The Red Lip: Holiday Icon or Divisive Classic?
As the holiday season draws near, few beauty rituals exude festivity quite like the swipe of a red lip. For devoted enthusiasts, this iconic hue is more than a finishing touch—it’s a statement, transforming even the simplest look with a sense of celebration. Yet, on TikTok, a new wave of creators is questioning the red lip’s universal allure, challenging the long-held belief that it flatters everyone.
A History of Impact—and Intimidation
For centuries, the red lip has been shorthand for glamour and empowerment—cherished within the Latinx community and embraced by women worldwide. Its classic status, however, has not shielded it from scrutiny. Critics often point to its boldness, even calling its presence intimidating. “A red lip is not shy. It announces you—and many people aren’t used to seeing themselves that boldly. So, it feels like too much,” explains celebrity makeup artist Kim Baker. Unlike neutral tones, a red lip commands attention; for some, that spotlight can feel overwhelming.
Social Media’s Reluctance Meets Expert Advice
Comments like @anja_tillmanns’s—“wish i could pull it off without looking like I’m going on stage for a jazz solo”—capture a collective hesitation echoed across social media. Yet, makeup artists insist that red lipstick remains far from passé. As with most beauty staples, the secret isn’t in one prescribed shade, but in finding a tone that resonates with your complexion and personal style. “The problem isn’t the red—it’s the undertone. When you find the right red, your whole spirit lifts,” says Baker. “The face softens, the eyes brighten, the energy shifts. I’ve watched it happen in real time, from models to moms rushing out the door.”
Celebrity makeup artist Scott Barnes offers a similar perspective, suggesting that reluctance often stems from not having found the perfect shade. “It’s beautiful if done well—and quite honestly, awful if done poorly,” he tells Hypebae. Barnes recommends looking to your skin’s undertones when choosing a red. “Look at Taylor Swift and Rihanna—completely different skin tones, but both look incredible in red, because they’re wearing the right shade for them,” he notes.
Finding Your Signature Red
Tiesha Williams, professional makeup artist and Black Radiance brand ambassador, believes there’s a red for virtually everyone. She suggests blue-based reds for fair to medium skin and orange-leaning reds for medium-deep to deep-dark complexions. Still, Williams is quick to dismiss rigid rules: “I recommend that you play and discover what feels comfortable for you,” she says, championing experimentation over dogma.
For those who feel alienated by the red lip’s supposed universality, there’s reassurance in remembering that beauty is—and always will be—deeply personal. The products we reach for reflect our own sense of self, not the dictates of tradition or trend. While makeup artists are confident that anyone can wear a red lip, it remains an invitation, not an obligation.
The Enduring Allure of Experimentation
In beauty’s ever-evolving landscape, it’s experimentation that leads us to the shades and techniques that evoke confidence. The red lip endures as a cornerstone of holiday glamour and everyday elegance, but—as with all things in our digital age—it faces ongoing debate. What remains timeless is the freedom to play, and to claim the shade that feels most authentically yours.
Adapted & edited for Maverick Magazine.
