How many times have you spotted the perfect red lipstick on someone else but when you try it on yourself it just doesn’t have the same effect.

A slick of red lipstick is such a classic look and most people’s go to for Christmas parties. There is something about it that just looks so glamorous. The only problem is finding just the right shade to suit your skin tone. For example if you have cool undertones there are shades of red that will look better on you than those with warmer undertones, and vice versa.

Now that we are getting into the festive period and invitations are coming thick and fast I have put together a little guide that should help you to find the perfect red lipstick that not only looks great, but makes you feel great.

Identify Your Undertone

Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which tone you are as there are some easy ways to find out.

Take a look at your jewellery collection and if you prefer the look of silver and think it suits you best then you probably have a cool undertone. If gold is your thing then generally speaking you are more likely to have a warm undertone. If you like wearing both and feel they both suit you then then you may have a neutral undertone.

Another way to tell is by looking at your wrists. If the veins in your wrist look blue your undertone is cool but if they appear more greenish then your undertone is warm.

You can also tell by how easy you find it to tan. If you go brown and don’t burn you may have a warm undertone. Those who don’t tan and generally burn have a cool undertone.

This is just a guide and you may not fit one type exactly. Personally I find that silver suits me best, I  have blue veins in my wrist and I don’t tan. I easily fit into the cool undertone category. You can always experiment through trial and error or head to a beauty counter and they should be able to advise you.

Warm Undertones 

If you have warm undertones red lipsticks with an orange or red tone suit you best. Orangey reds tend to give more of a modern look.

Cool Undertones 

If you have a cool undertone then red lipsticks with a blue tone are for you. Blue toned reds give you a cooler, more retro look.

Top tips for wearing red lipstick

Decide if you want your lips to look smaller or larger.

Darker shades of lipstick tend to give the appearance of thinner lips which obviously means that lighter shades make your lips look plumper. Keep in mind that matte lipsticks also make your lips look thinner so if you want to create fuller looking lips then try a gloss or a shimmery shade.

Try before you buy

Styling