How to choose your perfect shade of red lipstick

Red lips can be alluring, vampy, fun and fabulous and there is a perfect shade of red for everyone. Knowing which red suits you is the key and it all comes down to your complexion when choosing your signature shade.

WHAT'S YOUR UNDERTONE?

Generally, people’s skin tone falls into one of three categories – fair, medium or dark. But to choose your shade we also need to look at the undertone and to do that, look at your wrists and see what colour your veins are.

Cool Undertone - Blue or purple veins indicate a cool (pink) undertone. You probably also burn easily in the sun.

Warm Undertone - Green veins indicate a warm (yellow) undertone. You tan quite easily in the sun.

Neutral Undertone – This is when you can’t really distinguish the colour of your veins. They may appear to be a mix of blue and green. If you have a neutral undertone you are incredibly lucky and can wear practically any shade of red you want, as your skin tone has the ability to adapt to any colour.

Now you need to look at your skin tone and your undertone to see what suits you.

If you have fair skin, light complexion – these are your choices:

Cool Undertone - Go for blue-based reds, raspberry reds. Try Issada Mineral Lip Crayon in ALLURE

Warm Undertone - muted orange reds. Be sure there is just a hint of orange, not too vibrant. Try Issada Luxury Matte Lipstick in MARILYN

Neutral Undertone – Any of the above!

If you have medium skin, golden olive complexion – these are your choices:

Cool Undertone - earthy, blue-based wine red with a deeper undertone than true reds. Try Issada Luxury Matte Lipstick in CASABLANCA

Warm Undertone - brick reds. This shade of red beautifully blends with a bronzed complexion. Brick red is a very warm colour. Try Issada Luxury Matte

Lipstick in RED CARPET 

Neutral Undertone – Any of the above!

If you have dark skin, deep tan complexion – these are your choices:

Cool Undertone - go for vampy, brown-red lipsticks that are a darker variation on wine red. Try Issada Luxury Matte Lipstick in CURTAIN CALL

Warm Undertone – choose vibrant, orange-based reds. These types of red lipsticks have a sassy boost of orange. Try Issada Mineral Cream Lipstick in OMG Orange

Neutral Undertone – Any of the above – lucky you!

If you are new to wearing red and prefer to ease your way into it, try an Issada Mineral Gloss for a sheer red effect. Sheer shades of red on the lips are always flattering and they give you the freedom to wear any shade of red you fancy, regardless of your skin tone.