Red isn’t my go-to shade at all, especially for my every day look. I still subscribe to an old school way of thinking that red is only for special occasions and for when you’re of a certain age. Flashback to my mother telling me that I can’t wear red until I was past 30 when I raided her vanity as a kid.

My opinion is slowly changing, however. Maybelline gifted me with the complete Superstay Matte Ink collection in Rouge Reds. I opened the PR kit and thought they’re picking up on a trend. Red and pink-toned makeup are said to be best for that daily Zoom call with your company and clients.

Red is also a smart color to pick up in the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink formulation. Once it dries, you don’t have to worry about it getting on your teeth, smudging all over your face, or the ordeal of re-touching. It just stays there, fully-pigmented the whole day long. I may or may have taken a nap while wearing Dauntless, one of my favorite shades from the line, to wake up with still a perfect red pout. This lipstick is for those who cannot be bothered at all.

To solidify my liking for red lipstick, I consulted with makeup artist Jarwin Mendoza. He’s Maybelline’s resident makeup artist and trainer, and he had a few tips about the said shade.

A photographer told me that red shades are best for video calls. As a makeup artist, would you agree?
Yes, because video calls have replaced communicating with people in-person given the pandemic. Sometimes, we find that it’s not easy to look great on a tiny computer camera or phone camera. But wearing red lipstick can make anyone look more professional, presentable, and “videogenic.” Also, a swipe of a red lipstick immediately perks up a tired or unprepared face. It makes you look instantly put together.

What are your tips for people who aren’t used to wearing red lipstick?
If you aren’t used to wearing a red lip or if you’re not sure about which type of red will look good on you, it’s best to check first your skin’s undertone and the tone of your lipstick. My advice is to take into consideration your whole makeup look when wearing red. Keep your eye makeup simple so as not to take focus away from your lips. Don’t forget to wear a lip balm too before wearing red lipstick to help prime and avoid lines/cracks on your lips.

How do you find the best red for your skin tone?
Much like finding the right foundation shade, all you need is to determine your skin’s undertone to find the perfect red shade that will suit your skin tone/complexion. To determine your undertone, check the color of your veins:

Cool undertone – veins have hints of pink, red, or blue. Most fair-skinned people have this undertone, so reds with blue-based tones like a bright, candy red will work best. Those with medium to deep skin tones but have cool undertones can rock berry or deep reds.
Warm undertone – veins that are more yellow or golden. Most morenas or girls with medium skin type fall under here; therefore, red to red-orange hues are recommended.
Neutral undertone – the skin’s natural color is more evident over the veins, so a wide spectrum of reds will work.

Favorite red in the Superstay Matte Ink Rogue Reds line?
My personal favorites would be Achiever and Dauntless. I prefer dark red shades since they go well with my clients’ skin tones from fair, morena to deep. Shades that have bluish undertones like Achiever and Dauntless can also help make our teeth appear whiter.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.