How to Choose the Right Red Lipstick

Match red undertones to your skin's undertones and consider your lifestyle needs.

Most people overthink red lipstick when the real issue is they're choosing colors that fight their natural coloring instead of enhancing it.

1. Identify your undertones. Look at your wrist veins in natural light. Blue-purple veins indicate cool undertones, green veins indicate warm undertones, and blue-green veins indicate neutral undertones. This determines which red family will look most natural on you.
2. Choose your red category. Cool undertones pair with blue-based reds like cherry or classic Hollywood red. Warm undertones suit orange-based reds like coral-red or brick red. Neutral undertones can wear both but look especially good in true reds with balanced undertones.
3. Test the formula. Swatch on your bottom lip, not your hand. The formula should feel comfortable and apply evenly without dragging. Consider your day—matte formulas last longer but can feel drying, while cream formulas feel more comfortable but require touch-ups.
4. Check the intensity. Build color gradually to find your comfort zone. Start with one thin layer and assess if you want more opacity. The right red should make your teeth look whiter, not yellower.