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Finding the perfect red lipstick was never going to be easy. Whilst there are still only six hair and skin colour emoji combinations out of the millions of real life possibilities, at least they provide a very simplistic frame of reference.
For what? For working out which skin tone you are so you can find your new favourite red lipstick, of course. The emoji skin tones are modelled on the Fitzpatrick scale, a recognised standard used by dermatologists, so it's pretty much perfect for this purpose. Or so we've decided.
This is your emoji guide to finding the perfect red lip for your skin tone. Genius, no?
Very Fair Skin
Look for... blue-based and coral-toned reds.
Try: Lipstick Queen in Medieval, £22 and Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection Rouge Automatique in Insolence, £18.99.
Why? These cooler tones compliment very fair skin without washing it out. Be brave!
Fair Skin
Look for... blue/red shades like Christian Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor in 999, £23.85 and Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Pirate, £28.
Why? Blue tones contrast with pinky tones in fair skin to make lips pop.
Olive Skin
Look for... reds with an coral or orange base plus a shiny texture, like MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger £16.50 and YSL Rouge PUR Couture in Le Orange, £21.
Why? This skin type tends to have green undertones so suits a more orange-red. A shiny rather than matte texture helps the lipstick to stand out on darker skin and enhances the col
Medium Skin
Yes, the 'default' emoji is Simpsons bright yellow - but the description says MEDIUM, so we're guessing that's what Apple meant...
Look for... orange-toned and plum-based reds like Topshop Lips in Rio Rio, £8 and Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Legendary £17.50.
Why? Gold and yellow-toned skin looks best with a warmer, orange-based reds or contrasted with punchy wine shades.
Dark Skin
Look for... full on deep reds with blue undertones like Burberry Kisses in Military Red, £25 and Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Red Carpet. £23
Why? Warmer-toned skin looks stunning with cool blue tones, rather than orange-based colours.
Darker Skin
Look for...your skin suits the widest varieties of shades. Pick 'true' brights like Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush, £40 and Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, £15.
Why? Yellow and red undertones are characteristic of dark skin which is complimented best by vibrant, strong colours.
Sophie Beresiner is the Beauty Director for ELLE UK. Having cut her teeth on teen titles she spent her career working up to the ELLE mothership, the brand she loves above all else. Except perhaps her Cornish Rex cats and extensive shoe and lipstick collections. Sophie is also a brand founder of luxury ceramic candle brand No.22 (and single-handedly keeps ASOS afloat)
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