Is there a perfect red lipstick for every woman? - part 2

In PART 1, I already discussed why red lipstick may look so good on celebrities & models, but may be quite a bit of a challenge for us, especially Asians. In this post, I will share some tips & techniques on how to find the right shade of red for you & how to wear it right.

Before going into details, you need to know this:
1. Most Asians have yellow or neutral undertone, and because of this, cool red (blue-ish tint) or neutral red tends to compliment our skin tone & eye color better than warm red (orange-y tint). Think dark cherry red, burgundy red, and mauve. Choose a color with the right intensity (sheer = light, luster = moderate, or very matte = rich/dark in pigment).
2. If you're heading to the department store to find your shade(s) of red, I suggest doing your base, brows, and eyes at home first (as how you would wear your red lipstick with). Remember to only wear colorless lip balm on your lips before you head out. .
3. If you're a neat-pick and germ-freak when it comes to makeup like me, you'd want to bring some makeup wipes (I use Oil of Olay Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin) and your lip balm with you. After you try 1 color on, you'd want to wipe it off completely and redo your lip balm before you test another color (so you won't dry out your lips).
4. Last but not least, bring a small mirror with you, or a good friend who knows makeup & style (*wink*)

TO FIND THE RIGHT COLOR: meaning to find the right cool/neutral shade of red.
1. To determine if a color is cool / warm / neutral, test it on a piece of white A4 paper. Use your ring finger to take off some color from a lipstick or lip gloss and wipe it onto the blank piece of paper. Let it dry for like a minute, and then it's easier to tell if it's more cool or warm. If it looks cool or neutral & you feel like trying it on, go head and ask the counter girl to sanitize the lipstick (they usually dip it in alcohol first, then wipe off the top layer before they hand it to you). Don't forget to write down the name/brand of each lip color that you tested.
2. Try at least 3 shades of red on yourself, maybe a mauve to begin with, then a cool medium red, then a deeper color (like cherry red). After you try on each color, don't trust the light in the department store, come outside to where you can get some good natural light. Now use your mirror to judge the color.
3. If it's the "right" red, it should brighten up your complexion and compliment your eye-color, and making you feel good in it. If it doesn't, wipe it off, redo your lip balm & try another.

Next post, I'll finish up this topic with interesting examples. Stay tune!