Lips

The Red Lipstick Guide You Need Right Now

Olivia Fernandes

Be it Marilyn Monroe or Madonna; red lipstick has been the Empress of glamour for decades. Sexy, sauve, powerful, all-out feminine- there's nothing more eye-catching, head-turning, and awe-striking than a swipe of bold red lips. 

I believe that every woman should have one red lipstick in her bag. Whether you want to jazz up an LBD or jeans and a T-shirt, red colour lipstick should be your go-to makeup accessory and that is why it is a hit amongst the runway makeup trend. While the answer to the question, should I wear red lipstick, remains simple (clue: heck yes), picking the perfect right shade isn't. That's because all shades of red lipsticks aren't the same—dude, not even close. Agreed, a few are universally flattering, but as for the rest of the red lipstick market, it's vast and confusing.

So then, which shade of red is the right one for you? 

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As rightly said by the iconic Audrey Hepburn, there's a shade of red for every woman. 

Let's first get sorted with red lipstick for every skin tone!

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Fair skin beauties

 Vibrant blue-reds with a pink undertone will make your lips pop. Add the right shot of colour with cherry red lipstick without looking supremely overwhelming.

 

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Priyanka Chopra

Wheatish skin beauties

If you're the medium-skinned girl, congrats, you just won the lottery to any red that you heart upon. 

But let me tell you a top-secret. Orange-red or blood-red should be your go-to colour for an instant pop pout. 

 

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Sushmita Sen

Dusky skin beauties

Dayuuum girl, you can pull off seductive, enticing and smokin hot equally with pink undertones. 

With deeper dark reds, swipe a tint of orange or brown and add an enhancing dimension to your dusky pearl skin. 

Having a few suggestions before adding random red lipsticks into the cart on your own is always a great help. And after studying skin tones, you surely need the ingredient list to ace that red lip look. 

That's why we've done the homework and put together the best red lipsticks for Indian skin tones. 

Go on to check the work. I'm getting A+ :

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MAC Lipstick / Mini - Ruby Woo

 

Buy MAC Lipstick / Mini - Ruby Woo (1.8 g) Online

No matter what your skin tone, Mac Ruby Woo is that one shade that needs to be in your makeup arsenal without fail.

 It's a classic bright red matte lipstick with blue undertones that flatters every skin tone without a doubt. 

 

Pros: 

Long-lasting

Smudge-free

Transfer-proof

 

Cons: Zero

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Blue Heaven Walkfree Matte Lipstick Ruby Red

 

 

Blue Heaven Walkfree Matte Lipstick Ruby Red

This picture-perfect pout lipstick brings the heavenly touch of intense bold matte red lips. 

It complements the wheatish skin divas, giving their pout a mattifying moisture with a pop of excitement.   

 

Pros: 

Long-lasting

Intense pigmentation

Smudge-free

 

Cons: Zero

 

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Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner Pencil

 

 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner Pencil -Berry Red 

This lip liner from Wet n Wild blesses all skin tones with a well-defined pout that makes sure your lip colour doesn't bleed. 

 

Pros:

Silky smooth 

Long-lasting

Precise application

 

Cons: Zero

 

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Purplle Ultra HD Velvet Matte Lipstick, Red - Wandering Companion 1 

 

 

 

 

Purplle Ultra HD Velvet Matte Lipstick, Red - Wandering Companion 1 (2.5 g)

Swipe on the best red shade for dusky skin queens, giving your lips all the ultra velvet drama that no eye can resist. 

 

Pros: 

Long-lasting

Velvety Matte finish

Smudge-free

 

Cons: Zero

 

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Maybelline New York Sensational Liquid Matte Lipstick 01, To The Fullest

 

 

 

 

 

SUGAR-matte-as-hell-crayon-lipstick-Scarlett-O-Hara

Feel sexy and confident instantly with this silky matte lip crayon that's sure to make their eyes do a double-take. 

