A Genius New Trick for Finding Your Perfect Red Lipstick

Allure Daily Beauty Reporter

By Heather Muir,Allure magazine

Just last week I blogged about my preference for glossy pink lipstick as opposed to bold red. But this weekend, all of that changed when I lip-locked with Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick in 401, a vibrant orange-red. I was one of ten bridesmaids in a wedding (that's me, here) where the bride requested we wear red lips.

I have to admit, I didn't love the idea-that is, until makeup artist Tim Quinn (who works with celebrities like Megan Fox) said, "I have the perfect shade for you," and pulled out the aforementioned 401. The color complemented my bronzed, spray-tanned skin and, surprisingly, looked great with my brown smoky eye makeup. How come I hadn't discovered this hue before? "Most women base their shade of red lipstick on their skin tone only," Quinn says. The problem? "Skin tone often changes-with bronzers and spray tans-especially for big events like weddings." A better guideline, Quinn explains, is your eye color-not only does it always stays the same, but one of the best ways to make your eyes sparkle is with the right lip color.

For light brown, hazel, or green eyes: Quinn chose an orange-red lipstick for me based on my light brown eyes. "It brings out the golden flecks in them," he says.

For blue eyes: Quinn recommends true "Wonder Woman" red.

For dark brown eyes: Berry-red lipstick highlights the mahogany and purple tints in these eyes.

Don't get me wrong, my new lip look did require more maintenance than my typical one-I had to reapply throughout the night to avoid looking like I had a ring around my mouth-but it was worth it. I felt glamorous and love that I now have a go-to red lip shade.

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Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio