours with a long-lasting matte finish. Specially formulated with rich pigment and gelling waxes, the lipstick delivers vibrant colour with a soft, velvety feel.”
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Another one of my favorite festive holiday looks that I’m always excited to pull out and wear each season. The whole outfit has been in my closet for some time. The sweater is a shimmery red with silver sequins that says Shine Bright. I like wearing it over a black blouse that has a rhinestone embellished collar. I add my silver booties which I’ve worn frequently and linked above along with my rhinestone belt. The black dress pants have a red and white side strip, which is slimming and elongates my legs. Add my Gucci Madge Red lipstick and my festive vibe is complete!
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Let’s Chat
If you haven’t tried wearing a red lipstick, I hope I’ve been able to inspire you to give it a try. There is a shade for every skin type or you can simply use the Maybelline Red for Me to give it red lips a try and not break the bank! Do you have a favorite red lipstick? Leave me a comment. I love to hear from you!
I’d like to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Blessed New Year 2022! Your friendship, support, comments and kindness mean so much and are so appreciated all year long! Cheers to good health and happiness in 2022!
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This post contains affiliate links, meaning when you click on an item or purchase an item, I may receive a very small commission for the click or purchase. These picks are NOT sponsored, are selected solely by me, and opinions are entirely my own.
Shimmer and shine even our lips for the holidays.
Great post. Your looking fabulous my girl for these festive days!
Kenlyn,
Yes! You know I love all the shimmer and shine including on my lips! I always appreciate your kind comments!
Julie xo
Great choices and information Julie!
Hi Lisa!
I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a kind comment!
Julie xo