Applying a red lipstick can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Now that I've provided tips from choosing your undertone, to picking a cool red, a warm red, and a true red, you're good to go. But wait — there's more:
- Prep — Get the lips ready to hold the bold shade with a light sweep of foundation or a lip primer such as Smashbox Lid & Lip Primer ($24). Set with a dusting of translucent powder. Coty AirSpun Loose Face Powder in Translucent ($6.99) should do the trick.
- Line up — Using a lip liner in a shade or two closest to your natural lip color, line and fill in your entire lips. You can also work with a red liner if you can find an exact match to your lipstick. Never use a darker color. It can look très tacky.
- Apply — You can always do it the old fashioned straight-from-the-tube way, but I like using a lip brush for more control. Start at the center of your lips, and work outwards.
- Blot and re-apply — For a surefire way to lock in the color, blot with a tissue and apply your chosen red once more.
- Finishing touches — Make a little smudge? Clean it up with a Q-Tip and some concealer. Want some extra shine? Layer a red gloss like NP Set Lip Gloss in St. John Red ($15) or a sparkly clear one such as Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Dominique ($18).
Fabi
Mantaray
Halston
Thanks so much! Does anybody know what brand of lipstick Lily was wearing on last night's Gossip Girl at the Snowflake Ball?
1Nice, Bella!
2I absolutely LOVE red lipstick...its so classic
!
3Are there any skin colors that just should NEVER wear red lipstick? I have tried it on and just look weird because i have pale skin and dark hair. But I love the look on everyone else...
4I don't think there is such a thing as having a skin color that can't wear any red. You just have to find the right one. I have pale skin and dark hair and I think that combo can easily look great with red lips.
5I always apply my lipstick, no matter what the shade, with a lip brush. It gives a nice, precise finish.
6Oh, and I LOVE BE Buxom Lips in Dominique. My sister bought it for me, and I think it's fab--clear with such a pretty shimmer to it.
7great tips!
8this is why I don't wear red lipstick - it's too much work! I do think it looks beautiful though...
9I tried for years to do a classic red until I recently discovered how flattering a warmer red is on my skin. I'm glad you're bringing awareness to the redness issue - everyone deserves a great lookin' red pout!~
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