Ravishing In Red - Find The Perfect Red Lipstick For Your Skin Tone
One can never go wrong with a bold, classic red lipstick. Red lipstick has been a staple in every woman’s makeup kit for centuries. Be it a subtle or bold smokey eye look or a gold shimmery extravaganza, a red lipstick can do justice to each of these looks. Now, you would think that a makeup product that has been around since ancient times would be easy and fairly intuitive to shop for, right? Wrong! Finding the perfect red lipstick has a lot to do with your skin tone and undertone. A red lipstick may deliver a different effect for fair skin with cool undertones and dusky Indian skin with neutral undertones. Already confused? Don’t fret! We've got you covered. In this guide, we will elaborate on how to choose red lipstick for Indian skin, talk about various skin tones and undertones, and more!
Choosing The Perfect Red Lipstick Shade for Indian Skin Tone
How to choose red lipstick for your skin tone, you ask? Let us tell you!
1. For Fair Skin
The wait is over! Find the red lipstick for your fair skin tone in no time and up your pout game in style!
• Red lipstick for fair skin – Cool undertones
Blue-based, cool-toned reds are perfect for those of you who have a pale or fair complexion with a cool undertone. (Not sure what your undertone is? Read about how to determine your undertone!) These cool-toned red lipsticks perfectly complement your fair skin and brighten your skin tone. And here is a bonus benefit – these cool-toned lipsticks also make your teeth look whiter! Bold burgundy-red lipsticks are also a good way to try out a red shade without going overboard. The darker burgundy and berry tones complement cool undertones and make your lips pop.
Our picks – Wondering how to pick the right red lipstick for fair skin with a cool undertone? Here’s your answer - Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick - Siren in Scarlet, Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Pioneer
• Red lipstick for fair skin – Warm or neutral undertones
Looking for red lipstick for warm undertones? Bring forward the warm undertone of your skin with a fiery red lipstick that has warm and orange undertones. Closer to a classic, true-red colour, orange-red lipsticks for fair skin enhance your natural glow. Since orange-red lipsticks are bold and vibrant, the key to nailing this look is to keep the rest of you look simple and subtle. Enhance your warm undertones by adding a sun-kissed bronzer, use a soft peach blush, and highlight your cheekbones with a golden highlighter to complete the look. Keep the eye makeup minimal to avoid clashing with the bright red lipstick.
Our pick – Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte – Craving Coral, Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick – Laugh Louder
2. For Medium or Dusky Skin
Selecting red lipstick for Indian skin tone, especially those with dusky or medium skin tone, isn’t tough anymore! Here’s a breakdown on how to choose red lipstick for dusky skin tone with various undertones.
• Red lipstick for dusky or medium skin – Cool undertones
Just like fair skin, a cool-toned red lipstick looks stunning on people with dusky or medium skin tones that have a cool undertone. Medium and dusky skin tones with a cool undertone are not very common, so don’t shy away from highlighting your uniqueness and steal the show with your perfect pout. Opt for a slightly darker red lipstick that has blue or pink undertones if you really want to stand out! But don’t worry of deep red lipsticks are not your style, with your dusky complexion, you can get away with bright red lips too!
Our pick - Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick – Settle For More, Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick – Dare To Be Red
• Red lipstick for dusky or medium skin – Warm or neutral undertones
In search of a good red lipstick for Indian skin tone, particularly for those with dusky skin tone and warm undertone? Let us help you! From a bright orange-red lipstick to a sultry oxblood colour, everything will flatter your complexion. Warm and true reds bring out your natural glow, whereas a cool-toned red will add an element of glamour and fun to your makeup. Pair your orange-red lipstick with a muted monochrome look or go full glam with smokey eyes and deep red lips, for you, the possibilities truly are endless.
Our picks - Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte – Rich Ruby
3. For Deep Skin Tone
Go through the lipstick inspos mentioned below and put an end to your search for red lipstick for deep skin tone.
