The Reason You Hate Red Lipstick Is Because You're Not Wearing It Right
TikTok says the red lip is out, but makeup artists are doubling down.
When the holiday season comes around, a red lip is seemingly the most obvious, tried-and-true beauty detail to get into the festive spirit. For fans of the lip color, it’s a fool-proof way to spice up practically any makeup look. However, on TikTok, creators have started to oppose the classic red lip — arguing that it doesn’t suit everyone the way we’re led to believe it does.
The red lip has remained a staple for centuries and over time it’s become a symbol of empowerment for the Latinx community and women as a whole, but this hasn’t stopped beauty fans from pointing out its bold and sometimes intimidating nature. “A red lip is not shy. It announces you — and a lot of people aren’t used to seeing themselves that boldly. So, it feels like too much,” celebrity makeup artist Kim Baker says. Unlike more subdued lip colors, a red lip commands attention — and because of this polarization, internet users say they struggle to feel confident wearing the color.
@anja_tillmanns wish i could pull it off without looking like i’m going on stage for a jazz solo #redlip #falllipstick #lipcombo #fallmakeup ♬ original sound – arcadia
Although a handful of TikTokers have sworn off red lips, makeup artists maintain that the lip color isn’t going anywhere. Like most beauty trends, red lipstick isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s about tweaking the look based on your skin tone and personal preferences. “The problem isn’t the red — it’s the undertone. When you find the right red, your whole spirit lifts,” Baker says. “The face softens, the eyes brighten, and the energy changes. I’ve watched it happen in real time on everyone from models to moms running late to work.”
Similarly, celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes finds that those who are anti-red lip simply aren’t using the right shade. “It’s beautiful if done well — and quite honestly, awful if done poorly,” he tells Hypebae. In order to avoid this, Barnes recommends referencing your skin’s undertones to discover which shades of red suit you best. “Look at Taylor Swift and Rihanna — totally different skin tones but look amazing with red lip because they are wearing the right red lip for their skin tone,” he adds.
@maya_galore Black women 🤝🏾 a red lip 💋 Which one is your favorite!?? My favorite red lipstick shades from @thelipbar ❤️ Shades shown: Hot Mama Brickhouse Bawse Lady Boy Trouble Rebel #redlipstick #thelipbar #makeupforblackwomen #makeuptok ♬ original sound – BeyNet
To Tiesha Williams, professional makeup artist and Black Radiance brand ambassador, there’s a shade of red that’ll suit practically everyone. When selecting reds for her clients, Williams says that shades with blue undertones are flattering for fair to medium skin tones, while reds with orange undertones are better suited for medium-deep to deep-dark clients. While color theory undoubtedly makes finding your perfect shade easier, the makeup artist notes that like most makeup techniques, her philosophy for red lips isn’t exactly a hard and fast rule. “I recommend that you play and discover what feels comfortable for you,” she says.
With how loved a red lip is, it can be frustrating when its supposed universality doesn’t translate to our own personal makeup routines. However, makeup has no rules — and the products we wear will always be dictated by our own judgement, rather than what’s deemed as acceptable or flattering by others. Although makeup artists believe that anyone can wear a red lip, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone has to.
When it comes to makeup, experimenting is key to discovering what makes us feel the most confident. Since the dawn of time, red lips have served as a key component of both holiday glam and everyday makeup looks — but because of the internet, it’s not exactly free from criticism.
While you’re here, read about why beauty experts are debunking the term “sushi face.”
