Ways to Wear Red Lipstick

Tips and Tricks for Stunning Red Lips

© Shefali Choudhury

May 10, 2009
red lips, morguefile
Red lipstick is one of those timeless iconic make-up looks that can impart confidence, glamor and make you feel instantly polished without too much effort.

Red lipstick conjures up images of old Hollywood glamor, but everyone suits red lips. Lips are naturally darker or redder than the rest of our faces, so finding the right red just enhances a naturally beautiful feature. Contrary to most lip colors sold, lips on a healthy person are not naturally lilac, tangerine, pale beige, frosted peach or copper. Finding the right shade of red will enhance any face and give a vibrant, healthy look.

Almost Red:

  • Sheer lipsticks come in many formulas but they are translucent, usually moisturizing and slightly glossy. They keep lips smooth, hydrated and plumped all day and add just a flush of color. These are ideal for a first red as they do not look over dramatic, some are even just slightly redder than natural lip color. Teamed with a nude face they offer a fresh take on red lips, but are also a good way to balance out a heavier eye make-up whilst still trying the red look.
  • Lip stains are similar to sheer lipsticks but do not have any gloss. These sink into the lips leaving behind just a stain of color. They are excellent on young or smooth lips that do not need the shine to look plumped and are the most natural of all lip colors, leaving behind a just bitten look.
  • Sheer glosses are high-shine so give a more made-up feel to red lips, without the siren effect of an opaque lip color. These are an easy way to create a red party look that does not focus solely on the lips.

Opaque Red:

  • The modern lipstick formula is creamy and smooth, giving a rich color and slight sheen. This is the easiest way to go for a bright slick of red and is the kind of lipstick found on most counters. This formula is especially good for anyone who has dry or very wrinkled lips as it will stay smooth and sheeny all day.
  • For a 2009 twist, try one of the matte lipstick formulas now on the market. This is the most up-to-date look and pays homage to the classic Hollywood powdery lip. The color of these is intense, velvety and opaque. Sophisticated and chic, this will make young faces look grown-up and older faces elegant and stylish.

General Tips:

  • Play around with looks and characters when wearing red. Red lips will make smoky eyes look intense and very made-up, but will look clean and crisp on a polished nude base. A less groomed bare face can also wear red for somethng laid back yet instantly made-up. Worn with a golden tan, the look changes once more.
  • Lip pencils are a must to stop red bleeding and smearing. Use a matching color and if make-up comes off very easily, then fill out the whole lip with a lip pencil pressing just a tiny bit of balm or lipstick over this to stop it from looking too dry.
  • A little concealer taken around the lips prior to lipstick application gives a clean lip line.
  • For a period party look, try red lips with a slick of liquid liner or adorned lashes.

The copyright of the article Ways to Wear Red Lipstick in Make-up Application is owned by Shefali Choudhury. Permission to republish Ways to Wear Red Lipstick in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


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