Ever felt like the only person who can’t pull off a red lip? The rouge pout may be a classic, but there’s an art to finding the right red lipstick shade that brings out your inner siren.

As with any bold look, a lot of it comes down to confidence. Don’t wear a lip color because it looks great on your friend, or you’ve seen Angelina Jolie sporting it – choose a shade you feel comfortable in and rock it in a way only you can.

Start with baby steps. If you’ve avoided a red lip up until now, do a little experimenting with sheer shades first and go from there; going red doesn’t always need to be a statement.

While there are no rules when it comes to red lipstick, using your skin tone as a guideline will help you find the most flattering shades. A basic rule of thumb is those with yellow and warm undertones will look particularly great with orange-based reds, while cooler skin tones should veer towards blue-based shades. Neutral undertones? Lucky you, because anything goes!

Let’s not forget that the shape of your lips come into play as well. That may seem pretty obvious, but plenty of people pick up that vampy wine-colored lipstick and then wonder why their lips suddenly look smaller instead of full and pouty. If that’s the case, go for a bright red that pops!

Ultimately it takes a lot of trial and error, but when you’ve found ‘the one’ it’s like slipping into your favorite pair of jeans.

The Best Natural Red Lipstick Shades

Subtle Reds

Ilia Lipstick in Perfect Day – A soft, coral red which adds just a hint of color to the face. But don’t be mistaken, this is definitely a lipstick, not a tint.

Best for: Fair to medium skin with warm undertones.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip And Cheek Stain in Forever Red – Long wearing and color adapting, you can’t go wrong with this lip stain. It’s also amazing at protecting and repairing lips – the perfect step up from your regular balm.

Best for: All skin tones.

Classic Reds

Gressa Lip Boost in Aux Rouge – This universally flattering red is ideal for those who prefer a low maintenance approach. Upon first application it acts more like a stain, but can be built up into a bolder semi-matte finish, all while feeling incredibly nourishing.

Best for: All skin tones.

Ilia Lipstick in Strike It Up – When we think of Hollywood glamor, teeth-whitening, crimson lips no doubt come to mind. Ilia hits the nail on the head with this blue-based shade, ready to be paired with everything from jeans to a gown.

Best for: Cool undertones.

Axiology Beauty Lipstick in Elusive – If vivid scarlets aren’t your thing, then this brick red number will hit the spot. More understated but every bit as classic, this type of red earned its place in the makeup hall of fame in the nineties and hasn’t quit the limelight since.

Best for: Light to dark skin with warm undertones.

Statement Reds

Rituel De Fille Enchanted Lip Sheer in Bloodroot – It may be sheer by name, but this vibrant orange-red certainly doesn’t lack impact. Warning: this is a shade that won’t go unnoticed.

Best for: Warm undertones.

RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Diabolique – Making a statement isn’t all about going bright. This rich, dark red lends itself to a seriously vampy look and is particularly great for tapping into fall trends.

Best for: All skin tones.

Related on EcoSalon
Get the Smokey Lip Look this Autumn
Embrace the Mysterious Oxblood Makeup Trend
Why Liquid Lipstick is the #1 Googled Beauty Product

The post Red Hot: How to Find the Right Red Lipstick Shade for Your Pout appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spring really is just around the corner. It may not seem like it, but it is. To make sure your beauty routine is ready for blooming flowers and sunshine-filled days, we’ve rounded up 4 spring-inspired liquid lipsticks that are as vibrant as you are.

1. Matte Lip Tar in Rollergirl (vibrant lavender purple)

I love a bold purple lip any time of year, but this dainty, light purple hue seems especially appropriate for late March or early April. It’s a perfect color to paint on when it’s a cloudy, rainy day, to remind you that yes, indeed, April showers DO mean May flowers. From Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (all of their liquid lipsticks are vegan and cruelty-free), priced at $18.

2. Melted Liquefied Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Ruby

Red is always a great color: It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. However, when a red liquid lipstick is paired with a clean face, and just the slightest brush of mascara, it can warm any spring picnic up. Priced at $21 from Too Faced.

3. Liquid Lipsticks from Lush, in Charm (babydoll pink liquid lipstick)

Sometimes you just want to wear light colors, and this liquid lipstick delivers just that. It’s light and whispy – a perfect compliment to a pastel Easter basket. Priced at $18.95 and completely vegan. (If you’re looking for bolder liquid lipsticks, check out the rest of Lush’s shades. They’ve got a few other pink hues that are incredibly striking.)

4. e.l.f. Essential Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Strawberry

You know we had to include a cruelty-free, drugstore brand for the animal-loving frugal women out there. Eyes Lips Face (e.l.f.) has a line of liquid lipsticks that are simple and cheap – they are $1 a piece. This incredibly light orange liquid lipstick is subtle and perfect for a patio brunch.

Related on EcoSalon

8 Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands to Make Your Skin (and Heart) Glow

Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup? Yes, Please

Pucker Up for the Best Organic Lip Balms

Image: Domino

The post 4 Liquid Lipsticks to Rock this Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.