Red Lipstick…to some it’s a classic and elegant fashion staple and to others it’s a mystery. Red lipstick never seems to go out of style. It’s always versatile and makes a statement, but when not applied properly the statement may not be a positive one. The following steps will teach you fail-proof methods for wearing the coveted red lipstick.

STEP ONE: PREP

Red lipstick will look best on smooth, moisturized lips. It’s best to begin by gently exfoliating away any dead, flaky skin from the lips and follow up with a moisturizing lip balm. My favorite lip exfoliator and balm is called Sugar Lips by Clinical Care Skin Solutions. Gently massage the sugar crystals onto the lips and you’ll be left with smooth and moisturized lips. Sugar Lips also contains peppermint so it freshens and helps to plump the lips all in one step!

STEP TWO: CONCEAL

One big problem with wearing red lipstick is its tendency to wear off quickly and smudge easily. No one wants to worry about whether or not their lipstick is on properly throughout the day. Luckily, there’s an easy solution. Apply a thin layer of concealer over the entire lip by patting it on with your ring finger. Concealer helps grab the lipstick and hold it in place on the lip making it last most of the day.

Apply a thin layer of concealer over the entire lip

STEP THREE: HIGHLIGHT

For an extra pop for your lips, take a white eyeliner pencil and apply it just above the upper lip line as pictured. Then gently smudge it out with your finger to create a soft highlighted look. The white liner attracts light and puts a spotlight on your beautiful red lips.

Apply white liner just above the upper lip

Gently smudge white liner out with your finger

STEP FOUR: LINE

Another issue with red lipstick is that it often bleeds out into the fine lines surrounding the lips. In order to avoid this use a lip liner. For a bolder red lip, choose a lip liner that is very similar in color to the red lipstick you’ve chosen. If you’d rather tone down the red a bit, choose a neutral lip liner such as NAR’s lip liner in Rosebud. For this look I chose Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Lip Lipliner in True Red. Follow the natural lip line, and then fill in the entire lip with your pencil. Filling in the entire lip will create a more even color and help the lipstick last all day.

Follow the natural lip line with red lip pencil

Fill in the entire lip with your pencil

STEP FIVE: LIPSTICK

For the best application, use either a lip brush or a disposable lipstick applicator. It is easier to control the lipstick application using a tool rather than applying it directly from the tube. When choosing a red lipstick, make sure the color is flattering to your skin tone. Blue based reds look better on those with a cool undertone while orange based reds look better on those with warmer undertones. For this look I used Make Up For Ever’s 5 Lipstick Palette in Cherry Red. Apply an even coat over the entire lip area. If it appears uneven or you apply to much, gently blot off the excess on a tissue.

STEP SIX: GLOSS

This step is optional, but applying a small amount of clear gloss on the center of your bottom lip draws attention to the lips making them appear fuller. It also provides some moisture and high shine to the lip.

Apply a small amount of clear gloss on the center of your bottom lip

Perfect Red Lips are Easy!!!

Photography by Lisa Johnson

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