Do Men Like a Woman in Red Lipstick? The Answer May Surprise You (2024)

Do Men Like a Woman in Red Lipstick? The Answer May Surprise You (1)

Emma Stone looks gorgeous with natural makeup and with a bright red lip. We’d bet boyfriend Andrew Garfield probably wouldn’t mind either way.
Photos: Getty Images

How many times have you read — or even heard from the source itself — that guys only like natural-looking makeup? One of the long-held rules of date night makeup has been to highlight your best features, but to keep your look as natural as possible. So when I got ready for a first date last week, the first thing I did was swipe off the red lipstick I wore to work all day. Don’t want to look too high-maintenance, right?

Turns out that assumption may not be true, at least with my guy. Thirty minutes into our date he asked me if I ever wore lipstick. Little did he know I was wearing a light rose pink at the time (too natural, perhaps?). “Men love lipstick on a woman,” he told me in his Scottish accent. “Red, pink. It looks so sophisticated and beautiful. It brings you back to the ’40s, when people spent so much more time on their appearance.”

Although your average guy may not admit having as strong an opinion about lip colors, a recent study at the University of Manchester found that men really are attracted to lipstick, with red being the most captivating.The study involved 50 men viewing photos of women wearing red lipstick, pink lipstick or no lipstick at all. Researchers found that the men spent an average of 7.3 seconds staring at the women wearing red lipstick, 6.7 at the pink lipped ladies and only 2.2 seconds at those who wore no lipstick.

A previous study found that waitresses with red lipstick were tipped by men 50 percent of the time while women with brown, pink or no lipstick were tipped 30 percent of the time (this was in France, where tipping is optional). The men in the study, when questioned later, said they tipped more because they found the women with red lipstick to be more attractive.

So men notice lipstick, but is that really such a shocker? This hadn’t been the first time I was talking to a guy who commented on having a preference one way or the other. Lipstick is bright, bold, and it accentuates one of our most sensual features. Clearly, a bright red lip will grab the attention of a man on the street. Once you snag the date, it’s up to you whether it becomes part of your date night ensemble. (Maybe you just need a long-lasting formula — MAC’s will last through anything). Personally, I love lipstick. I feel naked without it. And if my date happens to feel differently than the Scot, well then that’s alright. I am a little high-maintenance — at least when it comes to my beauty routine.

Would you change your lipstick shade for a date?

Read more: Find the Best Lipstick Color For Your Skin Tone

Do Men Like a Woman in Red Lipstick? The Answer May Surprise You (2024)

FAQs

Do Men Like a Woman in Red Lipstick? The Answer May Surprise You? ›

Although your average guy may not admit having as strong an opinion about lip colors, a recent study at the University of Manchester found that men really are attracted to lipstick, with red being the most captivating.

Do guys find red lipstick attractive? ›

Earlier explorers from the University of Rochester in New York have already scientifically confirmed that women in red attracts men's attention most of all. It's no secret that red is the color of passion, love, energy, courage.

What does red lipstick say about a woman? ›

Red lips can also be viewed as sensual and devious. Pin-up models in the early 1900s often wore red lipstick, and this look became synonymous with femininity and sexiness, allowing women to feel comfortable in their sexuality.

Why is red lipstick a turn on? ›

From a more superficial lens, a recent study by the research and development team at Chanel found that red lipstick can help a woman appear younger due to something called “facial contrast.” When women get older, their eyes, lips, and eyebrows tend to grow paler in color –– so reinviting contrast can offer a more ...

What does red lipstick say about a person? ›

Red Lipsticks:

Ladies who favour bold red lipsticks are confident, assertive, self-assured and definitely do not mind being the centre of attention, with all eyes on them. Bright red lips also show off unwillingness to be overlooked.

What lipstick colors attract men? ›

Studies have shown that men are more drawn to women wearing red lipstick than any other shade.

Is red lipstick classy or trashy? ›

Red lips are a classic but they're always on trend as well. They're at once classy and edgy, polished and elegant but unpretentious too.

Why is red lipstick seductive? ›

Red lips have been considered attractive in women in geographically and temporally diverse cultures, possibly because they mimic vasodilation associated with sexual arousal.

