I am a redhead as well and people tell me all the time that redheads shouldn’t wear red. I wanted to try the Russian Red lipstick by MAC but I’m not sure whether this would be too overpowering for my skin colour. I have a warm undertone, my hair colour is a dark auburn, exactly the same hair colour as the actress, Julianne Moore.
Do you have any suggestions about the kind of red lipstick I should wear? Also, have you had comments when you’ve worn red or have they been negative ones?
Toni
Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge
Dear Toni,
If Nicole Kidman, Shirley Manson, and model Lily Cole are any indication, redheads can absolutely wear red! Just look up the pin-up girls from back in the day – they are all sporting red heels, red bras and, of course, red lipstick! Red is a powerful, sexy color that makes one stand out in a good way. Red lipstick in particular would look amazing with your coloration. If you’re unsure what shade to chose, I recommend going to a department store and trying on different shades. Or, get some cheapie lipsticks from a drugstore and take them home to play! All brands have a number of reds to choose from – warm, cool, crimson, coral-reds, pink-reds, blackened-reds, shimmer-reds – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with the selection. Most people want a True Red – that perfect shade of red that has a perfect balance of yellow/blue undertones and looks fabulous on everyone. I’ve been looking for one myself for ages, and eventually just ended up making one. It’s called Retrofuturist. The reason true red is so sought after is because it looks amazing on both, blondes, brunettes, and of course, us redheads!
Lily Cole
What can red do for you?
- Bring excitement to an otherwise monotone outfit. Red looks good with: black, gray, white, cream. And, if you’re more adventurous – violet, mint and even light blue!
- Boost your confidence – there’s no hiding behind red lips, and once you’re out, you have no choice but to strut confidently and smile at people!
- Make you feel more glamorous & underscore your femininity!
I have yet to receive a negative reaction to wearing red – whether it be lipstick, a beret, or a coat. Be prepared for stares though – red attracts attention but also signals danger. ;)
Shirley Manson
Deerlings: do you like wearing red? How does wearing it make you feel?
P.S. We’re either SOLD OUT or running dangerously low on most lipsticks – so better order today if you want them soon!
I usually dont wear red but it looks great on everyone, it doesnt depend on the haircolour but your attitude and if its the right shade for u.
Now to an other question, i live in sweden, i would love to try it out in usa, how did you do it when you were so young?
Doe Deere Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 10:34 pm
I came here with my mother and sister, so I wasn’t entirely on my own. Also, I was 17 – almost an adult. I wouldn’t say it was easy, far from that… We went through a lot. But it was worth it!
I’m addicted to red! It is flawless and vibrant and a pop of it goes with everything! Especially red heels :) Flaunt it! Be red hot with your red lips! Go toni! Go Doe!
I love red :] It’s such a powerful colour. I can’t wait to dye my hair full out, crazy bright bright red!
I’m really paranoid about wearing red lipsticks or lipstick in general because of my skin tone. I’m very tan, but not quite dark. I have a hard time picking out lipsticks & often feel clown-ish wearing dramatic shades… Someone help :(
kagitsune Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 12:53 pm
I’m tan-but-not-quite-dark, too. I like a pretty pink-ish red or a burgundy. The first is super versatile, while the second is dramatic and sexy! ^*^
Red is my favorite color to wear! It’s so bright and confident, and definitely the sexiest color. Also there is nothing better looking than a beautiful redhead in red lipstick, they look so awesome!
Don’t forget Ginger Spice! I have a picture of the Spice Girls on my desk and she looks amazing with bright red lips. I agree that it does attract a lot of attention though- I wore red lips yesterday and sooo many people were looking at me. Oh well, worth it!
I love red lipstick! I think the retro strongly defined bright red lip is a classic style that always looks good. I wear MAC Ruby Woo.
I love every color in some form. I love burgundy and pinkish reds, but a good valentine’s red is lovely too. It can be cute, sexy, or powerful! ^o^v
I have always loved wearing red and I am a natural redhead (after dying my hair so many times I tried dying it back and it’s nearly the same colour as my natural hair). My favorite outfit is in fact red lipstick and a red 50′s dress because the colour gives you so much confidence. Plus it’s so bright and there is nothing better than bright colours when it comes to fashion.
I love your blog by the way, it’s always a joy reading it.
Rebecca Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:07 am
Lol, I am a natural redhead too. I dyed my hair almost black, but I’m transitioning to blonde now. I just know I’ll go back to red though, especially seeing how glamorous Doe looks with her bright red! Bright colours and lipsticks are great. I wore neon pink today! :D
i love red, but rarely wear it.. i don’t know why, i should start again :P
i think it look the most beautiful with black hair and pale skin….
unfortunately i find that red on most redhead girl looks not so wonderful >.> i hate the red lipstick that lily cole is wearing on the cover you shown, and it doesn’t flatter nicole kidman either, i think they look dead with it.. but that’s my opinion ;)
I currently alternate between 2 different great red shades & they make me feel sexy and girly.
