Good Tips for Red Lips

by Kerry Andersen

Fashion editors everywhere will tell you that a bright red lip is the ultimate iconic beauty look. The pop of red will brighten your face instantly, and add a polished finishing touch to any outfit, plus it screams sophistication and confidence. Red is also the color of romance so it’s a great choice for Valentine’s Day or date night! However, most women struggle to pick a shade of red that flatters them. Before you get overwhelmed by the thousands of crimson options facing you at the beauty counter, here are some expert tips for rocking a red lip from Seint makeup artist Megan Hartman.

Check Your Tone

Your undertone that is. Red lipstick is not one shade fits all. It can have undertones of blue, purple, or orange and you want the one that looks best with your coloring. 

Pro tip: smile and check your teeth. If they shine bright, you’ve chosen the correct shade (blue-toned red lipsticks will make your pearly whites look best). If the shade makes your teeth appear yellow, test a few more color options until you find one that is most flattering to your skin tone. 

Red, Red, Line

Start with a red liner to lock your lipstick in place and keep it from feathering. This is especially important for aging skin that develops lines and wrinkles. 

Pro tip: apply the color product with a lip brush for better precision and longevity. 

Let Your Lips Do the Talking

Remember when wearing red that your lips will be the star of the show, so keep your eye makeup more subdued to allow your bright kisser to be the focal point of your face. If you’re still nervous about a bold red lip, try dabbing a bit of color on your finger and applying it to your lips. This method delivers a more muted look and allows you to ease into wearing bolder colors. 

Formula Matte(rs)

If you love a bold red lip but don’t want it to scream ‘look at me’, then choose a matte formula. Matte lipstick doesn’t seep into mouth wrinkles, is easy to apply, and is a bit more understated. A glossy lip tends to run into lip lines more easily and delivers a more dramatic lip look. 

Pro tip: matte lipstick can feel dry so be sure to scrub and moisturize your lips before painting them red. 

If you’re still trying to find the perfect red for your lips, there are several shades that are universally flattering and have been worn by everyone from supermodels to supermoms. Try MAC Ruby Woo, Rouge Dior 999 in a beautiful velvet finish, or Giorgio Armani 400 (also known simply as Armani Red). One swipe of any of these shades and you’ll look instantly put together and ready for romance (or the boardroom)!