Mastering Red Lipstick

Red lipstick is a classic look that will never go out of style. It is an old Hollywood glamor style, but yet it can still be modern and up to date. Not everyone may look good in brown or pink lipstick, but you can be sure that every skin tone suits red lipstick, whether the shade is raspberry red or orange red. Red lips have also always been a sign of beauty and when applied properly, can make lips look fuller and plump. However, when applied incorrectly, the rep lipstick or lip color can smudge everywhere or 'feather' and look tacky. With these tips, master applying lipstick, avoid it smudging and keep it long lasting for hours.

Color:
Color is always very important when choosing lipstick, because the wrong color will wash you out, but the right color will light up your face. If you have yellow undertones, go for an orange based red lipstick so that it will complement you. If you have pink undertones, go for a blue based lipstick. You don't have to follow those color, generally those are the colors that will work the best on you. But if you have neutral undertones, or if you want a color that is universally flattering, go for a raspberry red or pure red color.

Also think about where you're going. If you're going to a formal event, bring pink red won't work so well. Try a dark plum red or classic red. If you're going out at night, try a bright red lipstick or gloss that will draw attention to your face and lips.

Application:
Before you apply your lipstick, make sure your lips are exfoliated, so there are no skin flakes. Red lipstick will show up any skin flakes, so it's important to remove them all. Also clean your lips first by wiping them with a cotton ball.

Take a red lip liner the same color as your lipsticks and outline your lips. Then color in your lips with the lip liner too, so that your lips are red. Line on the lip line as close as possible. This will provide the base for your lipstick, something for it to stay onto.

Next, take a lip brush and use the lip brush to gather some red lipstick, and apply it onto your lips. It is important to use a lip brush for even and smooth coverage. If you want your lipstick to last never apply your lipstick straight from the case/lipstick bullet, that it only for touch ups out and about.

Blotting:
Blot your lips onto some thin paper, I find that blotting paper (usually used on oily skin) works the best. You can use a tissue, but I find that sometimes tissue residue is left over. Just hold the tissue or paper tight and press it gently to your lips once. This is to remove any excess lipstick that could cause smudging throughout the day.

After blotting, apply your lipstick using the lip brush to your lips again. This will make your lipstick last longer.

Teeth:
To avoid red lipstick teeth, pucker your lips and then put your finger in your mouth. Try to lightly touch all of your front teeth. The lipstick that would've been on your teeth is now on your finger as you pull it out of your mouth.

Touch-ups:
If you're going to a long event, you don't want to continuously touch up your lipstick all the time. If you've followed the above steps, your lipstick should stay put for a long time, but if you'd like quick touch ups bring along your red lipstick or a red gloss to cover the lipstick.

If you want to keep your lipstick on for longer, you can also outline your lips with invisible lip liner after applying everything.