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Home · Makeup

The Best Red Lips for Your Skin Tone

If there's one beauty staple that never goes out of style, it's a rich, red lip!  Get red-y to wow with these easy tips to find the perfect shade that's best for you. 

By Nicole Marie Melton · March 4, 2015October 27, 2020
01
Deep Skin Tones: Estelle
Women with deeper skin tones also look great in orangey-reds, similar to this fabulous color worn by Estelle.
02
Deep Skin Tones: Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira looks flawless in her high-shine, crimson pout.  Take your cues from this chocolate brown beauty, and add clear gloss to your red lip for even more pizazz. 

Michael Tran/FilmMagic
03
Deep Skin Tones: Viola Davis

Viola Davis looks radiant in a rich, red lip.  If you’re Davis’s complexion, opt for deeper burgundy reds similar to the one seen here.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images
04
Medium Skin Tones: Janelle Monae

Medium skin tones can get away with a wider variety of red hues, however blue-based reds are the most flattering.  Swipe on a few coats of a matte red lip and be inspired by Janelle Monae’s perfect pout.

05
Medium Skin Tones: Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls gave great face in a sexy, full-coverage red lip. If your skin tone is similar to Smalls’s, anything from raspberry to cherry reds will work great with your complexion. 

Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
06
Medium Skin Tones: Jill Scott

Jill Scott was all smiles in a juicy, rich red lip. Another great tip for wearing red lips to match it to your outfit. The matchy-matchy makeup trend is still going strong!

Jennifer Graylock/Getty Images and Jerritt Clark/WireImage
07
Fair Skin Tones: Goapele

Whether matter or creamy, a bright, fire engine red is a perfect match for women with lighter skin.  Goapele rocked her red well!

David Livingston/Getty Images
08
Fair Skin Tones: Andra Day

Women with fair skin tend to look radiant in bright, classic reds.  Andra Day nailed her crimson kiss in this mouth-watering red with a touch of shine.

David Livingston/Getty Images
09
Fair Skin Tones: Emeli Sande

ESSENCE Festival performer Emeli Sande looked gorgeous and glamourous in her delicious apple red lip.  Women with fair skin have to be extra dilligent about wearing lip liner since any smudging will be more apparent against your complexion. 

Gregory Pace/BEImage

Read More

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