How To Wear Red Lipstick

Whenever something bold and classic comes to our mind, we think of red lipsticks. If you know how to wear red lipstick right, it can make your lips pop and look seductive and appealing. Red lips are an irreplaceable fashion trend, and it is a universally flattering shade that compliments every skin tone. You will find endless shades of alluring red, and you can quickly find multiple tutorials online on how to wear the shade right. If you want to make a statement with red lipstick, you should know how to get the most out of it. This article will be your ultimate guide on how to wear red lipstick so that you feel bold, glamorous, confident, and empowered. Read on!

Keep In Mind

• How To Match Dark Skin Tone: Look for fig or berry tinted red lip colors if you have a dark skin tone.
• How To Match Light Skin Tone: Pick coral or orange-based red shades if you have light or pale skin tone.
• Big Lips : Never forget to apply concealer while applying brighter shades like red and avoid over lining your lips.
• Thin Lips: Overlining should be your go to plan to plump up your lips and make them look bigger.

How To Wear Red Lipstick – Tips And Tricks

Before we begin with our tutorial on how to wear red lipstick in an effortless and easy manner, here are a bunch of things to keep in mind to rock the perfect red pout.

1. Finding your perfect red is the first hurdle. Did you know that the color red is split into various tone categories? For instance, true red, blue tone, and orange tone. Experiment with different shades to find your personal signature red.

Quick Tip

Every individual has different undertones. Opt for blue-toned red if you have cool skin undertones and orange-toned red if you have warm undertones. You can check your complexion undertone by looking at the color of your veins on the wrist under natural light. Green veins indicate warm undertone and bluish or purplish veins indicate cool undertone.

2. Next comes finding the finish and formula you’re most comfortable with. You can choose between matte, gloss, sheer, cream, and liquid lipstick.
3. Before you begin, exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub or an old toothbrush for a smooth and flawless application. This also helps to prolong the longevity of your lipstick.
4. Don’t forget to apply a nourishing lip balm or a primer to moisturize your lips before you set out to apply your lipstick.
5. If you want to prevent your glossy lipstick from bleeding or feathering, use a lip pencil to line your lips before application.
6. If you are a beginner, we recommend a shade like “Russian Red” by M.A.C. It’s right in the middle of warm and cool tones, making it the perfect versatile red lipstick for every skin tone.

Tutorial – How To Apply Red Lipstick Perfectly

Here are the essentials that you need before you start applying red lipstick.

What You Need

• Lip balm
• Red lipstick
• Lip liner pencil
• Lip brush
• Concealer
• Face powder
• Tissues

Note:

If you’re a newbie, solid regular lipstick is recommended rather than a trendy liquid lipstick. Although a liquid lipstick is long-lasting, it’s easier to go for a regular one and then transition slowly.

Fun Fact

The earliest known red lipsticks were made over 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia. The process involved crushing gemstones and wearing them on the lips.

How To Wear Red Lipstick: A Step-By-Step Tutorial With Pictures

To learn how to apply red lipstick properly, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Prep Your Lips

Apply a nourishing lip balm, preferably before you start doing your makeup, so it has enough time to get absorbed into your skin. If your lips are chapped or dry, gently exfoliate them using a wet wipe and buff away any dead skin.

Step 2: Blot Away The Lip Balm

Do not go in with your lipstick directly after prepping your lips. Instead, use a tissue to blot away the lip balm. Next, apply a light layer of powder on your lips with a brush and prime them with primer to create a nice and dry canvas for your lipstick to adhere to.

Step 3: Apply The Lipstick

Always apply lipstick before a lip liner. Use a lip brush to really work the formula into your lips to make them smudge-proof and kiss-proof.

Step 4: Time For Your Lip Pencil

Use a lip pencil in a shade that matches your red lipstick to define the edges, create an attention-grabbing striking look, and correct any unevenness or asymmetry on the lips. You can also use the pencil to slightly (yes, just slightly) overdraw the lips to make them look poutier and fuller. Make sure you don’t start far away from your original lip shape. It looks good only in pictures but slightly bizarre in person.

Pro Tip: Don’t use a lip liner that’s significantly lighter than your lipstick unless you want to make your lips look smaller. Also, don’t use one that’s a lot darker than your lipstick, unless you’re going for an ombre look (in which case, you must remember to blend it out really, really well).