What skin tone does red lipstick suit? ›

Light or fair skin people are most flattered by light and bright red lipsticks. Keep in mind that the smaller your lips, the brighter the lipstick should be. Dark lipstick makes small lips look smaller. Deep red lipstick looks best on medium to dark skin.

Does red lipstick show confidence? ›

Red lipstick is a classic representation of implied confidence, expressing boldness even if you are unsure. Scientists argue that an individual's lipstick shade reveals more about their internal feelings than the color they prefer.

How do men feel about red lipstick? ›

Although your average guy may not admit having as strong an opinion about lip colors, a recent study at the University of Manchester found that men really are attracted to lipstick, with red being the most captivating.

Why do men find red lips attractive? ›

Though red lipstick has a strong history in the women's liberation movement, it also has strong connections to female sexuality. Many theorists believe men are attracted to the color red because they subconsciously associate it with sex, fertility, and reproduction.

Do men notice lips? ›

First impressions count, especially when it comes to the laws of attraction. And as shallow as it might be, research reveals the facial feature men find most attractive on a woman: her lips. So when you meet someone new and notice his eyes, he's actually looking at your lips.

Does red lipstick suit anyone? ›

We asked professional makeup artists to share the shades of red lipstick for every complexion. Before we dive in, let's get this out of the way: anyone can wear whatever red lipstick they like, full-stop.

Why doesn't red lipstick look good on me? ›

Red lipstick can look a little off if you just throw it on without doing a little colour-correction. This is because something about the pigments in red lipsticks draws out the redness in your skin and makes it look blotchy. So, if your skin is already full of red pimples or rosacea, concealer is necessary.

Is red lipstick appropriate? ›

There are really no rules if you find 'the one'

The bottom line is, there really aren't any rules if you find a red lipstick shade that you love. Wear it any way you want. And how will you know it's the right red lipstick for you? It will look and feel just right.

What color makes a guy fall in love? ›

It concluded that men were more likely to be attracted to women wearing red. In similar studies, red was always found to be the best love-related color, but there are a few other colors that can encourage romance in unique ways.

What is a man's favorite color on a woman? ›

While favorite colors are subjective to each individual person, research supports that men and women favor certain colors. Universally, studies show that blue is both men and women's primary preferred color.

What makeup are men most attracted to? ›

Makeup Looks Men Love
  • Au Naturel. "I like it when a girl doesn't wear any makeup at all. ...
  • Smoky Eye. "I love it when my wife wears a smoky eye. ...
  • Light Eyes, Light Lips. ...
  • Rocker-Chic Eyes. ...
  • Minimal Makeup. ...
  • A Bit of Blush. ...
  • Bold Lip Color. ...
  • Subtle Glow.
Sep 17, 2013

Does red lipstick make you look younger or older? ›

Researchers say bright red lips and rosy cheeks could amplify the facial contrast and make women appear younger. Female faces also have greater facial contrast than men's.

How do you wear red lipstick without looking old? ›

Powder. This trick is only necessary when you really need lipstick to last hours and hours without touch-ups or having to worry. Using a translucent powder, gently swipe a very thin dusting over the applied red lip. Just as it sets your face makeup, it'll make sure your lipstick will stay for good.

Is red lipstick promiscuous? ›

Wearing red lipstick indicates that you have genitals that are super aroused (the labia gets darker as you get more excited.) That explains why, for much of history, red lipstick in particular was associated with prostitutes — though it was also associated with some other sexy-seeming women.

What colour lipstick is most seductive? ›

Scientists at the University of Manchester found that red lipstick draws attention to the mouth, most notably from the opposite sex. This is because red is the colour of masculine energy. It is also the colour of passion and lust…

Why do some people look good in red lipstick? ›

Key points. Women have more luminance contrast between facial features and skin than men, which is enhanced through make-up. Research indicates that red lips are universally appealing, possibly due to a perceived association with sexual arousal. Highly attractive women were perceived as even more attractive in red.

Does red lipstick suit thin lips? ›

If you have thin lips, always be thoughtful about the colors and finishes you reach for. According to StyleCraze, the best lipstick shades are nude colors, pinks, and reds. They make the lips look much fuller as they do not draw too much attention to the area but still add color.

