We rounded up the absolute best reds for every skin tone, so you can breeze through the sea of cherries, raspberries, and any other scarlet fruit.
FAIR COMPLEXION
CHERRY
We're starting off on a bright note. Vibrant blue-based cherry reds contrast with pink undertones in fair skin to make lips pop, says makeup artist Susie Sobol. They also happen to make teeth look whiter. It's a youthful red shade, for sure, so keep the rest of your makeup clean and simple--a little pink blush, crisp black liner, and black mascara do the trick.
FAIR COMPLEXION
CRANBERRY
Looking for something more grown-up? Rich cranberry warms up fair skin tones and is just enough to look sophisticated--not vampirish or teenage angst-y.
FAIR COMPLEXION
WINE
It's deep and moody--and the effect against porcelain skin is striking, thanks to a hint of violet that keeps complexions from looking washed out. (Sobol suggests those with lighter skin stay away from brown and brick reds.)
MEDIUM COMPLEXION
ORANGE-RED
A color so vivid that it looks like it was plucked out of a Lichtenstein, this fiery shade is great against warm complexions. Orange-y shades are hard to pull off, Sobol says, but this one has hints of blue to counteract shallowness.
MEDIUM COMPLEXION
BLACKBERRY
One swipe of this red-based purple delivers the same berry tint as a glass (or two) of pinot noir--minus the stained teeth. To keep things sophisticated, blend a creamy berry blush over the apples of your cheeks.
DARK COMPLEXION
TANGERINE
Talk about bold: This orange punch shade really stands out against darker skin tones--just ask Solange Knowles. But with colors this bright, you have to commit. To make it last, first fill in lips with a liner in the same shade as the lipstick. "Really push the liner into your lips. You want to stain them with it," Sobol says. Dab lipstick on top (straight from the tube), pat it in with your finger then reapply. Blot with a tissue, and the color will stay put--even after a few cocktails.
DARK COMPLEXION
MAROON
This deep, deep red is elegant, and the rich blue undertones are especially flattering against dark skin. Stronger shades like these look best with little makeup elsewhere: "Go for bold brows and shimmery nude shadow," Sobol says.
DARK COMPLEXION
RASPBERRY
It's bright and young and contains a hefty dose of pink that pops against dark complexions. Top it with clear gloss for a juicy finish, suggests Sobol.
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