Finding Your Best Red or Berry Color to Wear

As the holidays approach, we often turn to reds and berries to go along with the colors of the season. But, which shades of red and berry are best for you to wear?

On this page:

• Are red and berry warm or cool colors?
• Warm Red vs Cool Red
• Which shade of red is best for me?
• How to wear reds and berries?
• Stylish color combinations with red
• How to Wear Red
• Makeup Colors to Wear With Red
• How To Use Your Lip Color Fan To Find Your Best Red Lipstick
• How To Use Your Color Fan To Find Your Best Red To Wear
• How To Wear Reds and Berries

Are the colors red and berry warm or cool?

The color red is an even mix of yellow and magenta. Yes, in art and in the CMYK printing process, red does not exist on its own. It is created from magenta and yellow. Mind blowing, I know.

The amount of magenta vs yellow will determine the temperature of the color. A touch more magenta will create a cool red. A touch more yellow will create a warm tomato red.

Adding white or black will lighten or darken the color as well as soften it. If gray or a bit green is added to red, you will have a muted red. The combinations are many, and there is definitely a red for everyone. Reds range from light true red to deep brick.

Berries are similar to reds, but contain more magenta and some black, and very  little to no yellow... therefore, they are innately cool colors. However, there is a range of berry tones flatter warm skin tones. Some notable berry shades for warm undertones are cranberry and raspberry. 

Warm Red vs Cool Red

Which Shade of Red is Best for Me?

If you have warm undertones, red shades in the deep coral to brick range will work best for you. Choose the color based on your depth and brightness. 

Berry colors with more yellow will work better for warmer skin tones. The cool berries will work for cool skin tones. If you are fair, choose shades with white added to lighten and soften the shade a bit. If you are on the deep end of the spectrum, most berry tones work well for you. 

How To Wear Reds and Berries

Both reds and berries will look great with your best neutrals like black, white, gray or brown. The neutral allows these bold shades to really shine. Choose gold or silver metals based on your undertones, as these colors can handle both. For a high fashion look, try pairing berry and red together in a color blocking look or go for a monotone head to toe look in one of the shades. Blues and purples are also great to pair with berries and reds.

Stylish Color Combinations with Red

How To Wear Red with Jen and Gail

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

If you feel overwhelmed with reds and berry tones near your face, consider wearing them on the lower half of your body or as an accessory. This can give you the festive look of these shades while allowing you to look your best with more flattering shades near your face.

Makeup Colors To Wear With Red

When wearing either a red or berry tone, makeup is important. When these shades are worn near the face, they look best with balance brought onto the face with makeup, especially lip color. An exact match lip shade or one just slightly lighter or deeper works best with reds and berries. Keep the eye makeup neutral and allow the lips and cheeks to bring color onto the face.

Be cautious when adding glosses to lipsticks in these colors, as they will water down the color. Use a tone on tone shade to preserve the shade. And always wear a liner with these shades to give them definition and to prevent bleeding. I think a med-deep neutral liner works well with these colors. If these lip colors just feel like too much for you, consider a balm or gloss in a shade that blends with your clothing. You need at least a hint of the red or berry shade on the face to tie the look together.

Not sure which lipstick color is right for you? 

Get your Lip Color Fan that will help tell you which lipstick color is right for your color type.

How To Use Your Lip Color Fan To Find Your Best Red Lipstick

How To Use Your Color Fan To Find Your Best Red To Wear

How To Wear Reds and Berries 

We hope this helps you to look your best wearing these colors during the holiday season.

XOXO,

Gail

Jennifer Vax

Jen Vax is the founder of Your Color Style. She is a best selling author, speaker, artist and entrepreneur. She helps women learn how to wear color in a way that expresses their true nature. Take the FREE color analysis quiz to get started.