From The Straits Times    |

Photo: IU/Facebook

There is no easier way to elevate your look to new heights than with a red-hot hue. However, with the bevy of shades and intensity to choose from, it can get frustrating to find the perfect one that complements your complexion. With the festive season right around the corner, we’re going to take some load off and help you find the perfect shade or red that will make you the star of any party.

And when in doubt, always go with a classic crimson lipstick that will work with all colourings. Also, if you’re just dipping your toes into the realm of red lips, go with a red tinted lip balm or tint if you just want a flush of red on your lips.

 

Fair

Photo (in collage): IU/Instagram

Porcelain complexions tend to have cooler undertones. You can opt for a bright red lippie with a blue base that will pick up the pink in your skin tone and brighten your complexion. Bonus: blue undertones in red lippies can also cancel out the yellow in your teeth. It’s a nifty trick that a lot of news anchors use to create the illusion of pearly whites. When you’re wearing a classic bright lip, don’t go too heavy on the contour and highlight. Add some dimension and warmth to your face with a light sweep of bronzer for a fresh-faced finish.

Try: NYX Professional Makeup Butter Lipstick in Mary Janes ($13) and NARS Audacious Lipstick in Carmen Geranium ($46)

 

Medium

Photo (in collage): Joanne Peh/Instagram

Medium complexions can pull off both cool and warm tones with ease.  That said, you might want to give red lipsticks with blue undertones a miss because the colour pay-off wouldn’t be as strong on medium skin tones. If you want to look more radiant, erase sallowness with a beautiful orange-based red that will complement the olive undertones in medium complexions. When you have a medium skin tone, you are also the perfect candidate to rock burgundy-based hues because it wouldn’t look too vampy on you.

Try: Guerlain KissKiss Matte Lipstick in Chili Red ($52) and Tom Ford Lip Colour in Jasmin Rouge ($76)

 

Tan

Photo (in collage): Iman Fandi/Instagram

When it comes to red lipsticks, cocoa complexions can really have fun with intensity and pigments. For a more subdued looking red, go with a plum red that will flatter your deeper skin tone and create a unified look. If you’re looking for a more dramatic look, go with a fiery true red hue that will work with the warmth of your skin and brighten your complexion.

Try: Estée Lauder Pure Colour Envy Hi-Lustre Light Sculpting Lipstick in Sly Ingenue ($50) and Burberry Beauty Burberry Lip Velvet Lipstick in Oxblood ($45)

 

ALSO READ: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT NAIL COLOUR TO FLATTER YOUR SKIN TONE