How to wear Dark Red Lipstick For Warm Undertones – A Step-by-Step Guide With 9 Stunning Options

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Have you ever rocked a bold, dark red lipstick only to look in the mirror and, well, let’s just say it wasn’t giving Hollywood glamour? Maybe it made your teeth look weirdly yellow, or your whole face just looked…off. Been there, done that, bought that (slightly terrifying) glow-in-the-dark lipstick.

The truth is, finding the perfect dark red lipstick for your warm undertones can feel like cracking the code on a secret society – all those options, all those swatches, and you just want to look like a million bucks, not like you raided Dracula’s makeup bag.

The truth is, finding the perfect dark red isn’t just about picking a pretty colour (although that’s important too, obviously!). It’s all about undertones. And when it comes to dark red lipstick and warm undertones, well, that can be a whole other story. So, ditch the confusion and read on to find the holy grail of dark red lipstick for warm tones.

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What are Undertones, Anyway?

Undertones are the subtle, natural tones lurking beneath your skin’s surface. They can be cool (think pink or rosy), warm (think peachy or golden), or neutral (a mix of both). Figuring out your undertones is key to unlocking makeup magic, especially when it comes to bold colours like deeper darker red. Warm undertones are basically what gives your skin a peachy, golden, or olive cast. If you find yourself reaching for gold jewellery over silver, you probably have warm tones. And, when it comes to makeup, especially bold colours like dark red lipstick, choosing the right shade can make all the difference.

Why Do Undertones Matter for Dark Red Lipstick?

So why should you care about undertones when it comes to your favourite dark red lipstick? Because the wrong shade can clash with your natural warmth, making your skin look dull or even sallow. Think of it like trying to pair a fire engine red with a sunshine yellow outfit – not exactly a match made in heaven.

But the good news is that with a little know-how about warm undertones, you can find a dark red lipstick shade that will make your lips look absolutely stunning. Get ready to dive into the world of warm undertones and wear that dark red lip like a total boss!

Deep Dives and Delicious Hues: Exploring the World of Dark Reds

Dark red lipstick isn’t just one shade. It’s a whole spectrum of deep, rich colours that range from vampy plums to almost-black berries. Here’s a quick peek at some of the different varieties:

• Berrylicious: Think deep purples with a hint of blue or pink. These shades are perfect for cooler evenings and can add a touch of drama.
• Wine Not? Rich, plummy reds with a brown undertone. These are super versatile and can be dressed up or down.
• Brick Happens: Warmer reds with a touch of brown or orange. These are ideal for those golden undertones and can add a touch of earthiness.
• Black Magic (almost): Super dark “Morticia” reds that borderline on black. These are for the bold and beautiful and can make a serious statement.

How Dark Red Lipstick Loves Warm Skin

Why are dark red lipsticks so darn flattering on warm undertones, no matter your skin colour? Pay attention, because science is about to get sexy.

• Golden Glow, Meet Your Match: Warm undertones have a golden or yellow base. Dark red lipsticks with brown, orange, or even slight gold flecks in them enhance that natural warmth, making your skin look radiant.
• Recall the Colour Wheel: Remember the colour wheel from the art class? Opposites attract! Cool-toned reds can actually make your warm undertones look dull. Dark red lipsticks with warmer tones, however, create a beautiful harmony and make your whole face pop.
• Versatility FTW: Dark red lipsticks can be surprisingly versatile. A sheer berry stain can be daytime appropriate, while a bold, matte black cherry can be perfect for a night out. No matter your style, there’s a dark red lipstick out there for everyone.

How to Choose the Right Dark Red Lipstick

The science is out of the way, now it’s time for the fun part – snagging the dark red lipstick that makes you feel like a million bucks! But before you go swiping every shade in sight, we gotta figure out your specific warm undertone.

The Undertone Lowdown: Warm vs. Cool ️

Remember how we talked about golden and peachy hues giving away warm undertones? Well, cool undertones have a whole different vibe. They tend to have a pink or blueish cast, and silver jewellery usually complements them better.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to figure out yours:

• Warm Undertones:
  • Gold jewellery looks better on you.
  • Your veins appear greenish when you look at your wrist.
  • You tend to tan easily and burn less often.
• Cool Undertones:
  • Silver jewellery makes you shine.
  • Your veins appear bluish on your wrist.
  • You may burn easily and tan less frequently.

Not sure? No worries, beauty! There are a couple of easy tests you can try at home.

Undertone Detectives: Tests for Every Skin Tone ️‍

• The White Paper Trick: Hold a plain white sheet of paper next to your bare face in natural light. If your skin looks yellowish next to the white, you’re warm-toned. If it looks slightly pink, you’re cool-toned.
• The Vein Test: Peek at the veins on your inner wrist. Greenish veins = warm, bluish veins = cool.

