Finding the perfect gift for her can feel like an impossible task. You want to surprise her with something unique that no one else has given her before, but despite hours of brainstorming, you're still at a loss. The good news? You've finally found the answer.

Almost every woman loves red lipstick, and discovering a new shade or brand is always exciting. So, how do you pick the right one to make sure she loves it? It's simpler than you think—just focus on three key factors: skin tone, complexion, and finish.

Her Skin Tone

The first step in choosing the perfect red lipstick is understanding her skin tone. To do this, take a look at the veins in her wrist under natural light. If they appear green, she likely has a warm skin tone. If they look blue, she has a cool skin tone. If it's somewhere in between, she likely has a neutral skin tone.

Here's a helpful hint: 80% of women fall into the cool skin tone category, so if you're unsure, it's safest to go with a cool shade of red and hope it's a match.

• Cool skin tones: These women look great in blue-toned reds, including berry, blackberry, brick, and plum reds.

• Warm skin tones: Opt for orangey reds, golden reds, tomato reds, or even brown-based reds.

• Neutral skin tones: These women are lucky as they can pull off almost any red lipstick, giving you a wide range of options.

Her Complexion

The next factor to consider is her complexion, which determines the depth of red that suits her best.

• For fair skin, light to medium red shades are ideal.

• If she has a medium skin tone, go for true reds or bold, pillar box reds.

• For olive or medium skin tones, mid-range reds and slightly deeper shades will complement her complexion.

• If she has dark skin, she can rock both deep and bright reds, depending on the undertones of her skin.

Understanding her complexion will help you choose a red that perfectly enhances her natural beauty.

The Lipstick Finish

The final step is choosing the right finish for her lipstick. There are three main finishes to keep in mind:

• Matte: This finish is dry and has no shine, perfect for a bold, sophisticated look.

• Cream/Satin: These finishes provide a slight sheen, giving her lips a soft, elegant glow.

• Gloss: For a shiny, full look, gloss finishes offer a more dramatic, eye-catching appeal.

Chances are, you already know what finish she prefers. If not, you can't go wrong with a creamy or satin red—they're universally flattering.

Price Matters Too

When it comes to buying red lipstick, don't settle for anything under $30. Cheap lipstick often looks cheap, and the quality can be disappointing. Stick to high-quality brands like Red Cosmetica, and you'll be sure to impress her with a luxurious gift that stands out.

Need Help Choosing?

If you're still unsure about which shade to pick, you can always seek professional advice. Many beauty brands, like the What's us Shade service, offer personalized recommendations. By uploading a recent photo of her and answering a few questions, their beauty experts will tell you exactly which shades of red are perfect for her.