This month, it’s all about red – the color of passion and power. Whether you’re dressed in ruby, scarlet, poppy, cherry, tomato, paprika, claret, maroon or burgundy, “red always is an attention getter,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute. “There’s nothing quiet or soothing about it. It’s the color of high arousal and confidence.”
Whatever shade you choose, “the only thing that matters is that it’s vibrant,” says Joanna Schlip, celebrity makeup artist to Christina Applegate. “Even this season’s oxblood isn’t muddy, dark or tragic.” Shy about wearing red? Don’t be! You can make this dynamic color work for you with these tips from celebrity stylists and makeup artists:
Keep It in the Family
Any skin tone or hair color works with the color of love, as long as you stick with your skin’s undertone – either pinkish (cool) or yellow/olive (warm). To figure out what your undertone is, look at your inner wrist under a good light. If the skin has a pink or blue cast, you have a cool undertone; if it’s yellow or olive, it’s warm.
Still not sure? Check your jewelry. “If silver is your best friend, you’re a cool tone. If you gravitate toward gold, you’re a warm tone,” says Pilar Steinborn, a CNN wardrobe stylist.
Cool-toned women look best in cool reds like cherry, racing-car red or wine. For warm complexions, look for tomato, rust, grenadine, mandarin or poppy.
Make a Perfect Match
The freshest approach to red is to mix and match clothes in variations of colors within your palette, says Eiseman. “Reach into peachy variations of orange-red, or pinky colors with blue undertones for blue-reds such as wine.” Other good matches for a red dress, blouse or jeans include jet, chocolate, charcoal, camel, khaki, teal or turquoise – and you can’t go wrong with vermillion set against trendy fuchsias and purples.
“They’re a marriage made in heaven,” says Don O’Neill, the creative director behind Theia evening wear. “But avoid pairing red with green except at Christmas, or with blue unless it’s toned down with white or black.”
Accessorize for a Quieter Impact

Accessories like hats, belts, pendants go well with more bold lipstick colors.
If you’re hesitant to wear such a confident color, limit it to accents, says Steinborn. “A red lip, patent belt or pony-hair shoe will make a black dress pop.”
Know How to Wear Red Lipstick
Want to pucker up in red? Keep the rest of your makeup simple. “You don’t want a dark eye with red lips – and use just a hint of blush,” says Schlip. “You’ll get all the color you need via your pout.”
If you’re also firing up your nails in red, use a different texture on your lips, says Nick Barose, makeup artist for 2014’s It Girl, Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave. “Wear a matte bold red on nails and a sheer red stain on your mouth.”

It is helpful to know some small tricks about lipstick and its application!
To make your lipstick stay on your lips (and not your coffee mug), exfoliate your lips first with a toothbrush, says Schlip. Moisturize with balm and blot with a tissue. Then try a homemade lip stain straight from the kitchen: Add a few drops of water to a teaspoon of powdered red Kool-Aid or Jell-O to make a paste, then apply to your lips with a cotton swab.
Amp up the glamour – and avoid feathering – by filling in your lip next with liner. Finally, apply a long-wear lipstick or a gloss-matte hybrid “liquid lipstick” with a lip brush for the most precision. Blot with a tissue and reapply, without re-blotting.
Before heading out, check your teeth for smudges and pack a lip pencil, says Schlip. After all, this is the month of romance – and you never know when you might need a quick touch-up.
Love Color RED – Please RETWEET!
Easter And Spring – How & Why You Should Wear Red This Season #HeartThis #Beauty Accessories https://t.co/kajyPNh97L pic.twitter.com/VHvb90HgWa
— Celebrate Woman (@DiscoverSelf) April 5, 2017
Michele Meyer is a freelance beauty, fashion and celeb writer for MORE, Travel + Leisure and USA WEEKEND. The former Allure and Lucky correspondent has also contributed to InStyle and Real Simple. She has previously contributed to Life & Beauty Weekly.
19 thoughts on “Easter And Spring – How and Why You Should Wear Red This Season”
Great tips!!
These are great tips! I had no idea it was red season, lol. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!!
We are going to my brothers for Easter Dinner and I had already picked a pastel colored outfit to wear. But after reading this I am going red all the way to my lipstick!
I love the suggestions and I’m already wearing red on my lips. Now I’m going to add some accessories!!
Red is one of my favorite color and especially the classic red, which could be worn all season. Red lipstick is pretty and sexy!
I’ve never thought of red for spring and Easter, but now I am. I love your tips for red on lips – especially homemade lip stain from Jello. I’ve never tried red lips so I appreciate your tips for eyes. I’m going to try this!
I love the color red and I love your advice.
Well red is my favorite color! Its good for every second.. Well Ill not wear any lipstick though… (:
Red doesn’t look good on many people. Especially when, like the top photo, they try to draw a larger lip. Looks phony.
I do like the color red. I believe I have a few things that are red. My swimsuit is!
Oh yes, I sure am a fan of red. A pop of red or an entire outfit surely makes one sand out in a good way!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Red is my favourite color. I don’t need any particular time or season to wear it <3
I am obsessed with this red trend! I just got my nails done red with gold flakes today.
I love red as an accent color in my outfit. I’m looking for a nice warm red in lipstick.
I love the color red. Its a great color to wear during the holidays.
I was always intimidated by wearing red lipsticks, but I have found that there are different shades of reds that look good on different complexions. Now I love it when I’m feeling fierce and bold.
Red is a very sexy color. I should really try to wear more of it 🙂
Putting up accessories is like putting up some make-up, it gives additional light and vibrant look to us. Just like wearing a red lipstick, it ads somehow a sophisticated look.
I couldn’t agree more! Red is such a sexy, fun color you definitely stand out in the crowd with a red dress on or red lips.