The Reason You Hate Red Lipstick Is Because You're Not Wearing It Right

When the holiday season comes around, a red lip is seemingly the most obvious, tried-and-true beauty detail to get into the festive spirit. For fans of the lip color, it's a fool-proof way to spice up practically any makeup look. However, on TikTok, creators have started to oppose the classic red lip — arguing that it doesn't suit everyone the way we're led to believe it does.

The red lip has remained a staple for centuries and over time it's become a symbol of empowerment for the Latinx community and women as a whole, but this hasn't stopped beauty fans from pointing out its bold and sometimes intimidating nature. "A red lip is not shy. It announces you — and a lot of people aren't used to seeing themselves that boldly. So, it feels like too much," celebrity makeup artist Kim Baker says. Unlike more subdued lip colors, a red lip commands attention — and because of this polarization, internet users say they struggle to feel confident wearing the color.

@anja_tillmanns wish i could pull it off without looking like i’m going on stage for a jazz solo #redlip #falllipstick #lipcombo #fallmakeup ♬ original sound - arcadia

Although a handful of TikTokers have sworn off red lips, makeup artists maintain that the lip color isn't going anywhere. Like most beauty trends, red lipstick isn't about a one-size-fits-all approach, it's about tweaking the look based on your skin tone and personal preferences. "The problem isn't the red — it's the undertone. When you find the right red, your whole spirit lifts," Baker says. "The face softens, the eyes brighten, and the energy changes. I've watched it happen in real time on everyone from models to moms running late to work."

Similarly, celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes finds that those who are anti-red lip simply aren't using the right shade. "It's beautiful if done well — and quite honestly, awful if done poorly," he tells Hypebae. In order to avoid this, Barnes recommends referencing your skin's undertones to discover which shades of red suit you best. "Look at Taylor Swift and Rihanna — totally different skin tones but look amazing with red lip because they are wearing the right red lip for their skin tone," he adds.

@maya_galore Black women