I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s nothing quite as transformative as a red lip.
The power of a red lipstick can instantly take your look from dull to bold and party-ready in an instant.
As someone who avoids colour like the plague, the timeless appeal of a red lip has never been lost on me.
I love its allure, its ability to lift my mood and my outfit and while a statement red lip can be worn year round, with holiday season in full swing I thought it only fitting to share four of my most favourite red lipsticks for olive skin tones.
Personally, I gravitate towards red lipsticks that lean more brown or orange because of my yellow undertone.
But we all know beauty doesn't have rules (except wearing your SPF), so yes, these are my top picks for olive and warmer skin tones, but if you're a red lip aficionado, no matter what your skin tone you might like these too...
How to Prep Lips for Lipstick.
Before we dive into the best red lipsticks for olive skin and warm undertones, prepping your lips just like you would do skin prep before makeup is key.
Dry, cracked lips will not only cause feathering (not a cute look when trying to sport a bold red lip) red lips also have a much better chance at lasting the day when swiped on smooth, nourished lips.
Here’s some quick tips on how to prep your pout:
1. Use a lip scrub: Exfoliators for your lips? Yep, it’s a thing!
Try:
2. Apply a nourishing lip mask: For a smooth pout to sweep your red lip on, apply a nourishing lip mask on after you exfoliate.
You can either pop it on overnight or a few hours before applying your lipstick.
Try:
3. Applying concealer to darker lips: I know, this one sounds a bit weird, but this is a personal hack I like to do.
Because I have naturally darker lips, I like to apply the tiniest amount of concealer on first so that whatever lip shade I’m wearing can lay down on my lips as true to its actual colour as possible.
Using a less full coverage concealer works best for this tip as a full coverage can make your lipstick appear more cakey and/or muddy.
4. Precise lipstick application: If you go outside the lines, don’t stress. For extra precision, you can clean up any mistakes or bleeding by popping some concealer on a cotton tip and blurring out drawing over any mishaps. Using a lip liner can also help with less bleeding, make lips appear fuller and give your red lip look more dimension.
Best Red Lipsticks for Olive Skin.
Is there truly a better makeup companion during the holiday season than a statement red lip?
That was a rhetorical question.
While this list could go on further, here’s just four of my standout red lipsticks that flatter warmer skin tones…
1. M.A.C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Shade ‘Chilli'.
What: M.A.C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick
Shade: Chilli.
Fast facts:
Part of MAC’s Matte Lipstick range which includes 20 versatile and bold shades.
Delivers high-wattage colour and minimal shine.
Comfortable all-day wear and a creamy texture.
Has an anti-feathering technology that gives long-lasting colour.
Other popular reds in the range include ‘Lady Danger’ and ‘Russian Red’.
Good for: Most usage both day and night.
My MAC Chilli review:
MAC Chilli still very much holds its cult status as one of the most wearable red lipsticks.
I was actually recommended this by a few people including my cousin who has a similar skin tone to me as one of the best red lipsticks for darker skin tones.
When I finally got around to buying it, I understood why. Now, it’s the most used in my red lipstick wardrobe.
I prefer red lipsticks that lean more brownish than blue, and this one does just that.
Plus if you're not a high gloss gal like me, this one imparts the perfect, creamy matte finish that when diffused a little with fingers, looks like a lovely stain on the lips.
This would also be my pick for the red lip I would wear comfortably with any day outfit as well as any evening occasion (looks especially great paired with white or denim).
For its high quality, the $37 price point is pretty reasonable.
Lighter skin tones, this one looks great on you too! My aunty who is much fairer than me also owns MAC Chilli, and while it looks completely different on her, it’s equally as flattering.
File this one under: the perfect handbag companion during party season.
