Red Lipstick

I love a red lip. Red lips are classic, appropriate in any situation, and look good on everyone. Don’t believe me? Keep reading!

I will be the first to admit that red lips can be tricky. If you’ve never tried red lipstick, you’re going to have to be kind to yourself as you figure it out. It can take time to get comfortable with something new, particularly if you have avoided it in the past, but I promise you can wear red lipstick if you want to.

There are a few helpful hints I have learned over the years when it comes to wearing red lipstick, and today I want to share them with you.

FIND YOUR RED.
I cannot emphasize this enough. Find your red. My red is Bobbi Brown Burnt Red.

Your red is the shade that works with your natural coloring to enhance your features and bring your face to life. Red lipstick can vary from orange red to cherry red to coral red to maroon to fire engine red…and on and on and on. One shade definitely does not fit all.

The best way to find the right red for you is to speak with a makeup artist at a cosmetic counter. Keep in mind that everyone that works at a cosmetic counter (particularly in retail stores such as Sephora or Ulta) is not a makeup artist. If needed, call a department store (like Dillards, Nordstrom, or Neimans) to book an appointment and tell the artists you are specifically trying to determine the best red lipstick for your skin tone. Seriously, this is worth it. I would have never known what worked for me unless, while having my makeup done years ago, the makeup artist said, “Oh, red with blue undertones is your color!” I didn’t even know what that meant at the time, but now it is my guide.

MINIMIZE YOUR MAKEUP.
If you are going to wear red lipstick, I think the rest of your makeup needs to be politely toned down. Less is more. Red lips are a statement, and you if you have statement lips and eyes and cheeks…you will end up looking like a stage actor. My suggestion is to keep the eyeshadow neutral and the blush barely there.

PUT THE LIPSTICK ON FIRST.
Speaking of blush, did you know that when you apply red lipstick to your lips it will magically bring out any natural rosiness in your cheeks? It’s true! If I am wearing a red lip, I apply it first and then apply my blush. Otherwise, I am apt to over do it on the blush, and that’s not a good look (see above).

KEEP YOUR LIPS HYDRATED.
Dry, flaky lips are not going to receive red lipstick very well. No one’s lips are always perfectly smooth and hydrated, but it helps to start with lips that are not damaged. My favorite lip sleeping mask is by Laneige, which helps me start the day with baby-soft lips. If I know I am going to be wearing red lips to an evening event, I will keep my lips drenched in lip balm all day.

OWN IT.
Red lips stand out. They do not blend in. People will notice. You will notice. Your lips will draw attention, and red lipstick requires quiet confidence. Your lipstick does not define you, but if you let it bully you around, making you feel small or less than or ridiculous, then you will never feel comfortable. Wear the red lip! Own it! Smile big and keep going! Feeling nervous? Try wearing red lipstick at home when you are alone. Then branch out to casual errands. Once you’re getting in the grove and feel more at home with your red lips, it’s time to wear them to work or school or wherever you spend your days.

BLOT BLOT BLOT.
There are a million videos out there that can walk you through the steps of how to keep your lipstick in place, For me, the secret is to apply a layer of lipstick, blot heavily with a tissue, and repeat twice. The blotting pushes the pigment into the skin of your lips while also removing the creamy ingredients of the lipstick that can get weird over time. Apply carefully, blot well, and your lipstick will reward you with hours of crimson, fade-free wear.

THE REWARDS OF RED.
Once you have your shade, your confidence, and your method, get ready to be rewarded with all a red lip can provide. Not only will red lipstick carry you through parties and fun daytime looks, it is also the secret weapon at the pool (big hat, sunnies, and a red lip are my go-to). The fastest way to pull yourself together without going all out is to don a red lip. Clean, makeup free skin with a red lip looks intentional and classic in a way that delivers a big bang for the buck. There’s no wrong way to wear red lips!

Wearing red lipstick is a great option to have in your makeup repertoire. I hope you will give it a try!