How to wear and apply red lipstick

Red lipstick is a very classic look that has never been out of style and it is one of the hottest trends this summer. However many women assume they can’t wear it and shy away from it. They’re wrong. Red lipstick really can look good on anyone; the trick is to find the right shade and apply it properly. Here’s how:

Find the right shade:
The first thing to do to find a flattering shade of red lipstick is to determine your skin tone. This can be either cool or warm. Cool complexions are pale with pink undertones and tend to burn in the sun, while warm complexions have yellow, olive and darker undertones and tan easier.
If you have a cool complexion, choose a true red, a blue based red or a pinkish red.
If you have a warm complexion, choose warmer reds that are brown or orange based.
If you’re not sure what skin tone you have or need help choosing the right shade then ask at the counter, they’ll be happy to help you. Make sure you test the lipstick color before buying, but don’t try it on your hand, which is often a different shade than your face. Instead, use an ear-bud to apply a little to your lips. If you’ve bought a lipstick that’s the wrong shade, don’t throw it away but experiment with other lipstick shades until you find the perfect shade for you.
The best shade is the one that looks great even if you’re wearing no other makeup.

Prepare your lips:
Exfoliate your lips using an old toothbrush and moisturize with balm.

Create a base:
Apply a layer of foundation to your lips. Allow a few seconds to dry. Dust the lips with a layer of translucent powder. The foundation and power create a smooth surface for applying the lipstick and help keep it from fading.

Line the lips:
Lip liner is essential with red lipstick. It helps to seal the colour and prevent it from bleeding. It is also a great base for lipstick, so use it all over the lips. Use the same shade as the lipstick. Most brands sell corresponding shades, but if you don’t have a shade of liner that matches your lipstick perfectly then use a neutral one.

Apply lipstick:
Don’t put on red lipstick straight from the stick as red pigment is very strong and doesn’t easily come off surrounding skin. Instead, always use a lip brush to apply it. This allows a more precise application and gives you more control. Apply lipstick to the upper lip first, start at the center and then brush color out towards the edges. Kiss a tissue to remove excess and then apply a second layer. This will make the color last longer.

Tips:
- If you’ve applied a red lipstick, the rest of your makeup should be kept simple. Use a neutral eyeshadow, a few sweeps of mascara, and don’t add too much blush and eyeliner. Your skin and make up should be flawless as red lipstick can highlight any blemishes.
- If your lips are too full they can be minimized by using brown or blue reds. If your lips are too thin, use bright reds to make them look more prominent and finish with a tiny bit of gloss in the middle of the bottom lip.
- Don’t match red lipstick to your clothes and accessories. If you’re wearing red and still want to apply red lipstick then use different but complimentary shades.

Tagged as: lipstick