Four Steps To The Perfect Red Lip

Something about a statement red lip in winter, am I right? I’ve been a lipstick lover since my mom allowed me to wear makeup and I still absolutely love it. In winter, there is something so timeless and lovely about a pop of red on the lips. Even Tatum and Porter can agree! They both seem to gravitate toward the red lipsticks in my collection and especially love using them for their artwork, lol.

For some reason, there is a bit of a stigma when it comes to rocking a red lip. It can be tricky if you’re not careful to avoid the color feathering (or bleeding) outside of the lip line. And finding a shade that suits your skin tone is a task and a half, especially now that our options are endless.

First things first, don’t stress. I promise that once you try it one or two times, wearing a red lip will be way less intimidating. It all starts with confidence! If you’ve never worn red lipstick or not maybe you have but only for very special occasions, trying it out for an OOTD may feel intimidating but I promise you got this! Remember that you are beautiful and confident and you should wear red if YOU WANT to wear red. Confidence will make this look!

Ok, are you ready to get started? I definitely am, Valentine’s Day is on its way and you can bet I’ll be rocking rouge a few times during the month of love!

Step One: Prepare

It’s very important to apply red lipstick to lips that are smooth and hydrated, it’s not fun to have chapped lips while you rock this look! Exfoliate and moisturize your lips nightly, and especially right before applying red lipstick.

I like to use a lip scrub a few times a week to remove any dry, flaky winter skin but if you don’t have one, you can certainly make your own! All you’ll need is coconut oil and sugar. Mix a small amount and you’ll have yourself a non-toxic lip scrub!

And if you’ve been around here for a while, you know how much I love the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s called a lip sleeping mask but you do not have to use it during the night alone, it is one of my favorite glosses to rock during the day and it’s lasting power is second to none. It’s the most hydrating, beautiful lip product ever. I mean it, everyone needs this.

Step Two: Lip Liner

This one is important because bleeding or feathering is more likely with red lipstick, especially if you’re using one with a creme sheen. To keep things looking clean and crisp, here are my two tips when it comes to lip liner:

Make sure your liner is very sharp. Using a dull lip liner to line your lips can defeat the purpose.
Use a liner that is either the exact match for the lipstick you’ll be using or slightly darker. The reason I never use a liner that is lighter than my lipstick is that doing that can create the look of fuzziness or bleeding, even though it isn’t.

Step Three: Work In Light Layers

When applying your liner and your lipstick, whether is a liquid lipstick or a regular one, work in very light layers rather than adding too much product. I like to start with the tip of the lip applicator or lipstick in the outer edges and work my way in, applying one light layer, sometimes two if I need more coverage. Remember to apply a second layer of liquid lipstick immediately, especially if it’s ultra matte, to avoid patchiness.

Step Four: Powder

If I’m using a matte red lipstick and I know that I need it to last for hours, sometimes I will apply a translucent setting powder. The way I do this is by using a clean tissue to dust a light layer of powder and then blotting my lips using that tissue. You need next to no product but I swear that this tip will extend your lips for an hour or two longer than normal wear (if you won’t be eating or drinking). Try this tip for your next special event or photo session and let me know how it worked!