The perfect red lipstick for your skin tone

For decades, red lipstick has been a timeless staple in any woman’s makeup bag, with the power to transform any makeup look instantly. However finding the perfect shade of crimson to flatter your complexion can sometimes be a struggle. From blood-red shades to deep vampy reds, we’ve rounded up the best lipsticks to suit your skin tone.

For those with fair skin, blue-based and coral toned reds work best as the cooler tones compliment very fair skin without washing you out. The blue tones within the red help make teeth look whiter whilst giving an effortlessly youthful look so the shade works best with simple and clean make up – a rosy pink blush and crisp black liquid liner do the trick.

Our picks include Nars velvet matte lip pencil in the shade Red Square, £19 and for a drugstore alternative try Revlon’s Colourburst matte balm in the shade, Striking, £7.99. For a long-lasting matte lipstick try MAC’s Ruby Woo, £15.50: a perfect vivid blue-toned red and a recent favour of fair-skinned beauty Taylor Swift.

Medium complexions look best with a warmer orange-based toned red, or for a contrast, a deep wine or plum-based red works well. Choose Topshop Lips in Rio Rio, £8 for an orange toned red or for a darker plum-based red, try Rimmel London’s Kate Moss matte lipstick in number 107 for £5.49. Latino actress, Eva Longoria often opts for a deep, classic pure brick red that works perfectly with her warm skin and luscious brunette hair.

For those with olive toned skin, look for reds with an orange or coral base; a shiny finish helps to make the lipstick stand out on darker skin whilst enhancing the colour. Olive toned skin tends to have green undertones so suits a more orange-based red like MAC Lipstick in the shade Lady Danger for £15.50 and Givenchy Le Rouge in Mandarine Bolero, £25.

Kim Kardashian showed those with olive skins just how to rock the perfect red lip at an Oscars party last year. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star paired the lip with a black flick of eyeliner, false lashes and bronzed skin, making her look effortlessly gorgeous.

Finally darker skin tones look stunning with full on deep reds featuring blue undertones as the dark skin contrasts perfectly with the cooler tones of the lipstick.

The perfect lipsticks for brown skin tones to try, include Burberry Kisses in the shade Military Red, £25 or Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush for £36.

British model Jourdan Dunn gave a lesson in wearing a bold red lip as she rocked a bright, classic red shade with a yellow midi dress as she attended amFAR’S 21^st Cinema Against AIDS Gala last year.

Alexandra Davis