Daytime Drama: Picking the Perfect Red Lipstick for Everyday Chic

How to Pick and Wear Red Lips Everyday

Photo by shahab yazdi on Unsplash

Did my last mission sell you on the concept of an everyday red lip color? I hope it did. If not maybe this post will inspire to get out of your comfort zone just a little bit. My mission post shared my journey and now I want to help you find your everyday red lip and then what colors to wear when you wear it.

I love everyday reds because to me these are the reds that aren’t intimidating and don’t feel like they are exclusively for a special occasion. Which I think makes the red lipstick I’m looking for more approachable and wearable. During this journey I have learned so much about myself but most of all I validated my theory that red lipstick would be a great way to breakthrough the winter doldrums, brighten up my complexion which has the tendency to look dull and blah during this time of the year.

I created a methodical approach to finding red lips that I like if not love and that is rare for me because I’m a bit of a perfectionist. And best of all the process was fun and did not waste my time or my money.

And if you are anything like I’m sure you don’t want your time or money either so here are my tips.

1. Find a brand that has a large selection of lipsticks (this is a numbers game). We want a brand that offers more than a handful of options. The more options the greater chance you will be able to find something that works for you. I recommend MAC.

2. Once you have that brand in mind ensure that brand has a large selection of red lipsticks. Again the larger the array of red lip colors the more likely the brand will have more than the usual red lips we are usually exposed to like blue reds and true reds. We also want the brand to offer yellow reds, orange reds, brick reds, brown reds, coral reds, pink reds to choose from that will complement your undertone and that is because the more a color complements your undertone the more natural it will appear. Again I recommend MAC.

3. Identify your ideal texture. I personally believe that an everyday red will not reside in the extremes so no extreme dry mattes, no vinyl, patent leather, lip gloss textures. Lean more to textures like satins, sheers, demi mattes, cremes, stains.

4. Use a brand that offers virtual try-on and use it to narrow down to shades that work for you. Using virtual try-on will provide an idea of what lip colors will look like on your complexion and help you avoid colors like look great in the tube, other skin tones and not on you.

5. That brings me to the most important considerations when finding a red. Take into account your skin tone and your undertone.

Pale/Light Skin Tones

Left: Haute Pants ( blue red ) | Center: Dangerous ( orangey red ) | Right: Sweet Sakura ( true red )

For Pale/ Light Complexions with the following undertones:

• Cool Undertones: Opt for a blue-based red lipstick, which will complement the pinkish hue in your skin. A beautiful choice is the Powder Kiss Liquid Lipstick in Haute Pants.

• Warm Undertones: A coral-red or orange-red lipstick will work best, enhancing the warmth in your skin. Exemplified by the Retro Matte in Dangerous a lovely orangey red lip color.

• Neutral Undertones: You can experiment with both cool and warm reds, but true reds often look most harmonious. A true red that stuns is a Cremesheen in Sweet Sakura.

Medium Skin Tones

Left: Dance With Me ( cranberry red ) | Center: Cockney ( yellow based red ) | Right: Fashion, Sweetie ( berry based red )

For Medium Complexions with the following undertones:

• Cool Undertones: A cranberry or deeper blue-based red will look stunning, adding a pop of color without overwhelming your complexion. The deep cranberry red Retro Matte Liquid Lip color in Dance with Me delivers.

• Warm Undertones: Brick reds or reds with a slight brown or golden base will enhance the natural golden hue in your skin. The LustreGlass Sheer Shine in Cockney is a yellow based red you will love.

• Neutral Undertones: Berry reds or balanced reds that aren't too cool or too warm are ideal. Fashion, Sweetie is a balanced berry in the Powder Kiss Liquid Lip formula that make lips look juicy.

Deep / Dark Skin Tones

Left: Sin ( deep dark blue red ) | Center: Marrakesh-mere ( intense orange brown ) | Right: Dare You ( deep brown red )

For Dark / Deep complexions with the following undertones:

• Cool Undertones: Deep, rich reds with blue or purple undertones can look striking and elegant. Matte Lipstick in Sin is cool, deep and sexy.

• Warm Undertones: Red lipsticks with orange or tangerine undertones can beautifully highlight the warmth in your skin. The Powder Kiss Lipstick in Marrakesh-mere is just pretty with it’s orangey brown undertones.

• Neutral Undertones: Oxblood or deep, warm reds provide a sophisticated and complementary choice. Creme Sheen in Dare You is a deep warm red bringing the drama.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The best way to find your perfect red is to experiment and see what you feel most confident in!

What to Pair Your Everyday Red With

Ok so you have you everyday red lipstick or two or like me eight and then you wonder what color does my outfit need to be to pull this off. This is where I got a little stuck. But never fear you are not limited when you wear red lipstick in fact it’s a fast track to pulling together looks that I think will be very chic and fashion forward.

To complement red lipstick, the following clothing color palettes should be considered.

Monochromatic: Red Head to Toe

Be BOLD by pairing your red lips with a monochromatic ensemble

Different shades of red can create a cohesive and bold look. Yes this is definitely a statement so if you don’t to be too bold wear a red that is has a sheer texture but if you’re going for brash and bold go ahead and pair you red monochromatic looks with a crisp matte red.

Neutrals: Keep it Classy

Be CLASSIC by pairing your neutral pieces with your red lips

Black, white, grey, and beige can offer a classic and elegant contrast. This has been my go to approach when wearing all the red lipsticks I bought. I wore black turtlenecks, grey sweaters, navy tops. Wearing neutrals with your red will make your lips pop so if your really want the focus to be your face and especially your lips go with neutrals.

Complementary: Bring Harmony with Deep Green

Create a HARMONIOUS look by pairing your red lips with Deep Dark shades of Green

Green shades, particularly darker ones like emerald, can enhance the red's vibrancy. I have a green cardigan that looks more like a Christmas green so I stayed away from this combination but emerald green is a gorgeous color and I really like jewel tones so I will definitely try this one.

Analogous: Celebrate Red and its Variants

HIGHLIGHT red by pairing your red lips with other red variants

Colors like pink or burgundy can create a comparable “like with like” look. Red is a component of both colors. Add white to red and you get the tint pink. Add blue to red and you get a deep red like burgundy. These shades work with the red lips to produce a softer effect instead of the bold effect that you get with the monchromatic and complementary color pallets. So if you want to make your red lips look subdued wear pinks and burgundy. Now this is color combination I am really curious to try. Pinks and dark reds are flattering colors for me so I think this may work for me.

Metallic: Bring on the Glamour

Create LUXURY by paring red lips with metallic pieces

Wearing red lips with a gold or silver can add a luxurious feel to the ensemble. I will have to tuck into my archive because I don’t have any or gold or silver clothes in my wardrobe at least right now. But I am inspired to go out a find a little metallic number.

Keep in mind, the choice of clothing colors can depend on the occasion, season, and your personal style. But if you want to keep it simple just remember this. For a striking look, high contrast colors are effective, while for a more subdued appearance, one might choose analogous or neutral tones.

I hope this helps you find that signature, everyday red lip and know what to wear with it so you can actually wear your red lips all year round.

Let me know about your journey. What red lip color did you find that you love? Share it with me I would love to hear from you.

Mission 3: Red Lipstick