Best Red Lipsticks for Pale Skin

I have a serious passion for lipstick, it is my absolute favorite beauty item! And I truly believe there isn’t a better beauty look than red lipstick! With the right shade, every single skin tone can wear a red lip! Not only does it make a statement but the color makes your whole face light up. If you have pale skin, as I do, red lipstick can add color and bring out your cheek color too. If your make up look ever feels flat, a beautiful red lipstick will brighten up your look. I’ve put together a list of the best red lipsticks for pale skin.

A red lip looks great for so many events! It is mostly thought of as an evening look. Whether it is date night or girls’ night out a red lip can make a statement. Don’t be scared to wear it during the day as well. When you have the right lipstick for your skin tone, you’ll feel confident enough to rock it any time!

Best Red Lipsticks for Pale Skin

Through the years, I’ve tried a ton of lipsticks and have found some of the best shades and formulas for pale skin. Many of these colors work on other skin tones too. Like with any make up item, it may take some trial and error to find the best lipsticks for your skin tone.

Red pops on pale skin more than any other skin tone. With less undertones, the true color of the lipstick shows up more. Also, I’m not here to tell you that you can only wear certain make up colors. If you like it, wear it!!

Red Lipstick Tips

Red lipstick can seem a bit intimidating for some but I promise it is a look that anyone can wear! Here are some tips on how to pull off this classic red lip. These tips are good for any skin tone!

Make up Look

If you want to do a red lip, think about the rest of your make up look. I standard tip is to keep the rest of your look simple so your lips can be the star. If you don’t have a lot of color on your cheeks, add a little bit of blush. This helps to add some dimension to your face. I would recommend either your eye or lips make a statement but not both. This is especially true if you are just starting to wear red lipstick.

My favorite eye make up look with a red lip is pretty simple. Start by brushing or filling in your brows like usual. For your eyes, keep your eyeshadow minimal and do a thin line of black liquid liner. For an evening look, you could even try a winged line. Add on some mascara and you are good to go!

Prepwork

Since your lips are the star of the show you want to make sure they are prepped. If your lips are flaky use a lip scrub (some sugar and oil will work just fine) to exfoliate. Then I apply a lip balm before I do the rest of my makeup. This will moisturize your lips. I wipe off any excess before I apply the lipstick.

If you have the time, I recommend applying some cream concealer around your lips and blending it out. You don’t need a lot. This provides a few benefits. First, it provides a barrier for your lipstick so it won’t bleed. Second, it covers any redness around your lips that will be more noticeable once you apply red lipstick.

Formula

Matte, creamy, gloss!?!? While one formula isn’t better than another they all have their good and bad. Creamy is the traditional texture we expect lipstick to be. It feels good on, looks pretty on the lips but doesn’t always last as well as others. Matte is currently the most popular finish. It looks dramatic but many matte formulas can be drying. Matt lipsticks typically have the best-staying power. Gloss provides a lot of shine and is dramatic as well. It usually feels really good on but some gloss lipsticks can be tacky.

Applicator

How the lipstick is applied is particularly important with red lipstick because mistakes are very noticeable. There are lots of options beyond the typical tube of lipstick. Pencils are probably the easiest applicator because they are a bit more forgiving. Typically the formula goes on cream so you have a moment to fix any mistakes. Liquid lipsticks provide the most precise application but can also be the most difficult to apply. Make sure the applicator has a small precise tip so you can get the lipstick exactly where you want it.

7 Best Lipsticks for Pale Skin

Bare Minerals

Bare Minerals Bare Pro Lipstick in Cherry – The color cherry is the perfect bright cherry red lipstick. It really brightens up your face. I love that the tube is slim so it is easier to apply it more exact. This formula is one of my favorite matte lipsticks. While it is not particularly moisturizing, it is long-lasting. I can wear this and it lasts thru lunch! Tip: if you want the staying power but don’t want a matte look, apply this color then add your favorite gloss on top!

Bare Minerals Hydra Smoothing Lipstick in Inspiration – This color is red with a bit of bright pink to it. It feels like the best color for Spring and Summer. This formula is creamy so it has a bit of a sheen and moisturizes your lips. This is one of the best lipsticks for dry skin.

Mac

Mac has some of the best lipsticks! I have a ton of lipsticks and probably a third are Mac. I could do a whole post on the best mac lipsticks!

Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo – This is the ultimate red lip color. Ruby Woo is a famous shade and a best seller for a reason. Make up artists use it all the time because of the vivid blue-red. It is one of the best lipsticks on pale skin but is a red that looks good on all skin tones. It is a very matte formula that is highly pigmented, you only need one swipe for intense color. The color even comes in a mini version which is a great way to try it out!

Nars

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Vain – This shade is the most beautiful brick red. It is a warmer shade that I particularly love in the Fall & Winter. It is a deeper, richer color than blue reds. Liquid lipstick may seem a bit intimidating but just take your time when applying. The applicator has a fine tip so you can get the lipstick exactly where you want it. While the product is wet you can wipe up any mistakes!

Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dragon Girl – This color is known as “Taylor Swift Red” because it is rumored that it is her favorite red lipstick to wear. I love how the pencil makes it easy to apply. The formula is a velvet matte so while it is a matte look it feels creamy on and isn’t drying. It’s also easier to apply than some other matte lipsticks.

NYX

NYX Powder Puff Lippie Liquid Lipstick in Group Love – This beautiful red has a bit of pink in it too. The finish is velvety matte. The cushion applicator makes it easy to apply and the color is buildable. You can also apply it softly to look more like a lip stain.

L’Oreal

L’Oreal Briallian Signature Shiny Lip Stain Lipstick in Be Brilliant – Another bright bold red! This formula not only provides a glossy finish but it doesn’t feel sticky. Most of the time shiny finish lipsticks don’t last but this one is a stain so it will stay on throughout your day!

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