Best Lipstick Shades to Wear with a Red Dress

 

Best Lipstick Shades to Wear with a Red Dress

The perfect lipstick for your red dress depends on your vibe, your skin tone, and the occasion. Whether you go for classic red lips or soft nude gloss, the right choice will elevate your look and boost your confidence.

So go ahead-rock that red dress, and let your lips do the talking.

1. Classic Red Lips – A Timeless Match

Best for : Glamorous events, formal dinners, photoshoots

Matching red lipstick with a red dress may sound risky, but when done right—it’s unbeatable. The key is to match the undertone:

Cool-toned red dress? Choose blue-based reds like MAC Ruby Woo or Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet 38.

Warm-toned red dress? Go for orange-reds like NARS Heat Wave or Maybelline Red Revival.

 Pro Tip : Use a lip liner to define and prevent bleeding. Keep eye makeup minimal.

 2. Nude Shades – Understated & Chic

Best for : Daytime outings, weddings, casual wear

If you want your red dress to do the talking, a nude lip is your best friend. Choose a nude that complements your skin tone:

Fair skin: Beige-pink or peachy nude 

Medium skin: Caramel or rosy nude 

Deep skin: Mocha or deep brown nude 

 Pro Tip : Add a gloss for a fresh, dewy finish.

 3. Berry Tones – Deep & Dramatic

Best for : Evenings, fall/winter events, bold personalities

Berry lips offer a dramatic contrast to red and give a mysterious, sultry edge. Shades like:

MAC Rebel (deep plum)

Fenty Beauty "Griselda" (burgundy)

Maybelline Divine Wine

These shades work especially well with deep red or maroon dresses.

 4. Soft Pink or Mauve – Feminine & Fresh

Best for: Romantic dates, spring/summer events

Looking to soften the boldness of red? Try soft pinks or mauves:

NYX "Tea & Cookies"

L'Oreal Paris "Mauve Petal"

Huda Beauty "Bombshell"

They add a gentle pop of color without competing with your outfit.

 5. Wine & Burgundy – Elegant Contrast

Best for: Nighttime glamour, weddings, upscale parties

Deep wine lipsticks add a regal touch to red dresses. Especially stunning on deeper skin tones, shades like:

Sephora Collection “Always Red”

NARS Audacious in "Bette" Match with soft bronze or gold eye makeup for a luxe look.

6. Coral & Orange Reds – Warm & Vibrant

Best for: Summer parties, beach weddings, brunch

Coral lipsticks bring warmth and energy. They pair beautifully with warm-toned red dresses, especially during the daytime.

Revlon Coralberry

Fenty “Freckle Fiesta”

7. Glossy Lips – Subtle & Modern

Best for : Youthful, trendy look

Sometimes, less is more. A simple clear gloss or tinted balm brings a modern vibe, especially if you're going heavy on eye makeup.

Try:

Fenty Gloss Bomb

Glossier Lip Gloss

NYX Butter Gloss

How to Choose the Right Lipstick for a Red Dress

Match Undertones: Cool reds with cool shades, warm reds with warm tones.

Consider the Occasion: Glam = bold; casual = soft.

Balance the look : If your dress and eyes are bold, keep lips soft .

Test First: Swatch before applying. Lighting makes a big difference! 

Top Lipstick Recommendations by Brand

Brand           Shade                  Undertone                   Finish

MAC -         Ruby Woo                 Cool                  Matte

Fenty Beauty- Uncensored             Neutral             Liquid Matte

Maybelline- Divine Wine                Warm      Creamy Matte

Huda Beauty-Bombshell               Warm      Liquid Matte

NARS-          Heat Wave                 Warm         Semi-Matte

Wearing a red dress instantly makes a statement—it's bold, confident, and timeless. But when it comes to choosing the right lipstick shade to pair with it, things can get tricky. Go too bold, and you risk clashing. Go too soft, and the dress might outshine you.

In this guide, we'll break down the best lipstick shades to wear with a red dress based on your skin tone, the occasion, and the undertone of your outfit. Whether you're headed to a party, date night, or a wedding—these picks have got you covered.