If you’ve tried red lipstick before and have fair skin but didn’t love the way it looked, maybe there were a few essential components that weren’t in the particular one you tried. There’s actually a science that goes into picking out the right, vibrant red shade for fair skin. One of the important things to take note of is that we all have undertones. Some folks have cool undertones, and some have warm, even if they have lighter skin. One way to tell this is by taking a look at wrist vein color. Blue or purple veins point toward a cool tone, and green veins may mean you have a warm undertone. Cool undertones work best with lipstick with touches of blue, while warm undertones work well with orange-tinged reds. Below are our picks for red lipsticks that work well with fair skin tones all around.
Best Picks For Red Lipstick:
- Armani Beauty: Lip Power Long-Lasting Satin Lipstick – Neutral Red
- MAC: Mini MAC Lipstick – Ruby Woo
- Hourglass: Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick – Red 0
- UOMA Beauty: Black Magic Metallic Shine Lipstick – On Fire
- Maybelline: Super Stay Vinyl Ink – Red Hot
- L’Oreal Paris: Colour Riche Matte Lipcolour, Devil’s Matte-Vocate Red
- COVERGIRL: Exhibitionist Cream Lipstick, 510 Real Red
- BESAME Cosmetics: Victory Red Lipstick
- Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick – Red Rose
- Almay: Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick, Red-Light
- Honest Company: Liquid Lipstick, Love
- Estee Lauder: Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick – Immortal
Good to Know
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4.6-star rating
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Allure Best of Beauty Award winner
One of the reviews specifically mentioned how well this goes with red hair and fair skin, and we have to say that this neutral red looks ultra versatile. There are multiple colors to choose from, including a few more red options. This is a long-wear lipstick packed with lots of color. A satin finish is timeless and classic and is there to stay all day, per the description. The company also describes this as having a precision application due to its innovative shape.
What People Are Saying
“It’s one of best lipsticks ever and hits high marks in all the categories: comfortable, long-lasting, super pigmented, easy application (the teardrop shape is GENIUS), wearable, and low-maintenance.”
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4.5-star rating
You may have heard of celebrities like Taylor Swift or Nicole Kidman opting for a Ruby Woo lipstick. This is actually a color, but it’s special because it is completely neutral and can look great on any skin tone. The reason for this is because of the absence of undertones. There aren’t any blue hues or orange. It’s completely a true red. Mac makes a version of ruby woo that rates highly because of its seamless red presentation. Being a mini, it fits effortlessly into a small clutch, fanny pack, or even your pocket. Just make sure to empty your pockets before throwing clothes in the wash.
What People Are Saying
“It’s the perfect shade of red. Period. I’ll always come back to Ruby Woo.”
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5-star rating
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Vegan
Animal lovers rejoice —this carmine-free lipstick is vegan and cruelty-free. However, the color still delivers, and the lipstick as a whole is described to apply smooth and creamy while saturating the lips with moisture. This lipstick might be less likely to smudge and might last a little bit longer than others. We like that the applicator is smaller, so you can really control the edges for that perfect lip. The product is cleaner than many, made without parabens, gluten, phthalates, talc, mineral oil, or a handful of other dirty ingredients.
What People Are Saying
“This goes on fab well; smooth creamy lasting great middle red and I’m a light skinned blonde with freckles- it’s not too much and doesn’t feel painted on.”
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4.8-star rating
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Vegan
I love a beauty product that also provides some skin and health benefits. Essential minerals and vitamins have been incorporated into the formula, so it moisturizes while looking great at the same time. Brazil nut oil is a major component behind the hydrating properties. Brazil nuts themselves are full of antioxidants and may even reduce inflammation. In the product description, it is claimed that this one will stay in place while providing plenty of eye-catching shine. Ingredients like parabens and talc have been left out.
What People Are Saying
“This lipstick is so beautiful. I love the sparkle. The lipstick goes on smooth and is not drying. The glitter effect is subtle yet striking. A definite must buy.”
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4.6-star rating
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Vegan
Described to have up to a 16-hour life, this seems like a great date night option. Vegan formulas seem to be relatively common in the lipstick world, and we are loving that companies are foregoing animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. The saturated final color is vibrant, and reviews confirm that it is a surprisingly long-wear lipstick.
What People Are Saying
“Great pigmentation beautiful color, but it’s not transfer proof. Its pretty long wearing though and the shades are beautiful.”
