Putting on a red dress is a power move that quietly screams confidence, passion, and style.
But it often comes with a dilemma we’ve all faced: what color lipstick to wear with a red dress?
Do you match it? Contrast it? Or, do you go bare?
It’s a tricky balance. If you get it wrong, the look can feel cluttered. But get it right, and you are unstoppable.
I’ve curated the ultimate list of lipstick shades to pair with a red dress to spruce up your look from great to absolutely divine.
…but before you reach for that lipstick, we need to talk about the science of the red. Not all red dresses are created equal, so you need a lipstick that shares the same undertone as the dress.
- Cool reds have blue undertones. Pair these with cool-toned red lipsticks like cherry reds, berry reds, or wines.
- Warm reds have yellow/orange undertones. Tomato reds, rusts, or orangey-reds with these.
If your dress is a cool cherry red, a blue-based red lipstick looks harmonious. If it’s a warm poppy red, an orange-based red lip looks fire.
Let’s get into the shades, now!
Contents
1. Red on Red
There’s nothing as iconic as a bold classic red lipstick paired with a red dress. Think Taylor Swift or Marilyn Monroe. It’s timeless.
Some worry that the combo of red dress and red lipstick is too much, but it’s actually high-fashion monochromatic. Try to find a lipstick color that is an exact match to the fabric.
The key is balance. Since your lips and outfit are loud, keep the rest of your makeup quiet: a simple winged liner and mascara are all you need. You’ll give off a fierce, powerful, and confident vibe.
Pro tip: If you can’t match the shade exactly, go slightly darker, like burgundy on the lips, to add depth.
2. Nude shades
If you’re asking what lipstick color to wear with a red dress so the dress remains the main character, the answer is nude shades. Especially if you’re into a clean girl look.
A nude lipstick makes your outfit speak for itself. Makeup guru Bobbi Brown says the trick is finding a shade that looks like an enhanced version of your natural lip color.
If you’re:
- Fair or lighter skin, go for pinky-nudes.
- Medium/olive skin, caramel or beige nudes work wonders.
- Dark skin, rich chocolate, or mauve nudes will look incredible.
3. Pink
Yes, you can wear pink with red! For years, fashion rules said they clashed, but today? They’re analogous colors that look stunning together.
If your dress is a lighter red, a soft pink lip keeps the look innocent and fresh. Choose soft rose or baby pink.
If your dress is a very dark red, like maroon, a bright pink might look out of place. In that case, lean toward a dusty rose.
For a pop of color with a high-fashion vibe, try a hot pink or fuchsia. It’s surely a bold choice for the fashion-forward girl.
4. Crimson
“You can’t keep changing men, so you settle for changing your lipstick.” True, right?
Crimson is a deep, purplish-red that looks stunning on women with deeper complexions or anyone wanting a sultry, mysterious evening look.
Unlike a bright candy-apple red, crimson feels daring. A dark crimson lip adds a stunning contrast that makes your teeth look whiter and your skin look more radiant.
5. Soft Brown
This is the Latte makeup trend everyone is loving, and it seems soft brown is having a massive comeback from the 90s. A soft brown or taupe lip grounds a bright red dress without washing you out.
Why does it work? It’s warmer than a nude but less aggressive than a red. This works exceptionally well for autumn events.
Brown looks spectacular on warm skin tones and deep complexions. It gives a very sophisticated, supermodel off-duty aesthetic.
6. Peach
Unlike bright red, peach lipstick adds a subtle warmth to your complexion without competing with the dress. It’s universally flattering, especially for daytime events or summer weddings.
Peach looks good on any shade of red dress with warm undertones (like tomato red). Perfect if you want to look pretty, approachable, and glowing.
Try a peach gloss if you want an ethereal vibe. Or go matte for a cute and vintage look.
7. Orange or Tangerine
This shade is not for the faint-hearted! An orange lip works best if your dress is an orange-red, aka vermilion. It creates a stunning sunset palette that’s incredibly striking on warm skin tones.
But the rule is, pick a red-based orange which is not neon bright. Keep the skin dewy and avoid heavy eye makeup. Skip the smoky eye and stick to mascara.
8. Bare Lips with Gloss
Not sure which color looks good with a red dress? When in doubt, go glossy. A bare lip with a high-shine gloss is the safest, most youthful choice.
Sometimes, less is more. A clear gloss or a tinted lip balm accentuates your natural lips and gives more attention to your dress. You’ll look clean, fresh, and hydrated.
But since you aren’t hiding behind a bold color, your lips need to be smooth. Make sure you exfoliate first—crusty lips are a no-go!
A Quick Cheat Sheet
| If you want to look… | Wear this lipstick shade |
| Bossy and iconic | Bold red that matches your undertone |
| Chic and effortless | Nude shades |
| Youthful and fresh | Baby pink and fuchsia |
| Vampy and hot | Crimson or wine |
| Warm and glowing | Peach or coral |
| 90 vibe | Soft brown |
Matte vs. glossy finish: Does texture matter?
The finish of your lipstick can change the whole vibe.
Matte is ideal for evening events or when you need your lipstick to survive dinner. It looks sophisticated and photographs beautifully. Pair matte lips with shiny fabrics like silk or sequins to balance the texture.
Gloss or satin pops well for daytime or summer parties. It makes lips look plumper and more youthful. Pair glossy lips with heavier fabrics like velvet or wool to keep the look fresh, not heavy.
Pro tip: Use a darker shade of lip liner to make the look more neat and classy.
Bottom line
No matter which lipstick shade you choose, confidence is your best accessory. When you walk out that door, head held high, wearing that red dress, you are making a statement.
So, I hope this guide helps you finally answer the question of what color lipstick to wear with a red dress. Now, go apply that lipstick and kill ’em with your looks, girl!
What’s your go-to shade when wearing red? Let me know in the comments below!
