How to ace a classic red lip

Red lip has always been a classic. It’s an iconic lipstick shade that can help elevate even the basic ensembles instantly. Whether you’re flaunting a LBD and bouncy blow-dry or a basic tee with jeans and a simple ponytail, red lips work with any look. It has been famous amongst celebrities from Marilyn Monroe to JLo. It perfectly complements any look if worn right, be it a business meeting, casual outing, or a date.

If you’re a beginner, pulling off red lipstick like a pro can be challenging. So, here are a few tips for red lips.

1. Pick your texture

Lipsticks are available in various styles from glossy, matte, to sheer and liquid, creamy or crayon. The lipstick texture plays a major role in making or breaking your look. Thick or glossy texture can look tacky or overwhelming if they don’t suit your face.

Tip: Matte lips go along with any look and suit any shape of lips. So, before picking the right shade, select the type of lipstick your lips can carry comfortably.

2. The right shade of red

Find a shade that perfectly complements your skin tone.

• Light skin tone

Blue-based cool undertones like burgundy or berry work well on light skin tones. If you’re leaning more towards the warmer side then opt for fiery, red-orange hues. It will add a vivid pop to your lips while enhancing your natural glow.

• Medium or dusky skin tone

Any shade of red goes well with dusky skin tone but if you want to truly bring out your complexion then opt for slightly darker shades with blue or pink undertones. If you prefer warmer tones, then go for shades like oxblood or undertones of orange or apricot.

• Deep skin tone

The best way to ace darker shades is to avoid white-based red matte lipstick that can make lips look flaky. Go for purple, wine, or chocolate brown-red shades. Warmer tone shades with a hint of orange-red also work very well with this complexion.

Be daring and experiment with a variety of shades of red to pick out the one that suits you the most.

3. Prepare your lips

4. Create a base and line your lips

The trick to make your liquid lipstick last longer is to dab small amounts of foundation or concealer over your lips. This step helps your red liquid lipstick to last longer. The next step would be to line your lips which a lot of people tend to skip but plays a major role in bringing out the true colour and also helps in making the lip colour last longer. Lip liners also help create a neat outline to prevent your lipstick from smudging out of the natural lip line.

Choose a lip liner that matches with your red liquid lipstick. Outline and define your lips with your chosen shade of red lip liner. Also fill your lips with your lip liner to create a second layer of the base for long-lasting lipstick.

5. Apply your lipstick

Once you have applied the first coat of your lip colour, blot the excess lipstick with a blotting paper or tissue paper. Next apply a second layer and blot again. After applying two coats and blotting apply some translucent powder on your lips to set the lipstick. Balance the rest of your make-up depending on the tone of your red. Lipstick is a significant part of make-up that brings the whole look together.

Tip: Keep the rest of your make-up minimal and let your red lips do the talking!