How to Wear Red Lipstick

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Red lipstick  is classic and timeless; it never seems to go out of style! You've probably seen people look classy in red lipstick, and others look like a frightening clown from childhood nightmares. So how does one pull off this beauty staple?

 

 

Step 1: Choose the Right Shade

Believe it or not, the shade of red can make or break your look. Darker skin and bronze skin tones should go with a deep red shade  with burgundy undertones. Lighter ivory or beige skin tones should opt for a true fire engine red.  Very pale skin tones should go with a light brown-red shade with pink undertones. 

Darker/Bronze Skin Tones

Go with a deep red shade with burgundy undertones. Look sultry and sexy!

Ivory or Beige Skin Tones

Try a true fire engine red to look classic and beautiful!

Very Pale Skin Tones

Yes, you too can wear red lipstick. Look for shades that are lighter and have pink undertones.

Step Two: Check the Rest of Your Makeup

If you are planning on sporting red lips, keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Skip eyeliner  and blush.  Applying basic foundation  and concealer  is fine, and sweeping a light and neutral eyeshadow  over your lids can work too (although sometimes any eyeshadow can be too much with red lips-- experiment and see what works best for you). Pump up those eyelashes with mascara  (use black  if you have medium or dark brown hair or black hair, brown  if you have blonde or light brown hair).

Step Three: Check Your Teeth

It's a fact: some of us weren't blessed with perfect pearly whites. If your teeth are stained, apply a tint with blue undertones.  Avoid tints with yellow undertones at all costs, as these shades will bring out the stains.
Red hot lips were Marilyn%27s trademark.
Red hot lips were Marilyn's trademark.

Step Four: Check Your Lips

Darker colours tend to make things look smaller or thinner. This makes a black dress  appealing, but it can be a major enemy in the world of red lipstick. If you have very thin lips, avoid darker shades that will trim them down even more.

Step Five: Check Your Outfit

The less formal your attire, the better the red lips will work. Red lipstick usually doesn't work at weddings or other ultra formal events. Formal attire and red lipstick comes off as so classic that it ends up being extremely cheesy and even cheap looking. Pair red lips with a white tank top  or halter top  and summer shorts  instead.

Step Six: Apply

  • Use a liner  that matches your natural lip colour to line and fill in your lips. This will stop the lipstick from bleeding and running.
  • Completely fill your lips with colour, then blot. Blot with a tissue  or towel  (use a white towel so it can be bleached and the stain can come out in the washer), then dust with translucent powder  to ensure that your red hot lips will last all day and night.

Related Products

Lip Liner 

Go for a shade that matches your natural lip colour, and line and fill in your lips before applying lipstick.

Lipstick 

Avoid matte lipstick if you don't want to look too formal. Glossy red lipstick is versatile enough for school, shopping or work.

Translucent Powder 

Make your red hot lips last through the work day and date night.

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