Lighten Up: Why Natural Light Matters

Now that you (hopefully!) know your undertone, here comes the most important rule: always choose your dark red lipstick in natural light. Harsh store lighting can play tricks on your skin tone, so head outside or find a well-lit window for the ultimate shade showdown.

This is especially important for deeper skin tones. A shade that looks perfect under fluorescent lights might wash you out in natural light.

Prepping Your Pout: The Foundation for Flawless Dark Red Lipstick

We’ve got your warm undertones checked out and the perfect dark red lipstick shade practically calling your name. But before you dive in and paint the town red, there’s one crucial step: prepping your lips! Just like your face needs priming before makeup, your lips also need some TLC to ensure that the dark red lipstick shade applies flawlessly and lasts longer.

Buff Away the Flakes

Nobody wants a dark red lipstick clinging to dry, flaky bits. Exfoliation is your BFF when it comes to creating a smooth base for your lip colour. But here’s the thing, different skin tones might need slightly different approaches:

• For Fair to Light Skin Tones: A gentle sugar scrub mixed with a bit of honey is perfect for buffing away dead skin cells without irritation.
• For Medium Skin Tones: A soft toothbrush dampened with water can be a great exfoliating tool. Just be sure to brush gently in circular motions.
• For Deeper Skin Tones: Look for a lip scrub with slightly more grit, like one containing brown sugar or coffee grounds. These can tackle dryness without being too harsh.

Moisture is Key: Keeping Your Lips Hydrated

Here’s the universal truth: dry lips are the enemy of long-lasting dark red lipstick or any lipstick for that matter. A good lip balm is the key to keep your pout plump and hydrated. Look for a balm with ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil, which are super nourishing for all skin tones.

Apply a generous layer of lip balm a few minutes before applying your lipstick. This gives the balm time to sink in and create a smooth, moisturized base. Then remove

Tip: Dab a tiny bit of balm on top of your finished lipstick for extra shine and a touch of moisture throughout the day.

Application Tips and Tricks for Your Dark Red Lipstick

We’ve prepped your lips to perfection, and now it’s time for the main event: applying your killer dark red lipstick. Don’t worry, this isn’t rocket science. With a few simple tricks, you’ll be a dark red lipstick pro in no time, no matter your skin tone.

Line ’em Up: Shaping Your Perfect Pout

A well-defined lip line is your best friend when it comes to a bold colour like dark red lipstick. Here’s how to do it:

1. Grab a lip liner that matches (or is slightly darker than) your chosen lipstick shade.
2. Starting at the cupid’s bow (that little dip above your upper lip), line your lips with small strokes, following your natural lip line.
3. Connect the lines at your mouth’s corners, ensuring they’re even.
4. Optional: For extra staying power, you can fill in your entire lips with the lip liner.

Tip: Lighter skin tones might benefit from a lip liner that’s the same shade as their lipstick, while deeper skin tones can go for a slightly darker liner for added definition.

Precision is Queen

Now for the fun part – applying that gorgeous dark red lipstick! Here are some tips for a flawless finish:

• Start with a clean lip brush. This ensures even application and prevents colour bleeding.
• Apply the lipstick from the centre of your lips outwards, following the lines you created with your lip liner.
• For a precise application, use a small lip brush and focus on the corners of your mouth.
• Blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product. This helps prevent feathering and makes your lipstick last longer.
• Apply a second coat for extra colour intensity.

Blotting and Layering: Your Long-Lasting Lipstick BFFs

We all want our dark red lipstick to stay put, right? Here’s where blotting and layering come in:

• Blotting: After applying your first coat, press a tissue between your lips to remove excess product. Then, apply a second coat for a more intense colour that won’t budge.
• Layering: Apply a thin layer of translucent powder between your lipstick’s coats. This sets the colour and helps prevent it from smudging.

Putting It All Together: Complementary Makeup for Your Dark Red Lipstick

A killer pout deserves a killer makeup look to match. Don’t worry, this isn’t about a full-on glam if that’s not your vibe. It’s about finding complementary shades that enhance your dark red lipstick and make you feel like the radiant queen you are.

When it comes to makeup and skin tones, there are no hard and fast rules. These are just some tips to get you started, and you can always experiment and find what goes with your style!

Let Your Eyes Do the Talking

Since your dark red lipstick is the star of the show, let’s keep your eye makeup a bit subtler, but still stunning. Here are some ideas for different skin tones:

• Fair to Light Skin Tones: Try soft shimmery shades like champagne, rose gold, or taupe on your lids. For a bolder look, a smokey brown in the crease can add a definition. Finish with black or brown eyeliner and mascara.
• Medium Skin Tones: You can go for a wider range of colours! Play with warm browns, bronzes, or even a touch of copper on your lids. For a dramatic look, a deep plum or charcoal grey can be gorgeous. Black kohl eyeliner and mascara are always a safe bet.
• Deeper Skin Tones: Go for rich, jewel-toned eyeshadows like emerald green, sapphire blue, or even a deep plum. These will really make your eyes pop! Black eyeliner and mascara will add extra definition.

