How to find your most flattering red lipstick.
How to find your most flattering red lipstick.

Imparting instant confidence and effortless glam, there’s no denying that red lipstick is the little black dress of your makeup wardrobe. But one of the most common red lipstick complaints is the feeling that it doesn’t look quite right on you.

We promise you this: there’s a Clinique red lipstick out there just waiting to become your signature shade. In fact, we designed the Clinique Pop™ Reds collection to help you find it. We call it “the only red lipstick you’ll ever need” because it comes in seven shades developed to match every skin tone and undertone.
So, which shade of Clinique Pop™ Reds is the one for you? Here’s an easy guide to finding a bold red lip you can wear with confidence.
Know your undertones.
The key to picking the best red lipstick shade for you is understanding the undertones of your skin as well as the undertones of the lipstick – and how they work together.
To identify your skin’s undertones, simply check out your wrist. If your veins appear bluer or purple, you have cool undertones. If your veins look greener, you’re considered warm.
Just like skin, lipstick also has undertones. Warm lipsticks are usually more orangey-red, while cool lipsticks are usually bluish red. So, if you have warm undertones, you’ll want to choose a warmer red lipstick to compliment your skin, and if you have cooler undertones, those cool, blue-toned reds are the ones for you.
Best warm red lipstick shades to try:
Clinique Pop Reds in Red Hot.
Clinique Pop Reds in Red Carpet.
Clinique Pop Reds in Red-y to Party.
Best cool red lip lipstick shades to try:
Clinique Pop Reds in Red Handed.
Clinique Pop Reds in Roses are Red.
Clinique Pop Reds in Red-y or Not.
Clinique Pop Reds in Red-y to Wear.
Lip test it.
Most of us wouldn’t buy a dress without trying on a few first. We recommend taking the same approach with red lipstick. The easiest way? Use ourVirtual Try-On tool to see how Clinique Pop™ Reds on you, right on your phone.
Play around.
The right red lipstick for your look isn’t just about the shade; you need to find the right formula and finish for you too. Based on your preferences and what makes you feel most confident, you don’t always have to opt for that classic, Hollywood satin red.
A bright red gloss is an easy way to dabble in a brighter lip – plus, the glassy gloss finish is having a big moment. Our Pop Plush™ in Juicy Apple Pop is the perfect cushiony, high-shine gloss for the party season and beyond – go for one coat for a cherry-red glaze, or layer up for a punchier colour pop.
If you want something bright and vibrant, but not as dramatic, we recommend Chubby Stick™ Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Two Ton Tomato. This sheer balm offers a natural-looking sheen and delivers just enough colour to enjoy the red lip look.
Let the red stand alone.
If you’re not sure what products to pair with your red lip, then just skip them. One of the chicest, most modern ways to embrace a red lip is to keep the rest of your look simple. Just use a skin-perfecting foundation like Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation SPF20 where needed, Chubby Stick™ Sculpting Contour and finish with a swipe or two of High Impact™ Mascara.
Updated November 2022.

Shop the story:

Clinique Pop Plush™ Creamy Lip Gloss, An ultra-cushiony, super juicy gloss that hugs lips with shine and all-day hydration. Available in the universally flattering Black Honey Pop, a glossy take on our cult classic lip shade.

Air Kiss Pop

3.4ml
3.4ml
3.4ml
3.4ml
3.4ml
3.4ml
Chubby Stick™ Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, A moisturising lip tinted balm. A brilliant range of mistake-proof shades to mix and layer.

Chunky Cherry

Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation SPF20, Full Coverage - Satin Matte Finish

CN 28 Ivory

30ml
30ml
30ml
30ml
30ml
30ml
Most of us wouldn’t buy a dress without trying on a few first. We recommend taking the same approach with red lipstick for the perfect red lips. A bright red gloss is an easy way to dabble in brighter red lips – plus, the glassy gloss finish is having a big moment.