• Red lipstick for deep or dark skin – Cool undertones
Dark red lipsticks that lean more towards maroon and have a blue base will provide a high-impact colour for those with deep and dark skin tones with cool undertones. Purple and wine-reds are also great options for those who have a deeper complexion. Avoid lipsticks that have a white base as they can make your lips look ashy or chalky. Chocolate brown-reds also beautifully complement the richness of dark skin tones.
Our picks – Maybelline Sensational Liquid Matte Lipstick – Soft Wine, Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Voyager
• Red lipstick for deep or dark skin – Warm or neutral undertones
Deep and dark complexions with warm undertones can play with intense and ultra-rich red shades without having to worry about it looking too gaudy and overwhelming. Warm and brick-toned reds flatter dark skin best, but don’t let anybody stop you from flaunting a dark orange-red lipstick. To make your red lipstick really pop, outline your lips with a lip liner that is a shade darker than the lipstick shade.
Our picks - Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick Hustle in Heels,
You have gained some knowledge on how to choose red lipstick for Indian skin tone. Now, let us simplify your lipstick selection journey with these quick methods.
Swatch test or Virtual Try-on tool – What’s best for selecting the right lipstick for your skin tone and undertone?
You may find divided opinions on this discussion – traditional swatch test vs new-age virtual tools. Let’s understand the dilemma!
Swatch Tests
Swatch tests are popular as they provide an ‘in-the-flesh’ color evaluation, showing how undertones and a particular lip color appear on skin. Also, you can practically determine the texture and finish and test whether it’s transfer-proof or not! The only downside is that you have to visit stores or at least have lots of samples with you to complete these tests.
Virtual Try-on Tool
Virtual tools are new-age and alternative solutions for the traditional swatch test. Now, you can try out a wide number of lipsticks from the comfort of your home without spending a penny. These tools save your precious time and give you real-time results.
For instance, our Maybelline's Virtual Try-On tool lets you try various lip makeup, as well as eye makeup and face makeup products. You can experiment with the vast assortment of Maybelline red lipsticks for Indian skin tones and select the right one for you. Simply use your live camera or upload an image to get a realistic preview of alternative lipstick colors on your lips. This advanced tool is ideal for rapid exploration and shortlisting.
Swatch test or virtual try-on tool – which one to choose, you ask? Try both! Take advantage of a virtual try-on tool and, if possible, test several different colors before making the final choice.
Congratulations! You've discovered your ideal red lipstick for your skin tone and undertone! Now, let's discuss how to pair red lipstick with various outfits and makeup looks.
Western outfits: Be it a classic floral maxi dress or black gown or a white top and denim skirt with boots or a white lace dress with cowboy boots and a wide-brimmed hat, red lips can elevate your ensemble in just swift glides. To match red lipstick with your Western outfit, go for simple mascara-drawn eyes and winged eyeliner.
Classical outfits: A saree, salwar suit, or lehenga combined with a classic red lipstick can brighten up any event with its elegance and rich hue. Golden eyeshadow makeup aligns well with red lipstick. Choose eyeshadow shade as per your classical outfit and rock a red lip look.
Pro tip: Wondering how to make red lipstick last longer?
Exfoliate your lips and apply lip balm. Next, start outlining with a lip liner to prevent bleeding. You can choose a matching lip liner shade or choose a slightly darker shade for a defined pout. Apply the first coat of lipstick and blot with a tissue. Reapply for intense, long-lasting color. Complete your lip makeup with a light dusting of translucent powder over the lipstick.
Can everyone wear red lipstick? Absolutely! Anyone can sport a red lipstick. All you need to do is find the right shade for your skin tone and undertone. Warm undertones radiate with orange-based reds, while cool undertones look best with blue-based red lipsticks on.
We hope this handy guide on how to choose red lipstick based on your skin tone and undertone will take you closer to your dream of finding the right lipstick. Don't shy away from experimenting, and start your red affair immediately to flaunt a captivating pout!