I have naturally red hair and i work at a cosmetics store. My biggest pet peeve is when other red heads run up to me and say “you are a red head so you understand that i can’t wear bright colors”. I wear every color, including red, i love bright colors. It makes me frustrated that people don’t feel confident to just wear what they feel great in, instead of worrying what others will think. I get the most compliments when i wear a bright color, something outside the beige family.
Wear what makes you feel great!
<3 lacey
Rebecca Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:09 am
SO true. You are wise.
Tizzalicious Reply:
March 19, 2010 at 9:46 am
So true. I am a redhead and I definitely think I look best in bright colors!
Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris in Mad Men pulls off red clothes and red lips gorgeously!
Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris in Mad Men pulls off red clothes and red lips gorgeously!
Joan Harris in Red 1
Joan Harris in Red 2
I love dying my hair red, I always have this new found confidence that I had no idea I had when I go red. It’s really fun :D
I wear red all the time and I’m a red head. I love it and it looks great.
red makes me feel so sexy and confident, i don’t know why thought, but it makes me feel that I can do anything.
I’m a natural redhead and I used to wear red all the time with my red hair! Not just lipstick either, I wore an entire red outfit once! Looked fine to me…
funny this should come up, as I only wear red lipstick! I’ve tried many shades but my favourite is a chanel red that my brought back for me from Paris. I also have numerous amounts of red clothing. It makes me feel classic,it definitely makes a statement, and I love showing my confidence!
I loved wearing red lipstick, as a blonde, it would always draw soooo much attention, which, I’m not gonna lie, I loved it. Plus, it’s one of the easiest things to do makeup wise, just some red lipstick and neutral eyes and viola! I haven’t tried it yet since taking the jump to red. I’ve already noticed that within a week, I’ve been getting more looks for having red hair, and to my boyfriend’s dismay, hit on more :p. I’ll be certain to rock the red lips and the red hair without a doubt. Besides, aren’t rules meant to be broken?
I miss when your blog posts didn’t read like an ad. Mac’s Russian Red is a blue based red that is fantastic for most redheads.
Lindsay Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I disagree, I think MAC’s Russian Red is too light, it’s too pinkish.
Doe Deere Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 10:33 pm
It’s too pinkish on me too. :(
Absolutely I wear reds! I wear alot of different reds. I dark purple red or a brilliant 50s red. I dont go for lighter fushias though or vibrant purple reds either because they dont look all that fantastic on my skin, being the pasty white girl with pink undertones I am.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4363316887_4c9ab6b233.jpg
here is an example
Rebecca Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:13 am
You look lovely in red! I love your dress!
I think the important thing is to make sure there is no red blotches or red tone on your skin (where you don’t want there to be) when you wear red lipstick, as it will draw attention to that. So the key for me is to have a good foundation on covering up any red blemish first, and make sure it stays on.
Zanthia Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Excellent advice!
Doe Deere Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 4:44 pm
+ 1!
Rebecca Reply:
March 17, 2010 at 7:14 am
me +2! That’s exactly the first thing I thought when I read this.
Red is awesome, and I think that no matter your hair or skin color, there’s alway a red shade that will look great on any person.
Btw, this reminds me. The 1st time I dyed my hair an almost orange shade, the hair stylist told me never to wear pink with that hair color. Never understood why because one of the best lipsticks I have is a fuchsia one. It looks very nice on me, and I never quite understood what she said. Do you have any idea why?
I have heard that the signature “Gwen Stefani” red is if i remember correctly is by Revlon and is called Mulled Wine. Been meaning to check it out to find out for myself, just havent had the money to get it LOL…so if you are looking for a Gwen Stefani pout, check out Mulled Wine.
Red is one of my favorite colours and I´m proud to be a natural redhead. Red allways makes me happy, on my clothes, in my hair, on my lips. Everyweare!
I am too shy to wear red lipstick, can you believe it? :S
Zanthia Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Me too!!
Doe Deere Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 10:35 pm
That’s only cause you’re way into PINK! :)
I used to dye my hair red, and I wore red (and pink!) quite a bit, just as a big FU to people who said I couldn’t do it.
I don’t wear it much anymore, since everyone seems to think that redxblack is the MOST GOTHIC THING EVAR and I should wear it all the time, plus I don’t really think I have the personality for it…but I love seeing redheads wearing red :) You’ll never know if it looks good or not until you try it out.
Kristi Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I stay away from red/black because it reminds me of my high school years which sucked haha
Lily Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Lol!! Yeah, that’s a good reason :D
I prefer blackxmidnight or blackxroyal blue (think Mana of Malice Mizer and Moi Dix Mois) for a more nocturnal, elegant look. I’m not too feisty ^^;
Definitely! I love red on red-heads, it looks absolutely amazing!
