Fashion & Style: Red Hot Looks for Winter

Red Hot Looks for Winter
Carrie Stern Kleiner

Red Hot Looks for Winter
Red Hot Looks

From scarlet to poppy, nothing says elegant, sophisticated, chic and fierce like red lips. But with such a bold color, finding the right hue for you can be a little daunting. We got the experts to take the guesswork out of the process so you won’t be seeing red. Here are simple steps to getting the hottest looks this season.

Find the Right Color

The key is to match the undertones of your skin with the undertones of the lipstick (blue to blue, golden to golden). "Fair skin with pink undertones looks best with blue-based cool reds," says Brett Freedman, a Hollywood makeup artist who has worked with Vanessa Hudgens, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jessica Biel. Go for shades with pinky-blue undertones and names such as scarlet, cranberry or magenta.

Medium skin with yellow undertones looks great with a red that has a touch of gold, like orange-reds and corals. Choose shades called coral, poppy or tomato, says Freedman. Those with darker skin should try a terra cotta tone with an orange base. Cinnamons and bricks fall into this category.

If you're still not sure, Freedman suggests pulling five reds you like and lining them up. You'll start to notice the cool and warm tones in each.

Try It on

It's not enough to look at the right colors and swipe them on your hands. "You really need to try the nominees on your face," says Freedman. His no-fail trick? Take out your cell phone and snap a few photos. You'll know immediately if you've found the right red.

Prep Properly

The key to making your color last is starting with a slough. For an even finish, gently exfoliate your lips with a washcloth. Lip balm acts as a canvas to anchor color.

Pick Your Potion

A red lip can be bold or demure, depending on the formulation you choose. For daytime (especially if you're a nude-gloss kind of girl), a sheer glaze or stain is the way to go. It's subtle and won't be overpowering, says Freedman. For a big night out, go bold. Choose a moisturizing lipstick with a satin finish. Prep with a touch of concealer around the lip area to help the lipstick last longer and prevent color from bleeding and feathering, he says.

Keep the Rest Simple

Your pretty pout will get all the attention, so it’s best to keep the rest of your makeup more subdued. For blush, "try something fleshy with a touch of sheen,” says Freedman, who also likes a sweep of champagne cream along the cheekbone. For the eyes, try a pale sweep of shadow and an application of mascara. To dress up the look, apply liquid liner. Be sure to keep liquid liner close to the lash line.

Carrie Stern Kleiner has contributed to publications including The Knot, TotalBeauty.com, Fitness and Health. She was an editor for New York Magazine Wedding Guide and the senior beauty editor for Quick and Simple magazine.

Available at Amazon.com

Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way