The MLB post season is in full-swing and many are celebrating Red October with passion, intensity and excitement for the game. Since I have an intense passion for the Fall season and making a bold statement with my style and makeup choices, I thought it would be informative and fun to discuss color theory pertaining to shades of red and how best to wear the powerful hue.

When you think of the color red what comes to mind? Cherry, ruby, burgundy, merlot, scarlet, wine, brick, mahogany, apple, raspberry, tomato, watermelon, sangria? The list can go on and on, but the most flattering red is what complements your skin's undertone and creates overall balance to your look. This holds true for cosmetics and fashion. It comes down to cool, warm or neutral.  

As an expert in skin finishing, my clients' foundation formulas are based on skin undertone or the base of your skin. This is what determines a perfect match to your unique skin (this is why I assess and swatch the skin in natural lighting before whipping up a foundation formula), and this will assist in choosing the proper shade of red. I am often asked how can one discover their undertone? Look at the underside of your wrist. If your veins have a green shade, you have a warm undertone better described as yellow, golden or olive. If your veins are a blue shade, you have a cool undertone better described as pink, red or blue, and if you are somewhere in between you have a neutral undertone or a mix of pink, yellow and olive which means any shade of red will look great on you. Another way is to look at the tone of your natural lip color (but I will save this secret for when you are in my makeup chair.)

The best way for me to simplify the difference is with lipstick shades. MAC Cosmetics lipstick in Russian Red as shown below on different skin tones is an intense bluish red and a best-seller in the line. You can see the pink, red and blue pigments which places it in the cool category. 

My undertone is extremely olive, so I gravitate to warmer shades (see below) of red, i.e., tangerine and tomato reds. NARS Air Matte Lip Color in Mad Rush is a beautiful orange red and is in the warm group. I also tend to wear gold jewelry which pairs perfectly with olive skin. If I choose a red hue for a mani/pedi, it will almost always be the same warmer shades. 

Red is not a color to take lightly as it exhibits power, passion, energy, desire, romance, and confidence. Here are a few striking looks in my series lineup to inspire you to welcome the color red into your closet and into your wardrobe of accessories...

Embody the "Lady in Red" and stay "EmpoweRED."