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The classic red lip is officially making a comeback on the red carpet. Yet, this iconic makeup look can be incredibly intimidating. The question plaguing our makeup nightmares is: How do I choose the right red lipstick for me?
To solve this beauty mystery, we tapped celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno, whose celebrity clientele includes Debi Mazar, Laura Donnelly, Alicia Silverstone, and Coco Rocha.
"The biggest tip is to keep the red lip balanced with the rest of the face. A great celebrity red lip usually works because everything around it feels intentional," he told E!. "The skin looks polished, the lip texture matches the skin finish, and the shape suits the person rather than fighting their features."
A good red, according to Briceno, has to match the vibe you're going for and your skin tone. "For me, the best red is the one that works with the entire image, not just the complexion," he said. "[It's] choosing the right kind of red, not just choosing red. The most flattering red is the one that works with the client’s undertone, styling, and the overall mood of the look."
Interested? Keep scrolling to read more celeb-approved tips on how to choose the right shade of red for you and get the products that match it.
True Blue Red Shades
These cool-toned red shades tend to be a default when it comes to red lips, considering they complement a wide range of undertones. "A blue-red lipstick can give you a more classic, old Hollywood look. I choose this family color when I want the lip to look sharp and instantly glamorous," Briceno told E!.
"It has that timeless red-carpet quality, and it usually photographs beautifully. It also tends to make teeth look whiter, which is one of the reasons blue-red is such a reliable celebrity red."
PAT McGRATH LABS LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick
Briceno has this iconic liquid lipstick in the shade Elson 4 in his collection. A vivid blue-red, this matte lipstick has a whipped texture, ultra-pigmented bright color, and a lightweight, comfortable feel.
MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick
MAC's Ruby Woo is a legendary shade of vivid blue-red that everyone, including celebrity makeup artists like Briceno, has been obsessed with for years—and for good reason.
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick
A balm texture and bold pigment? Yes, please! The cool-toned red shade Pop from Victoria Beckham's lipstick promises hydration, all-day comfort, and swoon-worthy color.
Warmer Brick Red Shades
A warm-toned brick red or orange-red color can be brighter or softer depending on the specific shade. It can be an excellent red option for those who are a little nervous to go all-in on the true blue-red. "It feels softer, a little more modern. It doesn’t look too pin-up or too obvious," Briceno told E!. "An orange-red is brighter, more playful, it reads sunnier, more alive, modern, and more effortless. This shade looks lovely on neutral and olive complexions and works beautifully with warm tones and bronzed skin, making the look feel more energized."
Merit Signature Lipstick
The shade Tiger is a brick red that looks modern and gives the illusion of a blurred lip. Merit's Signature Lipstick delivers nourishing hydration and sheer (but buildable) color with a satin finish.
Tom Ford Liquid Lipstick
Infused with black rose oil and seaweed extract, the Tom Ford Liquid Lipstick in the deep brick red shade Heatwave melts onto your lips with a luxurious feel and matte finish.
Dark Ruby & Wine Shades
A dark ruby or wine lipstick shade is perfect for a dramatic look. "I choose a deeper ruby or burgundy when I want the lips to feel richer and moodier," Briceno told E!. "A burgundy lip can make the whole look feel instantly more sophisticated, especially for evening or when I want something elegant but less expected than a traditional red."
MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick
Briceno has MAC's Diva shade, an intense red burgundy, in his collection whenever he's in need of a dark, dramatic red option.
NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
This drugstore hydrating gloss stain has a beautiful dark red shade with the name of Water Bout Wine. It promises an instant glossy wet color that leaves a natural-looking lip stain for up to 12 hours.
DIOR Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick
This designer lipstick delivers a hydrated feel and a shine finish that will leave your lips plump and pigmented in the blueish brown red shade, called Berry Attitude.
Looking for more expert recommendations? Shop tips from a brow stylist!
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