Blush and Contour: Bringing Out Your Natural Features

Blush and contouring can add dimension and warmth to your face, which complements your dark red lipstick beautifully. Here’s a quick guide for different skin tones:

• Fair to Light Skin Tones: Opt for a soft peach or pink blush. For contouring, use a light brown shade to subtly define your cheekbones and jawline.
• Medium Skin Tones: You can choose a wider range of blush colours, from peach to coral to soft plum. For contouring, use a warm brown shade to define your features.
• Deeper Skin Tones: Berry plum or even purple blush shades can look stunning. For contouring, use a cool-toned brown or even a deep taupe to sculpt your cheekbones and jawline.

Tip: Apply blush and contour in a light hand and blend well! The goal is to enhance your natural features, not create harsh lines.

Find Your Perfect Shade

Still not sure what shade works best for you? Here are some killer dark red lipstick options to get you started:

Fair Skin with Warm Undertones: Light Up Your Look

For our fair-skinned beauties with warm undertones, the key is to find a dark red lipstick that’s rich and bold without being too overwhelming. Here are a few of my faves:

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Fighter: This drugstore gem is a true brick red with a hint of brown, making it super flattering on fair skin tones. It’s also got major staying power, so you don’t need touch-ups.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored: Rihanna knows a thing or two about slaying, and this dark red lipstick is no exception. It’s a gorgeous, cool-toned red with a hint of berry, perfect for adding a touch of drama without washing you out.

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Extra: Don’t let the name fool you, this lipstick is more of a warm-toned red with a hint of coral. It’s a great option for fair skin tones because it adds a touch of brightness without being too overpowering.

Medium Skin with Warm Undertones: Strike a Golden Balance

For our medium-skinned queens with warm undertones, you have a whole world of dark red lipstick options to explore! Here are a few that will make your golden glow pop:

MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Devoted to Chili: This liquid lipstick is a cult favourite for a reason. It’s a beautiful, warm-toned red with a brown undertone that’s universally flattering. The powder kiss formula is lightweight and comfortable to wear, too.

NARS PowerMatte Liquid Lipstick in Walk This Way: This deep, brick red is perfect for making a statement. It’s a true matte formula that’s super long-lasting, so you can apply it once and forget about it all night.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Divine Vine: This drugstore find is a total steal! It’s a rich, plummy red with a warm undertone that’s perfect for medium skin tones. The matte formula is comfortable and long-lasting, too.

Deep Skin with Warm Undertones: Embrace the Bold and Beautiful

Deep skin tones with warm undertones can carry some seriously bold dark red lipstick shades! Here are a few that will make your lips the centre of attention:

Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The MVP: This cool-toned red with a hint of berry looks flattering on deeper skin tones, adding drama and dimension.

MAC Satin Lipstick in Paramount: This deep berry red is perfect for creating that statement look. Also, the satin formula gives a soft cushiony feel to the lips.

NARS Lipstick in Opulent Red: This is all about celebrating the beauty of all skin tones, and their dark red lipstick shades are no exception. Opulent Red is a non-drying, gorgeous, rich plum red that’s perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your look.

Removing Your Dark Red Lipstick

Even the most fabulous looks gotta come off eventually. The key? Remove your dark red lipstick gently and effectively, no matter your skin tone.

Here’s the thing, harsh scrubbing can irritate your lips, and that’s no bueno for anyone. So, let’s ditch the aggression and focus on gentle removal that leaves your lips soft and smooth.

Treat Your Lips Right

• Oil Cleansing is Key: Oil is your best friend when it comes to removing stubborn lipstick, especially rich deep red shades. Apply a few drops of oil cleanser or even baby oil, coconut oil, or olive oil (whatever’s at hand) to a cotton pad and gently massage it over your lips. The oil will break down the lipstick without drying out your skin.
• Micellar Water Magic: Micellar water is another gentle option for removing makeup, including dark red lipstick. Just soak a cotton pad with micellar water and swipe it over your lips until the colour is gone.
• Double Cleanse for Deeper Shades: For deeper skin tones with heavy lipstick application, you might need a double cleanse. Start with the oil cleansing method, then follow up with your favourite gentle cleanser to remove any remaining residue.

Final Thoughts

From choosing the perfect shade to mastering the application and creating a complementary look, hopefully, by now you know how to rock that dark red lipstick for your skin tone.

Just remember to embrace the bold colours that flatter your warm undertones, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you find your signature style. With a little practice, you’ll be a dark red lipstick pro in no time, ready to turn heads and conquer whatever comes your way. Let your dark red lipstick be your statement piece, a reflection of your inner fire. Now get out there and shine!