Step 5: Blot Your Lips

Here’s a tip on how to make your lipstick last longer. Take one ply of tissue paper and press it against your lips to absorb any excess oils and then reapply another light layer of your lipstick. This will double the wear time of your lipstick.

Step 6: Clean Up

Use an angular brush with a little bit of concealer on it to clean up and sharpen the edges of your lips. You’re using the brush like an eraser to achieve a crispy, clean edge. Finally, take a brush and dip it in some face powder. Use it to powder the skin right along the edges of your lips. You can make your lipstick transfer-proof by using some translucent setting powder over a tissue.

This will help absorb any excess oils in the area, preventing the lipstick from melting and bleeding.

Step 7: Check For Lipstick On Your Teeth

When wearing red lipstick, we make the common mistake of not checking for stains on our teeth. Place a finger in your mouth and pull out after freshly applying the lipstick. It removes excess color that most probably will transfer to your lips. Make sure you do a quick check before stepping out.

And you’re all set!

Ladies, if you’re new to lipstick, don’t be afraid to rock red just because it’s a bold and expressive color. Embrace the confidence that your red lipstick lends you! Red lipstick not only looks great with your little black outfit on a special night out, but you can style it incredibly with a pair of jeans and a casual sweater on a Saturday afternoon.

Lydia, a beauty blogger, shares her personal experience of experimenting with various looks with her red lipstick. In her blog, she mentions 12 unique looks that she styled while donning a red lip shade! She provides valuable tips and insights about makeup product variations, clothing, and what adding a shimmery nail polish can add to the look. She further adds, “Brave the barefaced!!!! However scary it may seem the simplicity and naturalness goes beautifully with the brightness of the red lipstick (i).”

Infographic: Red Lipstick Done Right: Tips For Achieving A Gorgeous Pout

Your makeup can make or break your look, especially when it comes to lipstick. If you feel applying red lipstick is a hassle, it’s time to learn some useful tips. Check out the infographic below and bookmark a few simple ways you can apply some rouge lipstick!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of red lipstick is right for me?

When it comes to red, true reds that do not have orange or blue undertones flatter all skin tones. Choosing your lipstick finish depends on your comfort level with matte, creamy, or glossy finishes. To find out what you like best, test away!

Should I keep the rest of my makeup simple when sporting a red lip?

Yes! This especially applies to your base makeup. Make sure you don’t have a lot of blush or heavy contouring going on as this can end up looking loud and gaudy. It’s okay to enhance your eyes with a winged liner look or even a subtle smokey eyeshadow depending on the occasion. But keeping it minimal, elegant, and sophisticated is key. As a beginner keeping it simple is a smart move. But experimenting with what works best for you as you gain confidence with red lips is the key.

I have gorgeous red hair. Which red lipstick should I go for?

If you have flaming red hair, coral red lipsticks will look stunning on you. Even M.A.C’s iconic Ruby Woo would be a hit on you!

I have thin lips. How do I pull off red lipstick?

Bold colors can make your lips look thinner. But if you master the application technique, you won’t have any trouble with red. Use a lip liner and stick to a red lipstick with a cream finish to make your lips look fuller.

Which red lipstick will flatter my dark hair?

Hello, brunettes! Try true reds or bright berry-colored reds, and you won’t be disappointed. They bring out your feminine and daring side while making you look chic and modern.

What’s a good red lipstick if I have fair to pale skin?

First of all, don’t shy away from bold colors. They are unique and powerful shades. We recommend trying a true red, a dark brick red or a cherry red.

Is red lipstick okay for an interview?

Just a hint of red lipstick is okay for an interview. Ensure it is not too bright or dark as it may come across as intimidating and over-the-top.

Illustration: How to Wear Red Lipstick Perfectly - A Step-By-Step Tutorial

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the captivating allure of red lipstick in the following video and unleash your inner confidence. Embrace the power of red on your lips.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Ashi AishaCertified MUA

 

Aisha is a certified ethical makeup artist with over five years of experience in the beauty industry. She has trained under celebrity makeup artists and specializes in party and trending makeup. This environmentalist aims to spread awareness regarding cruelty-free ways of living and likes to travel and be in nature.

Read full bio of Ashi Aisha

Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

Read full bio of Shreya Mukherjee

Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Read full bio of Subhrojyoti Mukherjee

Anu PallaviBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.

Read full bio of Anu Pallavi