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Red lipsticks for Black skin? We’ve got you…
Step away from your same old nude lipsticks sis, it's time to go bold...
I used to reject red lipstick from my makeup bag like my old broken CD player that kept ejecting my Christina Aguilera Dirrty CD. I grew up in the noughties (can’t you tell from that incredibly out-of-date reference?) and, for me, it was all about glossy, sticky, neutral lips with brown liner for Black skin beauty looks. I had no interest in any kind of red lipstick really, until I saw vintage (lol, aka nineties) pictures of Sade and thought ‘wow’ can I look like that?
She was hardly ever photographed without her signature lip and it made me curious to experiment because when she had her red lip on she was ‘That Girl’ and who doesn’t want to exude ‘That Girl’ Black Girl Magic? So, I experimented. Different tones, undertones, textures, you name it, I have tried it. There’s something about the richness of a red lip on the richness of Black and brown skin that is like pure gold.
While yes, it’s easy to reach for a red lipstick during the winter months, personally I like to pull out a red on a summery night, especially on holiday. Having a topped up tan, for me makes the colour pop out.
There are a few things to note when it comes to application however, so we spoke to Claire Mulleady, Givenchy Beauty’s National Makeup Artist for the lowdown on finding the perfect red for your skin tone. Firstly, the colour isn't the initial thing to pick out. “When choosing a red for deep skin tones first consider your undertone,” she says. “The most complimentary lipsticks will match in undertone to your skin. If you have a warm skin tone opt for more orange reds whilst cool tones work well with a more blue-based red."
In the same way that richer skin needs more pigment for our bases, the same goes for red lipsticks too, for the colour to pop. “It’s important to choose a lipstick that holds a lot of pure red pigments to make a statement without looking ashy. Givenchy Le Rouge Deep Velvet No37 is a pure red that gives you depth of colour, a high saturation with a velvety finish, and suits everyone," says Mulleady.
And for the finishing touch? Liner, always, advises Mulleady. “Pair with a matching red lip liner to achieve a powerful crisp red lip or to make the lip appear less stamped on, choose a brown pencil or shade similar to your lip colour to blend into the red and help it ‘fit’ the face.”
Ok, so now you know exactly what you’re looking for, on to our picks…
Another excellent new-era matte that doesn't have that god-awful dry finish. This hue is a brick red packed with pigment. It skews a hint orange so if you have warmer undertones it going to look perfect on you. Team with a liner if you want precision, but I love to leave as is for a soft, powdery French feel.
Ok this is not cheap by it's my absolute go to and I genuinely don't know a person that this doesn't suit. The colour is bright without looking clown-like and even though it's matte the texture swipes on so easily and isn't chalky at all. I could write a love letter to this beauty.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Ribbon
This blue-toned red is so striking and full of pigment it's one of the most universally flattering lipsticks I have ever come across. It's a satin finish, so it has the slightest sheen, but it sticks down like a matte without the dryness.
Yes, the Il Makiage foundation is the brand's star product but do not sleep on their lip offering. Their Dirty Talk lipstick has a comfortable texture and the finish is satiny. I love the shade Averie, it's really blue toned red that makes your teeth look super white.
I wrote about how good high street beauty has gotten last year and it just continues to elevate. The H&M lipsticks are some of the most affordable out there yet they feel SO luxe (even the weighty, satisfyingly click-y casing). I wouldn't say this is a traditional satin, it's super creamy and leaves an almost patent finish. Scarlet Scarlet gives me almost an 80s feel, especially when teamed with bare skin.
Lip cream textures can be a little hit-and-miss for me. Some are a terrible, crumbly mess and some, like the Glossier G Suit's, are comfortable, don't crack and last for hours. The shade Jet is a punchy blue-toned, pink-red. I prefer pairing this with a liner as the mousse-like texture can slip a little before it sets.
If liquid lipstick has one hater I am she. If liquid lipstick has zero haters, I'm dead. However, I never include this Violette_FR beauty in my liquid lipstick slander as it's the most comfortable to wear and doesn't make your lips look or feel like a dried up prune. This shade is the epitome French girl chic - freeball it with no lip liner for that effortless look.
If you haven't checked out Emolyne yet, you need to see their range of flattering nudes and reds, all named after places in Africa. The textures are full of pigment and super creamy making it easy to apply - no tugging in site. Mali is a raisin-hue that's ideal if you're after a subtle red.
Fenty Beauty Fenty Beauty Icon Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick in Freak-Went Fly'r
This rich wine red is so easy-wearing and at £18 (for the refill) it not super spenny either. While it's definitely got blue tones too it, it's a deep colour pay-off so it doesn't appear stark on dark skin tones.
Ok, Elephant out of the room - Ruby Woo is of course the iconic red of the MAC world, well of the make-up world - period. BUT, I'm sorry I do prefer Diva. It's so deep and flatters everyone - it's that perfect inoffensive burgundy red.
Probably one of my favourite Makeup By Mario launches to date, these lipsticks have a regular rotation in my handbag and the shade Forest Hills is a gorgeous wine red with earthier undertones. It's a good pick if deep reds are normally too blue toned for you.
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Plum Dominant
First of all, the new packaging for this classic is tres chic and handbag friendly - adore. The name of this shade is a little confusing as it doesn't come across plum-like at all IRL, more of a deep tomato hue. The slim bullet also makes precision application really foolproof too.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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