From Taylor Swift’s signature red lip to Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez, who often rock a memorable red, it’s safe to say that the classic red lip is a trend that shows no signs of stopping. But finding the perfect shade for your skintone can be tricky. Here, Sam Kyle, creative development, design, and makeup artist at Mirabella, shares some of her tips and tricks below for choosing the red lip shade that will flatter you perfectly, how to extend the life of your red lip look, and creating looks with her favorite Mirabella products.
Tip #1: Don’t fear the red – but go glossy if you’re new to red lips.
“Anyone can truly rock any red lip,” says Kyle. “Red lips are the equivalent of a little black dress in makeup and should make you feel confident and empowered. There are no true rules to the perfect shade, but if you’re new to red and struggling to choose, a neutral red is a great place to start, especially in a glossy, semi-sheer finish, which can feel less intimidating than an opaque, full-coverage lipstick.”
Sam’s pick for a glossy red? Perfect Red from Mirabella’s Berry Lip Trio ($19.95).
Tip #2: Pick a red to complement your skin.
Once you’re feeling comfortable in red, experiment with different shades to find the one that resonates with your style and personality. When shopping for the perfect shade, Kyle recommends using your skin’s undertone as a guide.
*Pro tip – If you aren’t sure of your skin’s undertone, check the veins on your wrist. Green veins = warm, Blue veins = cool, and a mix = neutral.
Warm undertones: Look for reds with orange or coral bases, like brick red or tomato red. These shades add warmth and vibrancy to your look. Kyle suggests the following:
- The Line and Define Retractable Lip Definer in Sexy ($20) is a great pick for warmer undertones.
- Warm undertones/Darker complected: Reach for a brown-based red, like the Sealed With A Kiss Lipstick ($22; 4.2 g/0.15 oz), in Rosy Modern Matte.
Cool undertones: Opt for reds with blue undertones, like cherry or raspberry red. Shades in these hues contrast beautifully with cool skin tones and create a fresh, classic look.
Neutral undertones: “You’ve won the jackpot!” says Kyle. “You have the freedom and flexibility to try a multitude of shades on the red spectrum.”
- Some classic picks include Luxe Advanced Formula Matte Lip Gloss ($20) in Bombshell or Sealed with a Kiss Lipstick ($22) in Perfect Red.
Tip #3: Ensure your beautiful red lip stays perfect all day and night.
Kyle notes that prep starts before application. She recommends using a lip scrub to buff away any dry flakes or rough patches on the lips with fine grains of sugar, while the moisturizing combination of seed oils, shea butter, and camellia nourish the delicate skin and lock in hydration. “The red pigment has a tendency to settle into dry patches and highlight chapped lips, so exfoliating and moisturizing lips helps to ensure a smoother application that lasts longer,” says Kyle.
Once lips are prepped, Sam strongly suggests a clear lip liner, like Mirabella’s Clear Perfecting Lip Definer ($18) to keep lipstick on your lips, not your face. “Truly a favorite beauty secret,” she says. “Use the liner to trace a thin line just outside the edges of the lips to create a barrier to prevent bleeding, feathering, and fading during wear.”
“Lastly, if a matte shade is applied, I always like to place a tissue over the lips and dust on a light layer of translucent powder to pick up any extra moisture and seal the pigment,” adds Sam. “On the other hand, if you are working with a glossier finish, spray a little setting spray across the lips to lock color in place.”
