Dear Maggie,

I know you’ll know this one. I’ve been wondering it for a few weeks.

I was wearing a black shirt with different warm colors: burgundy, magenta, and peach, and I wanted to wear my bright red lipstick, but…I wasn’t sure if it would clash. How does one wear different reds together?

Best,
Katherine B. Astoria, Queens

Great question, Katherine B.!

It's all about the shade! There are SO many reds. Some pair together beautifully. Some not so much. You want to look for shades of red that are complementary. What are the hue cues of your outfit? Is it warm toned? Go with an orange based red. Is it a cool tone? Wear with a blue tone lipstick. Orange based lipsticks are corals, cherry, fire reds. Blue-tone red shades are more raspberry and pinky.

I have several different shades of red in my lipstick collection (OK, floating in the bottom of my VERY heavy purse). I own a deep red, a burgundy, and a coral lipstick--this way depending on the red of my outfit or accessories I can still wear red lipstick. (I really love red lipstick. It's a thing.)

I have a favorite red bead necklace from Poland. It was a gift from one of my favorite people. When I wear that necklace I wear Nars Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte. It is silky, smooth, and looks like a million bucks. It looks like the lipstick was made to be worn exclusively with that necklace--the lipstick matches so perfectly. It seems like that shade of red (or one similar) might pair perfectly with your shirt, Katherine! If I am wearing a more fire engine red then I wear my go-to stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick in Fiery. My FAVORITE thing about this lipstick: it ain't lying: IT STAYS ALL FREAKING DAY! (I mean unless you're making out for hours--then it wears off. #worthit)

I hope that answers your question!

What do you guys think? What's your favorite red lipstick trick?

With love,
Maggie

(PS: I am in no way being compensated for these lipstick suggestions. I own them and love them and have recommended them to anyone who asks, "What lipstick is that?", while I am walking down the street.)