Can anyone pull off red lipstick?

Red is a classic lip color for a reason — it can be rocked with any ensemble, from messy bed hair and jeans to an evening gown with heels. However, many women insist that red lipstick doesn't look good on everyone. I love wearing red lipstick and have heard countless times from friends that while they adore how lovely I look in red, their skin tone/face structure/hair color etc., makes them look "weird" when they try to rock the same rouge. I refuse to believe such statements and am here to prove that everyone can wear red lipstick, regardless of the excuses all of my friends make!

As a red lip lover myself, I have learned how my crimson lipsticks can quickly take my look to another level. I have also learned, however, that some red shades look better on me than others. The fact of the matter is, we have been blessed with an endless spectrum of hues, so there is literally a red shade for every single woman, no matter what their eye color is or undertones are. Just like trying to find the right color foundation, sometimes you have to try a few shades, brands, and products before you find the one that you love on you. Plus, rocking any color with confidence is really the best look by far! If someone else doesn't think its right for you, but you love it, wear it anyways!

To demonstrate that everyone can wear red lipstick, I asked 10 women of all different face structures, hair colors, skin tones and undertones to wear their favorite red lippies and share why they think everyone can wear red lips.

Sheila, 23

"The problem I have with most makeup industries is that there is always a right shade for the right person or skin color, which I don't believe is true....If I like the red, I could commit to it; if I rock it right, I'll be fine. My way of empowering other women to wear lipstick that they want is that if you can envision yourself with it and like the color and forget the fact that there's other people saying whether you should wear it or not, you should just wear it!"

MAC Russian Red, $17, Nordstrom

Brooke, 23

"Everyone can wear red lipstick if they find the right shades. Find your undertones and go from there. If you look best in silver, go with blue toned reds or if you wear gold, yellow toned reds will work best for you. Makeup is fun, just take a chance and have the confidence to rock it!"

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, $27, Nordstrom

Stephany, 19

"It's a nice pop color. I feel like everybody needs to have a red lipstick for at least one occasion... or everyday! It looks good and it can look good on everybody. You just have to know how to wear it and pair it with other makeup."

Sephora The Red 04, $13, Sephora

Cara, 24

"I like wearing red lipstick because it can be a statement. It can set you apart and make you stand out — especially with paler skin and white hair. I also think it can be something empowering when you're going out to bars or clubs — kinda says you're probably not worth smudging my lipstick for, I have better things to do!"

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Lip Balm Standout, $5, Amazon

Ashlee, 23

"I think that red lipstick embodies beauty, love, and confidence — all things that any woman can have. Any woman can rock red lips because all shades of skin are beautiful. The red lips are there to compliment her and to add an extra bit originality in a bold way."

MAC Diva, $17, Nordstrom

Jessica, 22

"For me, it doesn't matter that I've got pale skin and red hair. I'm still going to wear red lipstick because it looks good and makes me feel good."

Rimmel Kate Moss #107, $5, Target

Dunia, 24

"I like to wear red lipstick because it boosts my self-esteem. At first I wasn't confident about it because of what other people would say, but I tried it and I like it and I like how it makes my eyes pop. Anyone can wear red lipstick because it's the way you feel in the inside that transmits if you feel pretty and are confident. The red lipstick it's just a boost."

Covergirl Outlast Longwear Lipstick 925, $8, Amazon

Leah, 22

"A lot of people say that they can't wear red because of their skin tone, but there's so many shades out there!"

MAC Studded Kiss, $17, MAC Cosmetics

Alexandra, 25

"The wonderful part of living in 2015 we have a whole range of choices, we no longer are limited to our grandmother's tomato red. I think wearing red lipstick can either be strong and fierce, but also classic femme. It's a badge of honor as a woman, and we shouldn't be afraid of red lipstick but embrace it. Have fun and play."

MAC Ruby Woo, $17, MAC Cosmetics

Yasmin, 22

"Anyone can wear red lipstick because it's just a color and it's for everyone. All you have to do is find your shade on the spectrum of red and you're all set."

Matte Premium Lipstick Pink, £1.50, Primark

Image: Vanesa Pacheco; Jorge Guir; Courtesy of Brands

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Ask any beauty editor or makeup artist about a classic makeup look and red lipstick will undeniably be a part of it. And why wouldn't it be - it's rich, intense and looks good on every skin tone...when worn well, that is. You see, when it comes to that elegant rouge tube, it isn't as easy as applying it and heading out of the door. No siree, with red lipstick there's a lot of care you need to take before and after applying it. Luckily for you, we spoke to Mansi Mehta Kothari, Makeup Artist and Creative Director, Makeup at MyGlamm to impart her wisdom with us. So if you're apprehensive about pulling off a fiery red lip, theseseven makeup tips are all you need to know.

1. Know Your Undertone

Just as you would choose foundation and concealer based on how cool or warm your skin undertone is, you must do the same when it comes to red lipstick. For skin with cool pink undertones, bright fire-truck reds look lovely. For warmer yellow undertones which is usually medium to dusky skin, deeper reds like brick to crimson shades really pop against the skin.

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2. Easy On The Eyes

Says Mansi, "When you wear red lipstick, ensure that you keep your eye makeup clean and minimal. Neat winged liner with a flick at the end is classic choice to wear." Red lips are attention-grabbing in themselves and don't need the drama of heavy eye makeup so definitely no smokey eyes. Even just concealed eyes with a few coats of mascara looks fantastic with red lips.

3. Choose Blush Right

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Even if poppy pink tones are usually your shades of choice when applying blush, they'll prove to be a clash of colour when wearing red lipstick. "Along with red lips, keep your blush neutral toned and close to the shade of your own skin. Terracota to bronze toned blush is an ideal choice for this look", advises Mansi.

4. Take Your Pick

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Once you've decided to wear red lips, take your pick whether you'd like to opt for a juicy glossy finish or a stark matte one. This is because the rest of your face depends on the finish of your lips. Here's what Mansi has to say - "If you'll be wearing matte lipstick, make sure your face is hydrated and dewy. If it's glossy lips that you are going for, then your skin should be mattified." This ensures that there's a balance of finishes across the face, without looking too harshly matte or greasily glossy.

5. Make It Pop

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Especially if you have pigmented lips, the rich red colour showing up on your lips can be problematic. To make sure they truly pop, follow this makeup tip from Mansi. "Apply a thin layer of concealer that matches your skin tone all around your natural lip line and slightly inside the edges of your lip. Once it has dried, move on to lipstick." This works as a primer to remove any traces of pigmentation and prevents lipstick from bleeding outside.

6. Colour In The Lines

Red lipstick is unforgivable when it comes to application because it requires clean, precise application. Ideally, a red lip liner can be helpful as a starting step to first draw the natural lip line and fill it in. If you're unsure about applying lipstick directly, a lip brush can give you more control over the colour. Word of advice though, don't try this when you're running late and sitting in the back of a cab.

7. Apply It

Now once you've taken all the precautions, here's how Mansi advises red lipstick by applied properly - "First apply a layer of lip balm to your lips, leave it for two minutes and dab it off with tissue. Then use matching lip liner to line your natural lip shape and fill it in. Apply lipstick over this, dust a bit of translucent powder over it and finally, finish off with another coat of red lipstick." Now you won't need to shy away from red lipstick any longer. Give these tips a try and tell us what you think in the comments.