Top Tips for Perfect Red Lips
1/6Make sure your lips are supersoft and hydrated before laying down heavy pigment. You need to have a smooth canvas for your color.
Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Brown Sugar, $24. sarahapp.com.
MAC Lady Danger Lipstick, $15. maccosmetics.com.
2/6Block out the natural pigment in your lips by applying foundation or concealer directly to your pout. This will help you get the truest tone out of your lipstick. Blot with a tissue to pick up any leftover foundation, which can end up diluting the lipstick pigment.
Lancôme Matte Color Design Lipstick in Red Haute, $22. lancome.com.
3/6Begin application in the center of the mouth—applying directly from the tube or with a lip brush—and then blend outwards to the corners of the lips. This technique allows you to slowly build up color and control its intensity.
Chanel Rouge Coco in 31 Cambon, $32. chanel.com.
4/6If you’re aiming for pro-level precision, finish your look by tracing the natural lip line with a lip pencil that matches your lipstick. This will create a border to help prevent bleeding and fading. For a softer look, only line from the corners of the mouth into the bow of the upper lip, and then use your finger to smudge inward; you’ll end up with a perfect, airbrushed effect.
Nars Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $24. narscosmetics.com.
5/6Want to give your red lips extra oomph? Use white eyeliner to conceal your natural lip color before applying lipstick—just make sure to blend it out well with your finger or a brush. This will completely mute your natural color, allowing whichever lipstick you choose to really pop.
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Coral, $9. drugstore.com.
Make Up For Ever Kohl Pencil in 2K Matte White, $17. sephora.com.
6/6Once you’ve achieved your desired tone, blot and then reapply the lipstick to give it staying power.
CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in Hot 305, $6. covergirl.com.
