The ultimate guide to wearing red lipstick: How to find the right shade and formula for you this AW18

The beauty trend's presence on the catwalk felt more significant than ever

Alexander McQueen autumn/winter 2018

Autumn/winter has seen many classic beauty trends come to the fore once again but perhaps the most impactful of them all is the return of the red lip.

The equivalent to slipping on a LBD, women have long declared a scarlet pout their bold and beautiful go-to, but this year its presence on the catwalk felt more significant than ever.

At a time when gender equality has been at the heart of our discourse, many designers made reference to female empowerment in their collections, while others chose to convey women’s strength with parades of powerful red lips.

At Brandon Maxwell and No 21, sharply sculpted cherry-red lips were the look du jour while Rochas and Cushnie Et Ochs stepped over to the dark side with bold, berry hues.

Elsewhere, Alexander McQueen enhanced the dramatic nature of red lipstick with a satin finish and pared back makeup but it was Erdem where we saw the most memorable pout.

Here, inspired by his mother, the designer created a prominent smoky lip that blurred at the edges.

When it comes to wearing red lipstick IRL (In Real Life), it’s important to remember that not all lipsticks are created equal; the shade and formula you choose can make for totally different looks.

YSL, Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick in 10, £29, Selfridges

So, how do you know which one to pick?

If you want a formula that’s going to last all day, your best bet is a matte lipstick. Known for their staying power, matte formulas are more pigmented and impactful but they do require careful application and can be drying.

Audacious Lipstick Palette in Forget Me Not, £35, Nars Cosmetics

Alternatively, satin formulas are a more user-friendly option. Designed with a natural shine, they apply smoothly to the lips for a saturated flush of colour and err on the more hydrating side when compared to matte lipsticks.

For a heavy dose of evening glamour, you also have the option of high shine or gloss formulas.

Laura Mercier, Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Fire, £22, Cult Beauty

While picking the right shade of red is down to personal preference much of the time, there are a few pointers you can follow if you’re not sure where to start.

Those with fair skin will benefit from blue-based reds with cooler tones which will help complement your complexion without washing it out, while olive skin is works best with orange-based reds and punchy wine shades.

Charlotte Tilbury, K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Night Crimson, £24, Feel Unique

In general, darker complexions can pull off the widest varieties of shades with everything from super-bright orangey-reds to cool blue tones and earthy brown shades ticking all the boxes.

Tom Ford, Boys & Girls Lipstick in Dylan, £30, Space NK