Daring Red Lipstick: Find Your Most Flattering Shade

Delia from Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce certainly reminds us that red lipstick looks gorgeous when done right. But just because it's a classic doesn't ensure that ever shade is fool-proof. When it comes to finding a crimson color that works for you, it all comes down to skin tone. Beauty expert Ami Desai shares her favorite picks for red lipsticks of all shades.

Pale Skin with Pink Undertones

"For those with more pink or cool undertones, look for more coral and orange reds to help contrast your undertone," says Desai. "A great way to tell if you fall under this category is if you have pale skin and tend to burn easily."

Her top recs for coral and orange reds are L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in British Red and NYX Matte lipstick in Bloody Mary.

Pale Skin with Yellow Undertones

Those with warmer undertones should look for reds that have blue undertones or belong in the berry family. Her favorites are Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Plum Perfect and Revlon Matte in Really Red.

Medium Skin Tones

"You fall under this category if you describe your skin as beige, olive, or bronze," says Desai. "You're pretty lucky, too, because you can get away with almost any shade of red!"

To best flatter this skin tone, Desai recommends Revlon color burst in True Red, Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Kate #1, Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Call the Shots, and NYX Round Case Lipstick in Electra.

Dark Skin Tones

While red-orange colors are fun to gravitate toward, the truth is they look best on a dark complexion.

For Desai, the best bright reds include NYX lipstick in Snow White and Revlon Matte in Really Red.

Since application of a red lip can be tricky, Desai recommends lining and filling lips with a nude lip liner to help the color last longer. Once you've applied, use a concealer brush to clean up any smudges. 

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