What’s the best red lipstick for my skin tone?

Over on our Instagram Stories, we asked you to ask us any beauty question and we’d get an expert to answer it. On Twitter, @_melaniemay asked, “I have loads of red lipsticks that I never wear as they look really ‘off’ on my face. I’m so pale and I just can’t get the look right!”

The secret is, there’s a red for every skin tone. You just need to find the one for you. We asked make-up artist Michelle Kinsella to share the shades that flatter every complexion.

PALE SKIN TONES

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, €20

“If you are paler, go for the bluey undertoned lipsticks to bring your skin to life. MAC Russian Red is a beautiful option.”

“The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.” – Gabrielle Chanel.

MEDIUM SKIN TONES

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in 57, €33

“If you are medium skin toned with a bit of a tan the corally colours work really well. Yves Saint Laurent have a fabulous range of coral red lipsticks across the range.”

“All my life I’ve pursued the perfect red. I can never get painters to mix it for me. It’s exactly as if I’d said, ‘I want rococo with a spot of Gothic in it and a bit of Buddhist temple’ — they have no idea what I’m talking about. About the best red is to copy the color of a child’s cap in any Renaissance portrait.” – Diana Vreeland

DARKER SKIN TONES

e.l.f. Cosmetics Moisturising Lipstick in Wine Tour, €5.41

“Darker skin tones can really take their pick. A rich wine colour works as well as a bright cherry red. IsaDora have new range of lip creams and Loving Red is a beautiful vibrant red. E.l.f. Cosmetics Moisturising Lipstick in Wine Tour is a nice burgundy.”

Backstage photography by Jason Lloyd Evans. 

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