Choosing the right makeup for your skin undertone is key to achieving a natural, flawless look. Undertone refers to the subtler colors that come through your complexion underneath your overall skin tone. The two most common undertones are warm (yellow, peach, golden) and cool (pink, red, blue). If you have a red or orange undertone, you likely fall into the warm undertone category. This guide will walk you through how to identify if you have red/orange undertones, explain what colors complement this undertone best, provide drugstore and high-end makeup product recommendations, and give tips for application.
How to Tell if You Have Red or Orange Undertones
Here are some signs that indicate you likely have red or orange undertones:
– Veins on your wrist appear greenish or olive
– Silver jewelry clashes against your skin while gold flatters you
– Your complexion has a ruddy or rosy hue
– You tan easily in the sun
– You were born with red or strawberry blonde hair
– Your skin feels warm to the touch
– Foundations with pink bases make your skin look sallow and washed out
If several of these characteristics describe you, you can be fairly certain your undertone leans warm with orange/red present. The best way to confirm is to try draping different colored fabrics against your neck and face in natural lighting. Green, coral, peach, terra cotta, and yellow fabrics will bring out the glow in your complexion while pink and purple will look jarring.
Best Makeup Colors for Red and Orange Undertones
When shopping for makeup, stick to these color families that will harmonize with and enhance your red/orange undertones:
Foundations: Look for foundations with yellow, golden, or olive undertones. Avoid pink and neutral bases.
Concealers: Peach, yellow, and golden shades will balance out circles or blemishes without looking ashy.
Blush: Warm peachy, coral, brick red, cinnamon, and burnt orange blush shades look most natural.
Bronzer: Go for bronzers with warm, orangey undertones rather than cool toned browns. Matte terracotta shades work well.
Eyeshadow: Coppers, golds, burnt oranges, olive greens, and warm browns make your eyes pop.
Eyeliner: Brown and bronze liners are more harmonious than black.
Mascara: Black, brown-black, or brown mascaras suit most skin tones.
Lipstick: Orangey reds, corals, peaches, warm pinks, browns, and brick colors flatter red undertones.
Stay away from cool undertoned purples, bubblegum pinks, frosty blues, and berry tones. While not unwearable, these will clash more with red/orange undertones.
Best Drugstore Makeup for Red/Orange Undertones
You don’t need to splurge to find makeup that flatters red and orange undertones. Here are some of the best drugstore makeup items for under $20:
| Product | Shade | Price |
|---|---|---|
| L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation | True Beige, Fresh Beige | $12 |
| Maybelline Fit Me Concealer | Sand, Golden | $7 |
| Milani Powder Blush | Coral Cove, Rose D’Oro | $9 |
| Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer | Light Bronzer | $16 |
| Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow | Walking on Eggshells | $5 |
| NYX Epic Ink Liner | Brown | $9 |
| Maybelline Lipstick | Toasted Truffle, Orange Danger | $7 |
As you can see, the drugstore has plenty of gems for warm and orangey complexions. Focus on warmer, golden shades with yellow or peach undertones. You can build a great makeup starter kit without breaking the bank.
Best High End Makeup for Red/Orange Undertones
If you have the budget, here are some of the top high end makeup items that work brilliantly on red and orange undertones:
| Product | Shade | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation | 6, 7 | $64 |
| NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer | Ginger, Custard | $30 |
| Benefit Cosmetics Box O’ Powder Blush | Dandelion Dew | $30 |
| Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer | Light/Medium | $30 |
| Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette | Naked 1 | $54 |
| Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eyeliner Pencil | Blacquer | $26 |
| Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick | 999 | $38 |
While the prices are steeper, investing in these high quality products means vibrant color payoff, comfortable wear, and long lasting durability. With proper application, they can help perfect your makeup look.
Tips for Applying Makeup to Red Undertones
Follow these tips when doing your makeup application to accentuate red and orange undertones:
– Prep skin well with moisturizer and primer for a smooth base
– Opt for medium coverage foundations for a natural look
– Conceal discoloration with peachy correctors before foundation
– Use a fluffy brush to apply bronzer lightly along the perimeter of the face
– Sweep coral or terracotta blush onto the apples of cheeks
– Dust setting powder only on oily areas to avoid looking cakey
– Use browns on the crease and lids, highlight inner corners with champagne
– Line eyes using short strokes for a soft definition
– Finish with mascara on upper and lower lashes
– Pat on lipstick with fingers to blend edges seamlessly
– Set makeup with a hydrating setting spray for longevity
With the right techniques, you can let your gorgeous red undertones shine through! Experiment with the colors and products discussed here to find your perfect match.
Conclusion
Having red or orange undertones is a unique trait that deserves customized makeup tailored to your complexion. Now that you know how to assess your undertones, pick flattering colors, and apply products expertly, you can reveal your inner glow. The key is to embrace warm, fiery hues in your makeup routine. Choosing the products formulated for your undertone makes all the difference in achieving natural radiance. Whether you prefer drugstore steals or luxury splurges, follow this guidance to select makeup that flatters and celebrates your red undertones.