What should I consider when looking for red lipstick?

As the former VP of Artist Training and Development at MAC Cosmetics with consult work for Kiehl's, Lancôme, Nars, and La Mer, Matthew knows a thing or two about creating makeup looks that are specifically formulated different complexions. He said there are two things to consider when searching for the best red lipstick. "One is the value [lightness or deepness] of your skin's pigmentation. And the other consideration is the natural undertones occurring in your skin color.

The value of your skin is important to consider since how color looks is dependent on surrounding [colors]."

Matthew noted that a good example of this is by thinking about how the color blue may look different depending on the shade next to it. "...blue will look different if it is surrounded by a pale beige compared to a rich brown. The blue is the same, but it looks different because the surrounding colors influence how you see it in contrast."

What red lipstick does Taylor Swift wear?

There's been speculations about the exact shade of red lipstick Taylor Swift has been wearing to the Chief's game, but it can be argued that one of her favorite shades is by none other than makeup artist Pat McGrath. This is partly due to McGrath sharing how she made Taylor's "Bejeweled" music video looks come to life an interview with E! News last year. She said, "When I think of Taylor, I always think of a perfect red lip...I couldn't imagine not doing something with red lipstick."

Although the Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson is currently sold out, here's a few more of Taylor Swift's red lipstick picks as shared by Pop Sugar:

Patrick TA Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick "That's Why She's Late"

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color "Uncensored"

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil "Dragon Girl"

Tips For Finding The Best Red Lipstick For Every Complexion:

Deeper Complexions

Contrary to what some may believe, deeper skin complexions are able to wear color well — including red lipstick. Matthew said, "A Person with a deep skin color value will be able to wear lots of different colors of red due to all the rich colors and undertones that surround the red lips."

Brit + Co's Best Red Lipstick For Deeper Complexions

MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo (Taylor Swift's Fave)

This is the first shade of red lipstick I wore when I was granted permission to wear something bold. It definitely attracted a lot of attention in 2011, but I didn't care. I wore it every chance I got and purchased this many times over during my early 20s.

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick "Bawse Lady"

This is another beautiful shade for darker complexions that's not as bold as Ruby Woo. The color payoff is amazing and it doesn't budge as much.

NaChé Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick "Ruby"

In an effort for those with a deeper complexion to not feel excluded from wearing red lipstick, educator NaChé Thompson decided to create a shade that felt inclusive. Named after grandmother, she said "The right touch of blue makes Ruby the epitome of the perfect red lipstick to complement a wide range of skin tones. You can wear [Ruby] for up to nine solid hours without needing to reapply, and it defies the norm of dry and crusty matte lipsticks."

I've had a chance to wear it and find that the creamy texture is almost irresistible!

Medium & Olive Complexions

People with this complexion "generally have warm undertones that include golden or yellow as a part of the skin color composition. So, they should pick a red that includes them," said Matthew. He also indicated that medium complexions can include an olive undertone and that reds with warm undertones — like coral or even warm pink — will work for them.

Brit + Co's Best Red Lipstick For Medium & Olive Complexions

Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick "Inspire"

Also known as Selena Gomez's favorite shade, "Inspire" is a bright-red that's hydrating despite it's matte finish. It literally glides onto the lips where it sits comfortably throughout the day.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick "Red Carpet Red"

Long before we know of Shonda Rhimes' Queen Charlotte, Ms. Tilbury was the one we bowed down to. Her matte revolution lipstick is considered a community favorite on Sephora and features the glorious "Red Carpet Red" shade that just looks like it belongs on the lips.

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Lipstick "Flame"

If you want to cause a commotion, you'll reach for Tom Ford's "Flame" matte lipstick. It's a bright red-orange that complements medium complexions like no other.

Lighter Complexions

On other hand, Matthew said, "A lighter skin person needs to be more thoughtful about picking a red that plays nicely with the subtle undertones — pink or cool — of their skin. Choosing a red that includes neutral/pink or cool undertones will look like it belongs on the skin."

Brit + Co's Best Red Lipstick For Fair Complexions

Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick "400 Four Hundred"

While this can be considered a universal red lipstick, "400 Four Hundred" looks like it was made for fairer complexions. It's comfortable enough to wear all day and will give you a nice pout.

Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Matte Liquid Lipstick "N12 Rouge Rebel"

Rev up the drama with this rebellious shade of red lipstick by Yves Saint Laurent. It's made without parabens or sulfates, so you won't have to fret about harsh chemicals on your lips!

bareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick "Inspiration"

What's full of hydrating ingredients that don't skimp on rich color? This shade by bareMinerals that's set to become the best red lipstick for your fair complexion.

Matthew's Final Piece Of Advice

Lastly, Matthew said, "...the best final step is to try several reds on, and at look at the resulting color in natural daylight to see if the red plays nicely with your skin color." He doesn't believe there's ever a "wrong" red, but feels that there are reds that can blend in better with your skin.

"Either way, red is a great way to bring attention to your look and get reactions, "he said. In other words, have fun finding the best red lipstick that complements your complexion and don't be afraid to be bold!

Lip Products

Harry Potter™ Gifted Herbologist Glitter Lipstick ($5)

This lipstick applies nice and smooth for a hydrating finish that ensures your lips look glassy and glittery. This isn't a Slytherin exclusive, but it definitely looks cunning ;).

Harry Potter™ Magic Elixir Lip Gloss — Polyjuice Potion™ ($4)

Polyjuice Potion might completely transform you into a new person, but this lip gloss will make your lips brand new. With millet seed extract, it moisturizes and adds a glossy shine.

Harry Potter™ Magic Elixir Lip Gloss — Felix Felicis™ ($4)

Add some liquid luck to your look with this Felix Felicis™ gloss. Not only is it glittery, but thyme extract makes everything extra shiny.

Harry Potter™ Bewitching Brews Lip Gloss Set ($16)

Get all your favorite potions in the Owl Post with this lip gloss set featuring Felix Felicis™, Polyjuice Potion™, Amortentia™, and Draught of Living Death™-inspired glosses.

Harry Potter™ Magic Cauldron Lip Mask ($5)

Who wants to go up against Voldemort with chapped lips? Now, you don't have to thanks to this lip mask's meadowfoam seed oil.

Eyes

Harry Potter™ Ravenclaw™ House Palette ($6)

Glittering blues and rich teals are perfect for all your nights out. Use them for a graphic liner look, or all over your lid for a major statement.

Harry Potter™ Hufflepuff™ House Palette ($6)

The golds and browns in this palette are perfect for creating a natural eye with a little extra pizzazz. 10 points to Hufflepuff!

Harry Potter™ Gryffindor™ House Palette ($6)

Gold makes for the perfect summer eye. And with shades of rust and auburn, you can warm up your eye looks for fall, too!

Harry Potter™ Slytherin™ House Palette ($6)

Give your smokey eyes some understated color tonight, and add bright green come holiday season. You can do it all with this palette!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.