How To Choose A Red Lipstick For Your Melanin-rich Complexion

Nov 17, 2022

How To Choose A Red Lipstick For Your Melanin-rich Complexion

JASMINE TOOKES, PINTEREST

Red lipsticks are an iconic must-have wardrobe staple that gives any makeup look the extra pop that can be effortlessly worn from day to night.
It's popularity means that, it can be challenging to find the perfect shade to match your undertone (the natural colours that are underneath the surface of the Skin which affects the overall complexion of the skin). and skin tone (the external shade of the skin).

Hence, we've taken the guess work by creating this easy guide to find your perfect red lipstick skin to compliment your melanin-rich complexion.

Understanding Undertones

Undertones describe the natural colours that are underneath the surface of the Skin which affects the overall complexion of the skin. Traditionally, there are 3 different undertones:

Cool. Refers to blue, pink or red undertones and often marked as "C" on foundation labels. Famous examples of cool undertones includes Alek Wek, Naomi Campbell and Mindy Kaling.

Warm. Describes peach, yellow and golden undertones and are often marked by "W" on Foundation labels. Key examples includes Beyonce and Kelly Rowland.

Neutral. Can be a combination of cool and warm hues or none and mimic the same as the skin tone. Neutrals are often displayed as "N" on Foundation labels. Examples include Lupita Nyong'o and Kerry Washington

Olive. Are less-known and are marked by grey or green hues. Examples include Aishwarya Rai, Meghan Markle and Zoe Saldana.

HOW TO FIND YOUR UNDERTONE
The quickest way to do this is to check the colour of your veins on your wrist. Blue veins indicate cool undertones, green veins indicate warm undertones and a combination of both depicts neutral undertones.

How To Find Your Perfect Shade of Red Lipstick

Finding the perfect shade of red is all about matching hues that compliment both your undertone and complexion. This may seem daunting but it was a simple and failproof to find a shade that compliments and elevates the wow factor of your melanin shade.

Our fail-proof Guide To Finding Your Perfect Red Match

1. Fair Skin Tones

1. Fair Skin With Cool Undertones. Blue-based reds such as bold burgundies are signature shades.

Our Top Picks: 1. Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick - Siren in Scarlet, 2. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick-Pioneer

2. Fair Skin With Warm or Neutral Undertones

Warm, orange-based reds are your must-haves to bring out your natural glow.

Our Top Picks: 1.Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Crayon Lipstick – Laugh Louder

TESSA THOMPSON, PINTEREST, Fair complexion with neutral undertones

2. Medium Skin Warm or Neutral Undertones

True reds, think candy apple and fire engine reds are your iconic shades.

Our Top Picks: 1. L’Oréal Volume Intense Matte Lipstick - 336 Rouge Avant-Garde 2. Maybelline Colour Sensation Ultimatte Slim Lipstick - More Ruby 3. Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Longwear Liquid Lipstick - Dancer

BEYONCE, PINTEREST, Medium complexion with warm undertones

3. Deep or Dark Skin With Cool Undertones

Deep reds such as wines, berries, chocolate brown reds and purple-based reds are simply irresistible against these skin tones.

Our Top Picks: 1. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick – Voyager 2. L’Oréal Volume Intense Matte Lipstick - 480 Plum Dominant Lipstick 3. Maybelline Colour Sensational Made for All Lipstick - Plum For Me

MINDY KALING, PINTEREST, Dark complexion with cool undertones

4. Deep or Dark Skin With Warm or neutral Neutral Undertones

Brick and orange based reds are Devine against these skin tones.

Our Top Picks: 1. Maybelline Colour Sensational Made for All Lipstick - Ruby For Me 2. L’Oréal Rouge Signature Brilliant Signature Lip Ink Liquid Lipstick - 311 Be Brilliant 3. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Groundbreaker

LUPITA NYONG'O, PINTEREST, Deep complexion with neutral undertones

GABRIELLE UNION-WADE, PINTEREST, Dark complexion with warm undertones

5. Olive Undertones

Yellow or orange-based reds (corals and poppies) flatter olive skin tones the most.

Our Top Picks: 1. Maybelline Superstay In Crayon Lipstick Matte Longwear Lipstick - Laugh Louder 2. Maybelline Colour Sensation Ultimatte Slim Lipstick - More Ruby

Zoe Saldana, PINTEREST, Medium complexion with olive undertones

Universal Reds That Are Perfect For All Complexions And Undertones

If you're still undecided or would simply rather select a shade that will work with all outfits for all occasions, here are must-have universal vibrant shades (listed in no particular order) that are guaranteed to add an ample amount of glamour and vibrance to all melanin-rich skin tones and undertones.

1. Maybelline Colour Sensation Ultimatte Slim Lipstick - More Ruby