If you struggle with how to pair makeup with red lipstick, you're not alone. It can be intimidating to figure out how to balance that attention-commanding color.
But don't let fear stray you away from the best red lipstick – there's a way of wearing it that'll suit everyone that's as out there, or as toned-down, as you like. Whether you're looking for a festive feel with Christmas makeup, or want everyday eyeshadow looks for something more subtle. "The nice thing about red lips is that you can let them do the talking," says makeup artist Ruby Hammer. "Think beautiful, naturally glowy skin, a hint of blush, brushed-up brows, and nothing on the eyes." She continues, "It’s totally about the look you want to achieve and when you’re wearing it – a red can look great with a smokey eye and heavy eyeliner but would be better suited to an evening event rather than day-to-day."
Global Senior Artist for MAC Cosmetics, Dominic Skinner prefers to take the minimal route. "The best thing about wearing a red lip is that everything else can be pared right back. A red lip with a fully loaded lash always looks chic whether you wear it with jeans and a t-shirt or your LBD." There are no real rules when it comes to any makeup look, but there are always fail-safe combinations that you can rely on. Scroll away to find the ultimate inspiration for makeup with red lipstick.
14 ideas for makeup with red lipstick
1. Classic cat-eye flicks
Zoe Saldaña
Red lipstick is one of the beauty world’s true classics, so what better way to complement it than to lean into the timeless feel with liquid liner flicks? This potentially-retro combination is modernized with a fresh, glowing base and a perky blush. Gorgeous.
2. Soft smokey metallics
Sofia Vergara
Some of the easiest tones for makeup with red lipstick are metallics, and Sofia Vergara combines a bronze, radiant base with elements of glint and gold around her eyes. These complement the caramel and toffee tones in her hair beautifully, giving a glamorous, Hollywood look.
3. Notes of navy
Andie MacDowell
Navy is an underrated shade when it comes to eyeshadow. I suppose it’s not the obvious choice when it comes to makeup with red lipstick, but really it’s a gorgeous, grown-up tone that will compliment cool-toned reds especially well. Andie has added navy liner on the upper lash line, which pairs beautifully with the stone eyeshadow she also wears.
4. Gold shimmer shadow
Taylor Swift
This look is not strictly just for Christmas, but there’s something so festive and joyful about the combination of gold glitter and a bright pillarbox red. Taylor wears a few different shades of gold on the lid but adds a touch of sparkle with gold shimmer on the lower lash line.
5. Bright, light neutrals
Rihanna
When you’re using a show-stopping, shiny red like Rihanna has, you may want to balance things out by opting for a lighter, more understated eye. Rather than a neutral beige, she’s chosen to brighten things up with a fresh light cream shade, as well as some liquid liner and false eyelashes.
6. A pop of pink
Reese Witherspoon
I am a sucker for the combination of pink and red. When paired together it just sparks real joy in me, and that’s clearly the case for Reese too - note the dress. It makes sense why this makeup with red lipstick look works - opting for similar tones of the same color (pink, after all, is just a lighter version of red) makes matching easy and helps the look feel cohesive.
7. Minimalist, to the max
Alexa Chung
She’s the queen of that understated, cool-girl look, so if you want to pair makeup with red lipstick the Alexa way, keep the rest of your make-up relatively bare. A natural base, a subtle, pinched blush and nearly-nude eyes is all you need to complete this look.
8. Silver swoon
Maya Rudolph
When you’re wearing an orange-toned red, you can neutralize it with a cool tone like silver. Maya’s opted for a shimmery silver, which looks so stylish with her super-light, sheer base. When it comes to one-tone eye colors, how you apply it can really transform the look - treat it like a liner and go for a minimal swipe, or go all over the lid and combine with kohl for a more intense hit of color.
9. Fresh, dewy skin
Helen Mirren
According to Skinner, Helen Mirren's look could be the ultimate makeup with red lipstick trick for a youthful vibe. "If you wear a red lip with fresh dewy skin and a wash of mascara, it could take years off you." Sold. Helen's light, radiant base gives her look a glow that pairs beautifully with her cherry-red lip.
10. Wearable browns
Kelly Rowland
Dial down the intensity of a vibrant red by pairing it with neutral browns and bronzes. Kelly shows us how it's done by balancing a high-shine lip with a matte mix of chocolate and toffee tones, picking a warm blusher and bronzer combo to tie it all together.
11. Smudgy kohl
Jessica Chastain
If you find kohl scary, I understand. There can be a fine line between cooly undone smudgy and ‘I didn't take off my mascara last night’. Take the liner along your lid to make this look more intentional, and avoid the water line if it starts feeling a bit too gothic for you. I happen to love that goth vibe, but I get that Wednesday Adams isn’t for everyone.
12. Wearable gray tones
Sandra Oh
Dove grey is a gorgeously understated color, so it’s a great choice for makeup with red lipstick for every day. Sandra’s given the single shade more definition by adding a sleek swish of eyeliner and false eyelashes.
13. Soft purples
Viola Davis
Purple may not be your first thought for makeup with red lipstick (I admit if someone had suggested it to me blind I would slightly wince with fear) But actually, seeing how Viola’s styled it makes it feel very wearable and pretty. It’s subtly done, but it works beautifully against the cool blue tones of the red.
14. Party jewels
Emma Stone
For an all-out party look, take inspiration from Emma Stone and jazz up your cat eye flick by swapping black for sparkly silver. She's upped the ante with some jewels, which is extremely extra, but in the best possible way. This may not be an everyday look for popping to the shops in, but it's a gorgeously striking idea for makeup with red lipstick.
