There’s nothing like a red lipstick to boost your confidence and make you feel fearless and ready to take on the day. I love the effects of a good red lipstick and feel that every woman, especially black women, should own at least one in their make-up arsenal. I want to dispel the myth that black women can’t rock a red lip with my edit of shades and formulas for darker skin tones.
But with so many red lipsticks on the market, where do you begin? And what’s more, how do you find the perfect one for you? Firstly, it’s important to remember that you need to wear red lipstick with confidence. Everyone can wear a red lipstick, but pulling it off is down to how well you wear it. Secondly, if you’re new to wearing a bold lip, you can go for a sheer or moisturising formula and apply it in small quantities, gradually building up to a matte formula to produce the boldest look.
Pat McGrath Elson MatteTrance Lipstick, £35
This lipstick shade is the ultimate red and is flattering on everyone. It’s a blue-toned red, which makes your teeth look super-bright and white, while its formula boasts a creamy soft matte texture for the smoothest application. So if you’re looking for a vibrant red that is long wearing and comfortable, this is the one is for you.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour in Red Velvet, £29
If you’re new to wearing a red lipstick and want to try an easy-to-wear formula, Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Lip colours are a must-have. These are great because they nourish while providing a flattering lip colour that lasts all day. Red velvet is a deep rich red that works beautifully on deeper skin tones while its formula leaves the lips looking nourished and sumptuous.
Emolyne Metamorphosis Velvet-semi Matte Lipstick in Casablanca, £21
Emolyne is a British beauty brand that is all about celebrating every undertone. It offers an edit of lipsticks, lip liners and nail polishes in matching shades, which takes the guesswork out of finding the right edit for you – all for a price-friendly £40. Casablanca is an orange-toned red that complements darker skin tones beautifully while its hydrating and creamy-textured formula is a joy to wear on all occasions.
Christian Louboutin Beauty Velvet Matte Lipstick in Dramadouce, £73
This Louboutin coral-red lipstick is enriched with natural oils and seed butters so that the lipstick stays comfortably on your lips as you wear it. The colour is as beautiful as the packaging, which justifies its price tag. It really is a showstopper – just like the designer’s red-soled shoes.
YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture the Slim Lipstick in 21 Rouge Paradoxe, £30
The unique square-shaped bullet of this lippie gives it its USP. Offering precise application, its ultra-rich, high-pigmented matte colour also really stands out against melanated skin tones. This stunning coral red is iconic and luxe.
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in I’ve Kissed, £33
If you are looking for a lipstick that just screams chic and sophisticated, then look no further than this Hourglass lipstick. A beautifully packaged rich lip colour in a wonderful shade of red that can be easily refilled once finished. Even with its creamy texture it doesn’t compromise on colour and vibrancy.
Sleek Makeup Say It Loud Satin Lipstick, £5.99
An affordable pink-to-red shade of lipstick that is stunning on deeper skin tones, this Sleek Makeup formula is fantastic if you want a long-lasting lipstick that glides on effortlessly with little need to reapply throughout the day.
