Ahh, red lipstick. Whether crimson, scarlet or burgundy, the classic lip color has the power to command attention and hold it to a standstill. There’s no denying the allure of a perfectly applied red lip. I say perfectly applied, because there’s also nothing worse than a faded or feathering red lip to throw you off your game. Over the years, you have probably developed a tried-and-true system for crafting a solid, bold lip. But with the holiday season just beginning, you may be searching for a new technique. Luckily, there are lots of ways to perfect the classic look. Ahead, we chatted with two makeup artists about tips on how to shop for and apply red lipstick like the pros do. Keep reading to see what they said.
Featured experts
- Kelly Zhang is a celebrity makeup artist
- Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist
Avoiding common mistakes
Believe it or not, one of the most common red lip errors occurs long before you begin applying any product. The nuances of your complexion are key to finding the right shade of lipstick, and many people often neglect that when shopping. To find your best match, celebrity makeup artist Kelly Zhang recommends working with a makeup artist to find your undertone, and then choosing a shade that best complements it. “Cool skin tones work well with reds that have blue or purple undertones, while warm skin tones are more suited for red lipsticks with orange bases.”
But finding your perfect match is just the first step. Red lipstick is an art (even for those who can apply it mirror-free), and it requires a few steps to get it right. The first, skin prep, is essential and shouldn’t be skipped, especially with matte formulas. “Red lipsticks tend to highlight texture. Exfoliating your lips with a scrub and following with a balm will ensure a smooth base, helping the color go on evenly,” notes Zhang.
How to apply red lipstick
It can be tempting to apply straight from the tube, but both experts say it’s best not to skip lip liner. “Red is a bold color and needs precision to look right,” says celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. Zhang adds that the color is also more prone to bleeding, making liner more necessary than with nude shades. The rules of red liner vary when it comes to choosing a shade, as a darker liner can provide contrast and add dimension, whereas a pencil that matches your lipstick to a tee gives the final look a sharper appearance.
“Using a lip liner that matches your lipstick color can help your lipstick last longer. To apply, carefully outline your lips for a sharp, clean edge and to prevent feathering. This step will also help define your lips and keep the color neat and in place,” says Zhang.
After you’ve lined your lips, you can move on to the lipstick. Most bullets are shaped to hug the contours of the lips for ease. However, if you’re feeling a little unsure or simply want a more precise look, a lip brush can be a better application tool. “Brushes allow you to pick up the amount of product that you want, and they can get into the smaller areas on the lips,” says Gray.
How to make red lipstick last
Using a lip liner can help keep your lipstick in place, but prolonging your look takes a bit more work. Gray notes that formulas and finishes can play a role in longevity and that liquid lipsticks tend to stay in place a lot longer than traditional lippies. “These formulas are designed to dry down and become smudge or transfer-proof,” she says. However, if you are using a solid bullet, setting your color with a translucent setting powder after applying can enhance its wear time and keep it from fading. “After applying lipstick, gently press a tissue over your lips to remove any excess product, then lightly dust translucent powder over it. This adds to the lasting power, so it stays in place throughout the day.”
Products for the perfect red lip
