How To Nail The Perfect Red Lip Makeup Look

Special occasions or not, a red lip can be your best friend if you want to look classy and polished. But let's not kid ourselves. Many of us have had our mishaps with red lips, and it's easy to understand why pulling off this look can be tricky. The bold, vibrant color we want doesn't necessarily look great on us, and even if we find a shade that complements our skin tone, it's almost impossible to make it last all day without smudging or fading away.

Well, that's all about to change because this article will break down everything you need to know about creating the perfect red lip that complements your coloring and remains in place no matter what.

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How To Wear a Red Lip

Red lips are a classic beauty look that will make you stand out and feel special. However, all the different shades, tones, and details that need to be considered when it comes to this look can definitely be overwhelming. Therefore, here are a few tips on how to properly wear and style a red lip:

Find Your Perfect Red

The color red comes in various shades and tones, such as deep and bright, as well as blue, orange, and pink reds. These few factors are why many people think they can't pull off a red lip when they just haven't found their perfect shade and tone yet!

When selecting the perfect red lip color, you should first determine your skin tone. For example, if you have a pale complexion, avoid cherry reds and opt for a softer blue-based hue like a cranberry red. Or, if you have medium or dark skin, you can probably get away with a range of bolder shades like a true classic red, brick red, or even an orange-based crimson in the right tone.

Additionally, your undertone matters when choosing red lipstick. If you have a neutral or cool undertone, a blue or pink-based red is a good place to start experimenting until you land on the perfect shade. On the other hand, if you have a warm or olive undertone, orange-based reds are likely to provide the best results.

Keep a Minimal Base

Caked-on foundation, powder, poreless skin, and a bright red lip may look beautiful on the cover of vintage magazines, but a heavy base can definitely make you look like a hot mess in real life. Instead, a red lip requires a soft, minimal base that won't compete with the punch of color. The best way to achieve a natural-looking complexion is to keep the foundation light, add a tiny bit of coverage only where needed, and blend well. Additionally, opt for a sheer powder rather than a full-coverage one to remove excess shine where necessary while maintaining that fresh, glowy look.

Product To Try: NARS – Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, $46

Add a Touch of Blush

Adding a bit of color to the cheeks can help give your face more dimension and make the red lipstick stand out even more. Just make sure to pick a hue that goes well with your skin tone and undertones, such as light pink, peach, or berry blush.

Product To Try: Rare Beauty – Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream Blush, $21

Sparkly Eyeshadow

Minimal eyeshadow in neutral, soft colors like beige, nude, and taupe can look beautiful with a red lip look. But if you want to take it up a notch and create the perfect evening or holiday look, try adding a soft champagne eyeshadow in the inner corner of the eyes to brighten them up and make the red lip stand out even more.

Product To Try: Charlotte Tilbury – Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow, $34

Winged Eyeliner

A bold, winged eyeliner is a classic addition to any red lip look. There's just something about this combo that makes the complete look instantly more glamorous and chic!

Product To Try: Stila – Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $23

Long, Wispy Lashes

Whether you decide to keep your eyes simple and elegant or dramatic and bold, don't forget to add a pair of long, wispy lashes for that elongated look. This will add the perfect glamorous touch to a red lip and make you the center of attention on any occasion.

Product To Try: Lilly Lashes – Everyday Faux Mink Lashes, $24

How To Nail a Perfect Red Lip That Stays Put

The red lip look is a classic, yet arguably, one of the most challenging makeup looks to master. Not only do you need to find the perfect shade, which is rarely possible on the first go, but the color red is also very prone to smudging and fading throughout the day. Therefore, if you struggle to make your lipstick last past lunch, here are a few easy tips that will have your red lip stay in place no matter what:

Prep Your Lips

Prepping your lips is essential to make sure the color stays put, and your lips aren't looking dry and cracked. So before applying any lip products, use a lip scrub to buff away dead skin cells and make your lips look smooth and plump.

Product To Try: Fresh – Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator, $18

Apply Concealer as Base

If you want to ensure your lip color will stay vibrant all day, apply a thin layer of concealer on the lips and blend it out. This will create an even base, minimize the appearance of lip lines, and prevent your lipstick from feathering.

Product To Try: NARS – Radiant Creamy Concealer, $31

Line and Color Your Lips

Before applying lipstick, line your lips with a lip pencil that matches the shade of your lipstick. This will define the shape of your lips and prevent color migration. Don't be afraid to fully color your lips with the lip liner before applying lipstick over it – lip liners are usually harder to remove than lipsticks, so they will provide a base that will keep your lipstick in place for longer.

Product To Try: Makeup Forever – Waterproof Lipliner Pencil, $22

Apply a Thin Coat of Lipstick

Now it's time to apply your red lipstick. Remember that you don't need to coat your lips with a thick layer of color, as this will only make it easier to pill and rub off. Instead, apply a thin coat of lipstick over your lips and use a thin brush to blend the edges and make sure the color is even.

Product To Try: Sephora – PRO Lip Brush #85, $16

Blot, Apply, Blot

After applying the first layer of lipstick, grab a tissue and press it onto your lips. This will remove the excess part that makes the lipstick look gloopy and help it stay in place longer.

After blotting the first time, apply a second thin coat of lipstick. This will help add extra vibrancy to the color. Then, take a clean tissue and press it onto your lips one last time. This will seal the deal and ensure your lipstick lasts all day long.

The Best Red Lipsticks To Try

So, you've decided to conquer the art of wearing red lips but don't know where to start? Fear not! Here are some of the best, long-lasting red lipsticks to try:

Sephora – #LIPSTORIES Lipstick in “Autumn Blaze,” $9

“Autumn Blaze” by Sephora's Collection is a moderately warm-toned, medium-dark red with a matte finish. Perfect for medium-toned skin with warm and olive undertones, this long-lasting formula is sure to make your red lip look last all day.

Smashbox – Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in “Bawse,” $27

“Bawse” is a moderately cool true red with a semi-matte finish. Excellent for those with neutral, cool, and even olive undertones that look more cool than warm, this lipstick is sure to make you look instantly glamorous and chic!

Patrick Ta – Matte Suede Lipstick in “That’s Why She’s Late,” $32

“That's Why She's Late” is a deep red with cool undertones and a satin sheen. This creamy formula will provide a long-lasting lip color that won't fade throughout the day and is excellent for those with neutral to cool undertones.

NARS – Powermatte Lipstick in “Notorious,” $34

“Notorious” is an opaque, vibrant red with warm undertones and a matte finish. This ultra-mattifying formula is perfect for medium and deep tones and will stay put for hours!

Charlotte Tilbury – Hot Lips Lipstick in “Patsy Red,” $37

“Patsy Red” is a muted, medium-dark red shade with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. Lightweight yet buildable, this gorgeous pale red is excellent for those with fair to medium skin tones and neutral to cool undertones.

Dior – Rouge Dior Forever in “Forever Dior,” $42

“Forever Dior” is Dior's classic shade with a vivid, medium-depth red tone, subtle, warm undertones, and a velvety matte finish. Transfer-proof and long-lasting, this cult-favorite lipstick is sure to make your red lip look last all day. Excellent for all skin tones but especially flattering on neutral to warm undertones, this rich, creamy formula is sure to make your lips pop.

Closing Thoughts

Creating a perfect red lip that lasts all day long doesn't have to be intimidating! With the right formula, technique, and flattering shade, you can easily achieve a vibrant red lip look that won't appear out of place, will stay put all day long, and will undoubtedly make you look and feel glamorous on any occasion.

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