Mother says red looks good on me, it’s too much of a bold color for me though. I do like red accessories and lipstick though..
I have uber-red dyed hair (Special Effects Nuclear Red or Manic Panic Rock ‘N’ Roll red mixed w/ Vampire Red) and warm skin undertones. MAC’s Lady Danger is hands-down the best red lipstick for me. Blues (and Russian Red) don’t really work, but LD with the “Redd” lip liner is the bomb.
Mostly I prefer wearing burgundy. Wearing it, I feel like a sexy vampire. LMAO. I don’t know why.
Doe Deere Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Feeling like a sexy vampire is the best feeling in the world :D
I love red, and yet I never wear really opaque red lipstick. Mostly because I have yet to find one that was actually all natural and stayed in place. I’m also not a res head, but I have considered it :)
I love red lipstick! I think it makes me feel good :)
I usually wear blacks, whites or pale hues. Mainly since I nowadays have my natural white hair but back in the days (when I was 16-17)I went through a really red phase. I had red hair, red skirts, red tops, white/red striped stocking and so on… at the same time! It was so much fun and people really gave me a lot of comments. When you find the right hue red works amazing. Only thing to keep in mind(especially when it comes to red lipstick) is that red will bring out blemishes and red areas in your face so make sure you get all of that covered. And if you dont wan’t to go full on, a red lipstick matched with red nails is always a winner!
I love wearing red and bright colors in general, red is one of those colors that really does work on anyone that’s why its a classic! My hair is blue with black right now and i have pale skin with hazel eyes so if i can pull it off then anybody can. wear what makes you feel good and screw what anybody else thinks. that’s what this site is all about!
I like to think of red as classic hollywood glamour, I absolutely love it!
I’ve read in a book that men are most attractive to red colored lips, because it reminds them of our private! pretty gross right? Anyhow
I think red is beautiful color, and very attractive…Perfect for the pinup look.
Red is my signature. I wear red lipstick on a daily basis, if I’m not tossing out another colour for dramatic effect. I have all different shades of red, with my favorite being a crisp, crimson. =) I’m also currently sporting this colour with a bra to match, if you were curious. ha ha ; )
I love red – Red lipstick, red nail polish, and especially red jackets. I own 7 red jackets!!
It’s a beautiful, striking colour, that just screams for attention. I think it looks absolutely fantastic on everyone, you just have to find the right tone. ^_^
Oh – and a red underwear is, to me, the epitome of sexy!
Doe Deere Reply:
March 16, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Oh my god, SEVEN?!??
I’m a redhead and, while I personally prefer pinks, I think red lipstick is awesome for special occasions ^_^ It’s all about finding the right shade – some reds do wash me out, but others look great! Although frankly, I think that has to do more with skin coloring than hair color.
Thankyou thankyou thankyou!
I am a red head and think red looks great on me. But have had people say ‘arn’t red head’s suppose to avoid wearing red’.
I will use Nicole Kidman and Lilly Cole as my examples in future. I say “Make it work!”
rötottar kan absolut ha rött, jag har det själv. är däremot inte så crazy i röda kläder, men läppstift heck yes!
din blogg är helt amazing.. dina inlägg, yada yada.. keep up the good work!
I am a red head and I love to wear red! I think the “rule” is kind of a wives tale as with every color you have to pick what suits you best :)
Red heads wearing red gets 100 thumbs up from me. I mean, Marcia Cross on Desperate Housewives, wearing red? YES!!
I wore red lipstick for the first time (out of the house) on Christmas this past year, and I just saw pictures of myself from that day. I looked hot. :D It’s one of those things that I really must do again soon, now that I know how good it looked on me. :P
I wore red lipstick to my high school’s semi-formal a few weeks ago, and while a couple of my more outspoken friends told me I looked like a hooker (I’m pretty sure they just meant I was wearing much more striking makeup than usual) I also got more compliments than I’ve ever had in my life.
I love wearing read lipstick ’cause I always get loads of compliments for doing so. It’s such a confidence boost!
PS. just placed my first order for limecrime lipsticks and I’m so excited I’ll probably be constantly checking the mail from tomorrow morning even tough I know it’s going take a few weeks before they get here!
I love being a redhead and wearing red! It’s one of my favourite colours :)
I ordered 5 Lime Crime lippies yesterday and 2 Magic Dusts.. can’t wait!!!!
Lani Reply:
March 18, 2010 at 1:17 am
Hey Doe, when can we expect to see the new lipstick colours? I love the ones I have SO much and can’t wait until my next shipment arrives – after that I will only have 3 colours to collect and I’m dying for more! :) Keep up the good work!