During the process, I started researching why red lipstick has such an enduring appeal, more so than any other shade. It became an obsession to figure out if this theory has more to it than just brightening my face and drawing attention to my lips. The more I wore it, the more it became clear: It commands attention. It makes sense why aristocrats in Ancient Egypt use it to signal social status and power, why it became a beacon for patriotism in the 1930s and why Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore her signature red lip during her inauguration into Congress.
“Lip + hoops were inspired by Sonia Sotomayor, who was advised to wear neutral-colored nail polish to her confirmation hearings to avoid scrutiny. She kept her red. Next time someone tells Bronx girls to take off their hoops, they can just say they’re dressing like a Congresswoman,” tweeted Ocasio-Cortez.
Simply put, I’m here, I’m confident and I deserve to take up space.
So What’s Holding You Back from Trying It Yourself?
Despite wanting to paint the town red, some still find it intimidating (like I did, initially). “As a makeup artist, I often hear ‘I can’t wear bold colors or red lipstick.’ But my response? ‘Yes, you absolutely can,’” says Kuhl. “Don’t let outdated beauty myths hold you back. Women of every skin tone—yes, even deeper tones—can rock bright reds with confidence. No matter what your undertone or your skin tone is, don’t be afraid to go bold!” And if your main concern is finding the perfect red, Kuhl says it starts with understanding your undertone and how well it complements your skin tone.
- If you have fair skin: “Look for cool-toned, blue-based reds like cherry or berry shades. These hues add brightness without overwhelming your complexion,” she explains.
- If you have light to medium skin: “Try Orange-based reds or classic scarlet tones enhance warmth and create a timeless, balanced look,” she says.
- If you have medium to deep skin: “Check out rich, earthy tones like brick reds or warm cinnamon to bring vibrancy and depth to your features,” she says.
- If you have deep skin: “Go bold with deep burgundies, bright ruby reds or even neon reds for a striking and sophisticated statement,” she says.
Once you’ve found a shade you love, the next step is prepping your pout. Kuhl notes that you should first exfoliate and moisturize your lips before defining them with a lip liner or brush. “Use the applicator to outline your lips with a single layer of your shade, then layer to fill in the color. This technique gives you precision and creates a smudge-proof finish,” she says. But the final step is the most important one of all. “Confidence is your best accessory. Wear your red lips proudly and let your bold beauty speak for itself,” says Kuhl.
The red lipstick theory is not just a regular beauty trend. In the age of clean girl aesthetic and minimal makeup, it’s great to see a bold statement take shape in 2025. Yes, it can make someone turn their heads, but it’s more about taking up space and feeling at ease with doing so—something we definitely need right now.
Engerson says it best: “Red lipstick has stood for power and confidence for centuries. How many times have we had a day where we weren’t feeling our best? Adding a small amount of red lipstick can make a difference. I’m not sure why, but I’ve seen it for myself and others. It’s a little boost that [makes you say] ‘Ooh, I feel good.’”
