Beauty Fail, Beauty Score: The Red Lip Test

Red lips in Hollywood are a dime a dozen. Every celeb has sported a pair down the red carpet at least once, and with awards season gearing up again, we're sure to be seeing red for the next few months. Find out which celeb rocked the red lip the right way and which one could use a little help. Lucky for them (and you!), celebrity makeup artist and founder of LORAC Cosmetics Carol Shaw has some tips for perfecting your red lips.

Kat Von D's Clashing Lips (and Locks): FAIL

"It's a myth that women with red hair can't wear red lipstick," says Shaw. "If you have red hair, however, you might want to shy away from reds with orange undertones. Instead, go with a lipstick that has a blue or brown undertone - it's important you pick the right shade."

That's the main problem with Von D's lips. The orange undertones are pretty visible and definitely conflict with her even brighter hair. Von D's shade of choice also doesn't do much to complement her skin tone. "Fair-skinned women should look for a red with blue undertones to pull off more of an Old Hollywood look," says Shaw. "If you have medium skin, pick a lipstick with brown undertones to add warmth to your skin. For darker skin, a burgundy-based shade will give you a sultry, modern look."



Cameron Diaz's Ravishing Red Lips: SCORE


Skin tone? Check. Hair color? Check. Lipstick finish? Triple check! Diaz has got all her beauty ducks in a row when it comes to her red lips. "When it comes to lipstick finish, your shade should feel good on and complement your coloring," advises Shaw. "Avoid reds with a frosty finish; they can be a bit intense. Try a matte or gloss instead - if you have fair skin and aren't comfortable with an opaque finish, look for a shade that goes on sheer and more natural."

Another great beauty do: Diaz ties the rest of her look together. "When you wear red lipstick, your lips should really be the focus," says Shaw. "Keep your eyes soft and simple, yet defined with a shimmery shadow and black liner along your top lashes."

To get a look similar to Diaz's, try LORAC Eye Shadow in Serenity and LORAC Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner. Top off with your favorite tube of mascara for a look that will make your lips pop.

Related Links

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.