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4.6-star rating
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Moisturizing
Dry lips and lipstick often don’t go together. The appearance can be overly textured, presenting with somewhat of a wrinkly lip. So maybe you should opt for something that is intensely rich, like this L’Oreal Paris formula. Devil’s Matte Vocate red is highly praised for its vibrancy, but there’s another color that seems to be regularly mentioned that we didn’t see as an option in the product listing—it’s called Blake’s Red. It’s described as having a blue undertone, which would complement cool skin.
What People Are Saying
“This is the best red. I get tons of compliments when wearing this color. I’ll definitely keep Devils Matte Vocate Red in my stick.”
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4.2-star rating
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Cream finish
Matte finishes are great for the office or for an overall elegant look. A glossy finish demands a little bit more attention and can be a playful touch to any look. Again, this is another practical yet beautiful product, as it moisturizes deeply with Shea butter and is even described to smell good. Reviews mention that it can be worn with or without primer and that the gloss adds the perfect hint of shine. Even folks who aren’t really into lipstick tended to find themselves making this purchase. Also, expect this lipstick to smudge a little less.
What People Are Saying
“This lipstick is very cream. It will leave your lips feeling moisturized. It’s not a high shine, nor a matte finish, just a nice cream finish.”
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4.5-star rating
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Vegan
I found it fascinating to learn that various shades of this vintage-style lipstick are designed to replicate shades from as far back as the 1920s. Victory red dates back to the 1940s, and we can understand why it would be popular then because it is classically stunning. Besame red is another mentioned neutral favorite. Vitamin E and aloe help your lips look good and feel good. Another lovely touch is the subtle vanilla flavor that doesn’t seem to be too overpowering. And above all, safe and natural ingredients make the wearing experience more pleasant. In addition, the lipstick is cruelty, paraben, gluten and mineral oil free. Talk about a triple threat!
What People Are Saying
“I ordered Besame Red because of Emma Roberts and Lady Gaga in American Horror Story. The red is so vibrant. The lipstick is creamy and the applicator is great for precise application. I love the 1920s inspiration.”
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4.3-star rating
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Vegan
Being a liquid lipstick, the product glides onto the lips and then gradually dries to a velvet-like matte finish. The color is truly inspired by a rose petal, as is the silky finish. The description states it is extra durable and claims this lipstick to hold up through meals, any type of touch, or even kissing. We also love that it’s infused with French vanilla for a light but ultra-comforting scent. Talc and parabens are nowhere to be found, and the company is certified by both Leaping Bunny and PETA. The product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What People Are Saying
“One of the best liquid lipsticks out there. You will have to moisturize your lips first to ensure no dryness, but still worth the buy!”
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4.6-star rating
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Moisturizing
Shea butter and coconut oil give this lipstick extremely hydrating properties, and the description mentions that 98% of women felt that their lips were more instantly hydrated. The idea is to create a moisturized feel and a smooth, plumper look. The soft gel formula is designed to deliver full coverage with a shiny finish. Almay also creates hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested products, which may be ideal if you have more sensitive skin.
What People Are Saying
“Great lip butter lipstick with the right amount of color that lasts several hours and is very nourishing for the lips. “
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4.2-star rating
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Vegan
Described as the perfect shade of red, the Honest Company delivers yet another solid and memorable beauty product, that is a lot better for your skin than other products on the market. Avocado oil and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate all day. The lipstick has been made without synthetic film, formers, silicones, fragrances, Carmine, or animal products— so therefore it is also vegan.
What People Are Saying
“I wanted a formula that wasn’t too vinyl glossy or too matte, so I had high hopes for this product. The feel is right in between and the color is rich and vibrant. Love the staying power too!”
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4.7-star rating
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Medium/full coverage
Here’s another color that’s intended to flatter all skin tones and undertones. It’s just a great red lipstick that might become a staple in your cosmetic bag. A specific moisture complex that is mineral oil free is used to create a plump, healthy-looking lip. Soften and smooth the lips while delivering eye-catching color at the same time. The smooth cream finish is described to last up to eight hours. As a bonus, the product is paraben and phthalate free as well.
What People Are Saying
“I bought Boldface and Immortal lipstick for the first time recently and love the shades! I really love the creaminess of the Color Envy products and I have used these lipstick for a number of years.”
