So after my post all about my favourite drugstore red lips on Sunday I got some tweets asking me how I wear red lipstick. Today I’m going to offer up a few tips and tricks on wearing red lippy, for day and night.
Think about the tone
My first tip has to be, think carefully about the undertones of your red lip. A bright, cool toned lip will brighten your face and be a strong focus for your makeup. If you don’t want you lips to do all the talking then try a warmer toned red, or even a pink based red.
The build up
This tip is all about the application. If you want your red lip to last all night then there’s a few things you can do to lock it in place. First start with a matching lip liner. Gently outline your lips, and fill them in with the liner to create a matte base for your lippy to stick to. Then it’s all about the layers, thin layers, blotting each one with a tissue will guarantee a long lasting lip. I recommend three to four layers for maximum staying power!
The stain
A great option for the day time, if you take a small amount of your favourite red and really work it into the lips you can get a long lasting wash of colour that adds a little drama to your look. Use your finger to really press the colour into the lip for a more effortless look.
Consider the blush
Wearing a red, especially in the daytime, can sometimes make everything look a little ruddy, so try a neutral-toned blush. Something like the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Exposed, with it’s tawny, mauve pink colour or the Maxfactor Cream Blush in Nude Mauve Pink with its neutral undertones both make safe options for keeping your lips the centre of attention. Sometimes it might serve you well to skip blush completely and really bronze up your skin. If that’s the route you choose then may I suggest keeping the contour light, and sweeping bronzer on the high points of your face including slightly across your nose and apples of your cheek.
Work the eyes
I really don’t think you have to play by the rules with the whole ‘one or the other’ thing when it comes to bold lips and eyes. At night I think a smokey eye looks very striking with a red lip, just remember to keep things a little more simple that you usually would. Why not pair a warm red with just a black kohl liner smudged into the lash lines? It will define the eyes, adding some smokiness, whilst you get to keep your laid back vibe.
That’s my run down of just a few of my red lips tips, but what are yours? Please share in the comments below, I’d love to find out!
Sam