Chinese New Year 2015: How to choose the best red lipstick for your skin tone?

Whenever Chinese New Year comes around, we find it necessary to look through our wardrobe and beauty collections to locate any possessions that embody the colour red. Lipsticks, earrings, dresses and shoes…you name it, we’ve probably got it in some shade of red.

And after digging up some old CNY pictures, we’ve noticed that our red lipstick hasn’t always been so, well, flattering. Which is why we thought it best to do a little bit of research on what shade of red lipstick looks best on what skin tone – fair, medium or dark. Here’s what we found:

Fair complexion:

Deep, blue-based wine reds contrast with fair undertones of pale skin to make your lips pop like no other. With any dark lipstick, you’ll want to keep the rest of your makeup minimal – a touch of pink blush, some neat eyeliner and the blackest of mascaras.

If dark lipsticks aren’t your forte, give cranberry colour a go. They’ll warm up your skin tone for a sophisticated look without being vampy.

Steer clear of colours that have extreme pink or coral hues, this will end up washing you out.

Medium complexion:

If you have medium undertones, count yourself lucky. You can rock most shades of red, as long as they aren’t too pink.

To brighten up any makeup look, opt for a red lipstick that has orange hues. A fiery shade is great against warm complexions – pair the lipstick with bronzed eyes and contoured cheeks.

If you’re looking for something a little more grown-up, and will look great in the boardroom, you can’t go wrong with a brown/ red shade.

Dark complexion:

Talk about bold. Orangey-reds are perfect for those with heavily tanned or dark complexions. The bright shade will really stand out against your skin tone, offering a makeup look that appears brighter and more radiant.

Raspberry shades are also great for complementing those with deep complexions. They promote brightness and youth. Keep the eyes and face natural – apply a hefty dose of raspberry lipstick and top it with a clear gloss.

With any bright colour, you’ll want to make sure the lipstick doesn’t bleed by blotting your lips with a tissue after application. Be careful of any stain marks on your teeth, too.

So, whether you take part in the Chinese New Year festivities or just want to pinpoint your perfect red, use these guidelines and your lips will be in tip top shape in no time.

Shannon Gallagher