A classic red lipstick is theoretically easy to find. Many of our favourite makeup brands carry gorgeous red lipsticks. The issue arises in finding one that feels comfortable on the lips, lasts without smudging or feathering, and complements our skin tone.
Asian skin tones typically look best with warm-toned shades of red or lipsticks with a little more orange in them. That doesn’t mean all the cool red lipsticks are off the table. We’ve rounded up a selection of classic red shades from our favourite lip collections that are perfect for a red lip this Chinese New Year.
Formulated by Uchiide, the Shu Uemura International Artistic Director created this true red based on his experience working on thousands of women. It has a balance of yellow and blue pigments to complement both warm and cool skin tones. This shade is also available in a satin and gloss finish to fit all lip textures.
What we love most about this pop is it’s gourd-like shaped applicator that tugs just nicely onto the cupids bow and dispenses just the right amount of product. The shade is a blue-red which helps give the impression of pearly whites when you smile, plus the formula is non-drying and universally flattering.
A cult favourite among Korean women and a personal favourite of K-pop star Tiffany Young, this liquid lipstick has a huge following for good reasons. The shade ‘Chilling’ is bright red with a hint of fuchsia, it lends your complexion an upbeat glow on any dull day and the formula is hydrating for a good part of the day.
Touted as the perfect red lipstick, this iconic shade was named after Christian Dior’s favourite number ‘9’, the formula has a satiny semi-matte texture and is supposed to last for at least 12 hours.
This formula has a distinct velvety texture on the lips that is equally comfortable and suitable for long-wears but great news, it’s transfer-proof which makes it perfect for all the treats coming your way during your CNY visits.
A semi-matte satiny finish and super comfortable on the lips, this red lippie from YSL Beaute suits any skin tone.
A gorgeous medium-dark fuchsia red, this lipstick from Tom Ford’s Lips & Boys collection has a subtle shimmer to it and makes a great day-to-night colour.
One of Chanel’s most popular reds, Pirate is a cool-toned lipstick with a creamy and pigmented formula that flatters most skin tones.
This bold red from Bobbi Brown is as classic as it gets while retaining warmer undertones. The formula is hydrating and comfortable on the lips without emphasising fine lines.
The go-to red Mac lipstick, Ruby Woo is as timeless as it gets. It’s a fairly cool toned matte red that looks great on most skin tones.
Korean beauty favourite 3CE’s Pick Me Up is perfect if you want a creamy lipstick with a glossy finish.
This lip shade endorsed by L’Oreal ambassador Li Bing Bing is an orange-toned matte red. The Star Collection lipsticks are on offer (two for $32) until the end of February, 2016.
This bright red matte lipstick has warm undertones and a great price point if you’re looking for something more affordable.