Red Lipstick Basics 1: How to distinguish reds

Types of red

Warm reds are for people who look best in warm tones. Common names for warm reds are "geranium red", "tomato red" or "brick red" (a dark version).

You can see a physical description of the people who look best in warm reds going to my Autumn and Spring palettes.

True red is a primary colour. It has an equal amount of blue and yellow inside. Another name for true red is medium red.

All seasons look good in this red, but the intensity of the colour (the saturation) is different depending on how strong the palette is (soft, clear, deep, cool...).

Cool reds are for people who look best in cool tones. Shades of red called "crimson", "scarlet", "cherry red" (or cerise), or any name of red that includes "berry" in it.

You can see a physical description of the people who look best in cool reds going to my Winter or Summer palettes.


The advice above applies to colours worn near the face (a top, a hat, a scarf...) or on the face (make up). If a colour is not good on you, it is best to avoid it altogether around your upper body, as nail polish or as shoes worn on the naked skin.

MORE RED LIPSTICK BASICS?

• Red Lipstick Basics 2: How to shop for the right red lipstick
• Red Lipstick Basics 3: How to apply and maintain red lipstick

Additionally, you can follow the label Colour savvy to learn more about colours.