No Gatekeeping Here—These 12 Red Lipsticks Look Especially Stunning on Dark Skin

I grew up with a strong affinity for all things that exude a timeless elegance, so when I finally became old enough to start wearing makeup, I immediately began growing my collection of red lipstick. It’s also worth mentioning, however, that during that same time; there was limited inspiration I could draw from; as nearly all the ads and makeup guides I cam across in the mid-2000’s rarely featured anyone with a similar skin tone to mine sporting an eye-catching scarlet lip look.

With that being said, as a dark-skinned beauty editor with a love for makeup, I strive to be the much-needed representation for others I didn’t always see growing up. This time around, I reached out to Lauren Geller, founder of Laura Geller Beauty and veteran makeup artist to help me identify the ins and outs of shopping for the best red lipsticks for dark skin tones on the market. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know (plus, some expert approved red lipstick picks to help get you started).

Finding for Your Perfect Shade Match

So, is there one way to find the best shade match for your skin tone? While there are several things to consider while hunting for the perfect red shade match to complement dark skin tones, but Geller has some easy-to-follow tips and tricks for making the process easier. “When choosing the right red lipstick for darker skin tones, the first thing I consider is the natural pigment of the lips. This can influence how a lipstick appears; for instance, some lips may shift the color to blue or pink, while others might take on an orangey hue,” she says.

If you’ve previously experienced color shifting, intensifying, and feathering with red lipstick; she recommends starting with her brand’s Modern Classic Invisible Color Locking Lip Liner; a transparent lip liner that will lock in your lip color and guard against smudging. To amplify a red lip, Geller suggests using the Modern Classic Waterproof Lip Liner in Ritzy Red—a versatile blue-toned color.

Using Undertones as a Guide

It’s also helpful to evaluate red lipsticks based on how they look with your deep skin. “For those with cooler-toned skin, blue-based reds are ideal. If your lips tend to shift toward pink, a blue-toned shade like our Red Radiance will complement your natural hue beautifully. On the other hand, if you have a warmer skin tone, opt for reds with salmon or tan undertones,” Geller says. She also underlines that these are simply guidelines, with the most important factor being choosing a red lipstick color that resonates with you. “Makeup is all about personal expression, so embrace what you love—there are no strict rules,” she tells us.

Keep scrolling for the 12 best red lipstick shades for dark skin Geller and WWW beauty editors swear by to create the perfect crimson-colored lip looks with little-to-no effort.