Red lipstick has always been a beauty staple I’ve admired on others but hesitated to try myself. With my history of sensitive skin and bouts of adult acne, I felt too self-conscious to draw attention to my face with such a bold, bright color.
However, seeing Salma Hayek’s flawless makeup at the Gucci Cruise 2025 fashion show in London filled me with inspiration. Her rich shade of red complemented her skin tone perfectly and exuded confidence. It reminded me of the powerful feeling and mood boost that red lipstick can provide. No other shade offers that same sense of empowerment, and now, older and a bit more confident, I was eager to experience that feeling again.
Another reason I’ve held back for so long is the fear of choosing a shade that doesn’t suit me (and looking ridiculous). Additionally, I was unsure about how best to apply it (let’s not even talk about the perfect lip liners). Fortunately, I had expert advice from woman&home Digital Beauty Editor Aleesha Badkar, which led me to purchase my first red lipstick in over a decade.
The aptly named ‘Red Carpet Red’ lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury closely matches Salma’s choice and is the one I’ve recently invested in. Charlotte Tilbury offers a variety of red shades in this matte lipstick line, with numerous skin type examples to help decide which is right for your tone.
If you’re like me and feel nervous about wearing such a bold color, Aleesha’s expert advice will be invaluable.
“When choosing a red lipstick, consider three main factors: product type, finish, and undertone.
“First, think about what type of lip product you find easiest and most comfortable to apply. This is crucial if you’re a bit nervous about wearing bolder shades than usual. Do you prefer a classic lipstick, a lip pencil that might be easier to apply and less prone to showing mistakes, or a long-lasting liquid lipstick that dries on and stays put, so you don’t have to worry about re-applying?
“Next, consider the finish and what you feel would be most flattering. If you have visibly oily skin or smaller lips, a muted matte finish may suit you better. For those with drier skin, a satin finish could enhance your look. If you want to make a real statement or have bigger lips that can carry the impact, a shiny finish could be perfect.
“Lastly, think about the undertone. A general rule is to choose a cool, blue-toned red if you have a cooler skin tone and a warm, orange-toned red if you have a warmer skin tone. This can be a helpful step for those just starting with red lipstick, but once you build up your confidence with the classic shade, there’s nothing stopping you from trying different reds. Every lip color can work on everyone—you just have to take the first step.”