Simply Red: Holly-Colored Lips for Mistletoe Readiness

Pleasant morning Cool Pinks. For today's look, I've decided that my lips are sealed--with the perfect crimson hue for the season. Now, I have to be honest. Wearing the shade of red that works best for your skin tone is not always an easy task. You'll need to be very aware of your undertones, and play with a few color combinations (sometimes) to get the color you want. And, just as a disclaimer, MAC and elf brands of red lipstick and lipgloss are probably the best bet for women of color. And, also as a disclaimer, follow my tips, chics. Our lips are already full enough. And while that is a beauty asset, we don't need the wrong color drawing negative attention to a part of our face that is enviously beautiful.


That being said, here are some quick tips to make sure you're choosing the correct shade of red--and keeping it on all day.

Red undertones: Go for a date or raisin-colored lipstick. It gives the right amount of red color without making you look like you're playing in your Grandma's vanity contents. A reddish-brown liner will help define your lip shape and keep the lip pigment in place. Choose a tinted lip gloss in the same shade to intensify the color and give your lips a slight pout.

Both warm and cool undertones: Choose a red lipstick with a burgundy undertone. Burgundy is both red and purple, which matches cool (yellowish, blue or green) undertones and warm (red, orange, gold or yellow) undertones. Use a clear gloss underneath the lipstick to keep your lips from looking swollen--since burgundy is pretty bold:)

Cool undertones: A classic red with yellow flecks is the way to go. Choose a red liner and use a matte moisturizer like Chapstick or pure shea butter on your lips before applying the color, and it will last all day.

Here's a pic for reference. I chose a fig-colored shade from elf, lined with Cover Girl Raisin lipliner, and finished it with a hot pink gloss in the same color wheel as the lipstick. Stay cool and pink (well, reddish pink)! Kisses!