What Do MEN Think of Your LIPSTICK?

Vibrant retro reds. Blinding pinks. Glosses so shiny you can see your reflection. If you love experimenting with lip color and consider Nicki Minaj your makeup hero, how about taking a minute to consider what guys think of the latest addition to your makeup bag before you whip out that gloppy wand of vanilla-scented gloss? We asked Men’s Health Senior Contributing Editor Matt Bean for the male perspective on the varying shades of lipstick.

Classic red (as shown by Taylor Swift)

That’s a look-at-me color. An I-want-attention kind of color. If you’re at a bar with the girls looking to meet people, it can work as a beacon of sorts. If you’re on a date with your husband, it says that you’re really kicking it up a notch. On the other hand, you can’t kiss a girl with bright red lips or you end up looking like a clown.

Hot pink (as shown by Blake Lively)

It doesn’t have the classic romance of a bright red. It’s more punk, rock star, adventurous. It reminds me of “Jem and the Holograms”—in a good way. It says you’re not afraid of a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll. I would expect the girl to listen to good music and not just hang out at Ann Taylor.

Dark Purple/burgundy (as shown by Rooney Mara)

This says she’s not afraid to take risks. It tells me that she’s edgy and could be challenging in a good way. Not that she has a dark side, but that’s she’s. . . different. On the right woman, dark color is intriguing.

Neutral (as shown by J.Lo)

When you wear the lipstick that’s the same color as your skin, you look like a corpse, like you’ve been out in the cold too long. It’s disconcerting. Also, neutral lip gloss looks like a glazed donut.

Bright Orange (as shown by Kirsten Dunst)

It makes me think… “Wanna Fanta?’” And also that she’s got a spicy personality and is probably a lot of fun. Very confident. Not afraid to try something that’s different.

Metallic (as shown by the one and only Lady Gaga)

It's a teenage thing, so if you’re “Sex in the City” age, you can come off a little trashy. Glitter should stay in the strip club. Practically, those sparkles end up everywhere.