Determine your undertones.

Check out the veins on your neck or wrists. Are they blue or purple? If so, you likely have cool undertones. According to Amick, that means your red lipstick should be pink, cranberry, or blue-based. Now, if your veins are more green, that means you probably have warm undertones. In this case, Amick suggests a red lipstick with hints of brown or orange like “brick red” or “burnt orange.” Your veins could also have a mix case of both colors, in which case, you have a neutral skin-tone. And lucky for you, that means any shade of lipstick will look like it’s tailor-made for you.

Decide on your ideal finish.

On the hunt for a red lipstick that'll stay put through hours or eating and drinking? Or perhaps you’re leaning towards something soft and comfy with a little shine? These are the questions Amick suggests mulling over before tossing any random red lipstick into your real or virtual shopping cart. “If you want an intense, opaque lip that lasts all night, you’ll probably want to go for a lip liner-lipstick combo,” she says, adding that a red lipstick with a matte finish is typically the way to go for longevity. On the flip side, she suggests a formula that’s easy to swipe on, like a balmy red lipstick if your biggest concern is comfort.

Commit to a spending cap.

Before you start shopping for red lipstick, take a beat to set your budget. That way, if you're clicking through online shops, you can set your price range in the search preferences. Whether you're heading to your local drugstore or to Sephora (both red lipstick treasure troves, as our list proves), keep this in mind: the price tag doesn't always tell the full story. Just because one red lipstick is pricier doesn't automatically make it better, and vice versa. Then, from a selection of red lipsticks that align with your budget, you can zero in on the perfect red that aligns with your wants and needs.

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