 

Pros: 

Lightweight

Simple stroke application

Long-lasting

 

Cons: Zero

 

 

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Maybelline New York Sensational Liquid Matte Lipstick 01, To The Fullest

 

 

 

Maybelline New York Sensational Liquid Matte Lipstick 01, To The Fullest

Fair skin girls, this is your pick. Swipe on this weightless trending buzz of the street that will make your lippies stand out from the crowd.  

 

Pros: 

Liquid Matte finish

Weightless

High colour payoff

 

Cons: Zero

 

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Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip Colour - Red Carpet 

 

 Lakme Forever Matte Liquid Lip Colour - Red Carpet 

A true friend for all. This red shade of lipstick flatters all Indian skin tones, making the aunties say

  'Aati Sundar' 

 

Pros: 

Long-lasting

High colour payoff

Smudge-free

Cons: Zero

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NY Bae Super Matte Lipstick, Red - Fabulous Fienman 9 

 

 

NY Bae Super Matte Lipstick, Red - Fabulous Fienman 9 

Best suited for wheatish skin, this N.Y. charm speaks dark and sizzle, giving your lips the sensational touch of classy, sassy nights in N.Y. 

 

Pros: 

Transfer-resistant

High colour payoff

Smudge-free

Cons: Zero

       Red lipstick can be captivating. But the real deal is how to apply red lipstick the right way. Otherwise, it can look hard and even threatening in an instant. To avoid this, move to the next step, 'Application', where all the artwork happens:

(P.S.: Before you dive in, here are some of the essentials needed: Lip Scrub, Lip Balm, Lip Liner Pencil, Lip Brush, Concealer, Face Powder, Tissues and of course your best red lipstick)

 

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Step 1: Prep

 

Start with your fav lip scrub to get rid of all flaky and dead skin. Follow it up with a lip balm to keep those lips nourished and hydrated. 

(NOTE: Consider doing this before you start with your makeup)

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Step 2: Prime

 

Hit your lips with a uniform base with a lip primer, concealer or foundation

This extra essential step ensures the longevity of your red lip look throughout the day. 

(NOTE: Apply a minimum amount and spread a little to avoid too much thickness)

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Step 3: Line it

 

You've got to do this slowly and steadily. 

Highlight the cupid's bow with a lip pencil and get the precise line and edge around your lips. 

(NOTE: Use a lip liner or pencil that blends well with your lipstick )

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Step 4: Fill it up

 

Here's the fun part. Take your best red shade lipstick and carefully fill in the lips using a brush.

(NOTE: Start with the centre of the lip (first lower and then upper)

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Step 5: Blot your lips

 

Take the tissue and press it against your lips to remove any excess. 

(NOTE: Reapply another light layer if necessary)

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Step 6: Clean Up

 

Cover up and sharpen the edges with the concealer and angular brush to give your lips a clean, crisp look. 

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Step 7: Check your teeth

 

The frequently made mistake while applying red lipstick is staining your teeth. 

Make sure you do a quick check and clean up the red wear before stepping out. 

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Step 8: Set 

 

Lastly, place tissue, set your lips with a tab bit of loose powder, and gently pat it. 

Now you're all set to conquer the day and slay the night, keeping your red pout smudge-free. 

Now that the how to apply question is in the clear, it's time to note down how to wear red lipstick and make your pucker a flawless statement. 

 

All about that base

Start with a smooth base by scrubbing and moisturising your lips and prep for the rocking red lips. 

 

The right one matters

Ain't talkin bout your Jeevan Saathi; the shade you settle for is essential. 

So choose the best red shade that instantly compliments your skin.

 

Have fun with texture

Ya ya, we did all the serious talking, but hey, it's red after all. 

Be it matte for the perfect hue or glossy babes for the centre, play around with the textures and see what suits the best. 

 

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And just like that, you have your prettiest, most classic red pucker yet! 

Now go forth and find your perfect red, babes!

And hello, do come back to give me the A+.

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#Cosmetics
#Red Lipstick
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About Olivia Fernandes

Olivia from Mumbai. A forever sunset, long walks and chai lover. I balance my daily existence around writing and photography. Always spotted as a dusky chotu girl in a bun with a wide smile on her face.