What is the myth about red lipstick? ›

MYTH 1: I'm too pale to wear red lipstick.

Those colors that pull blue or purple will look better on fair skin. Those reds that are more of a coral, terra-cotta, or warmer tone will look better on warmer skin tones. However, the biggest thing is to own it! These are just general guidelines.

Does red attract guys? ›

In the United States, England, Germany and China, women found men more appealing when they were either pictured wearing red or framed in red, compared with other colors. The finding is reported in the August issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, published by the American Psychological Association.

What lip shape do men find most attractive? ›

A heavily-defined cupid's bow is the most-requested lip shape in De Silva's experience. "Cupid's bows can be enhanced and further defined with the use of specific amounts of filler in the upper lip to enhance the natural vertical columns that lie immediately about the upper lip," the surgeon explained.

Do guys prefer eyes or lips? ›

The lips have it: Research shows men are drawn to a woman's pout more than any other facial feature. If you want to catch a man's attention, don't bother fluttering your eyelashes or flicking your hair. Just practise your pout. According to a study, a woman's lips are the most attractive part of her body.

What is the first thing guys notice about you? ›

The eyes most definitely get all the attention, especially when a man first meets a woman. The shape, size and color can easily tempt a man into wanting to know who the woman is behind those eyes. Yes, a smile is one of the things that a guy will first notice about you.

What body part do guys notice first? ›

Your mouth. A lady's mouth is often the very first part of a woman a guy will see. Not only are great lips and teeth sexy, but guys will look to your mouth for social cues, as it's the most expressive feature you possess. A warm, inviting smile might communicate, 'Here I am, come talk to me.

How do you tell he loves you by his eyes? ›

Winking may mean someone is trying to let you know he/she is interested in you. Intense eye contact, especially with a smile, may mean the person has a crush on you. Pupil size increases means the person likes what he/she sees. Glistening eyes can signify strong attraction and perhaps even love.

How do you make red lipstick look good? ›

Apply foundation to your lips—it lets the red color ring true. Then add lip liner, which works with the foundation to make your color last; it also prevents the red from bleeding into fine lines around your lips. Use a shade that matches your lipstick or gloss (try Quickliner for Lips Intense).

How do you rock a red lip? ›

Tips for Rocking a Red Lip

Moisturize – Use a lip balm first and let it sink in for a few minutes before you apply color. Your lips will look smoother and younger. Balance – If you are going for a bold, dark red shade, go lighter with the eye makeup. Allow your lips to be the focus.

What color to wear with red lipstick? ›

Blue is a great color to wear with red lipstick because the shades are complimentary.

Does red lipstick make you attractive? ›

Not only is it a huge confidence booster, but studies confirm that red lipstick is officially the sexiest colour. Scientists have found that red lipstick draws attention to the mouth, most notably from the opposite sex.

Does red lipstick make you look more attractive? ›

Research indicates that red lips are universally appealing, possibly due to a perceived association with sexual arousal. Highly attractive women were perceived as even more attractive in red.

Does red lipstick really attract men an evaluation in a bar? ›

Results showed that the red lipstick condition was associated with a higher number of male solicitations and a shorter lead time between the arrival of the confederates in the bar and the first courtship solicitation of a male.

What color eyes go best with red lipstick? ›

Eye Makeup To Pair With Red Lipstick Shades

Black and grey shades are also perfect to pair with a red lip and a very glam look. Smokey eyes are also a perfect eye look that will look amazing with a red lip, in particular a brown or your classic (grey/silver and black) smokey eye.

Does lipstick turn men on? ›

Although your average guy may not admit having as strong an opinion about lip colors, a recent study at the University of Manchester found that men really are attracted to lipstick, with red being the most captivating.

Why do guys like red on girls? ›

Men rate women wearing red clothing as being more interested in sex, hinting that humans may be conditioned to associate the color with fertility. The pull of red is nothing new.

Who suits red lipstick? ›

Warm lipsticks are usually more orangey-red, while cool lipsticks are usually bluish red. So, if you have warm undertones, you'll want to choose a warmer red lipstick to compliment your skin, and if you have cooler undertones, those cool, blue-toned reds are the ones for you.

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