7 Dos and Don'ts of Wearing Red Lipstick That Any Makeup Lover Should Know ...

By Heather

7 Dos and Don'ts of Wearing Red Lipstick That Any Makeup Lover Should Know ...

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite aunts always wore red lipstick and had her nails and toenails painted red. I thought this was just the most beautiful thing in the world, and for years, I couldn’t wait to wear red lipstick myself. I always think of her when I see a tube in the store, yet I don’t buy it for myself because my skin tones are very different than hers. I don’t look good in red lipstick, despite the many attempts I’ve made to try it. In fact, once I walked home with it on and my family begged me not to wear it again. Being a makeup perfectionist for years, I couldn’t believe I’d make such a huge cosmetic faux pas! Don’t wear red lipstick the wrong way by following my simple rules. Red is classy, bold and so sophisticated, but it must be worn right to pull it off. Follow these steps so your family doesn’t have to be the ones to tell you it isn’t your best color like mine did!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:

1

Know What Shade is Right for You

Know What Shade is Right for You Here’s the thing about choosing a good red lipstick: there are many color shades suited for various skin types. You’ll need to try on many before you find one that works for you. They come in a variety of shades, such as orange shades of red, pink shades of red, and even cool bluish-reds. A safe and general rule is that women with fair skin should lean toward true reds with no orangey tones, while medium-skinned women look best in pinkish or orangey reds. Dark-skinned women should go for darker shades and even sport purple and wine-colored hues of red. This may take some trial and error to find what works for you, so be patient! Finding a good lipstick shade can take years, but don’t just go for the infamous red light red and expect to pull it off the first time. With all the many shades out there, it might not hurt to go to a makeup counter and have a specialist make recommendations.

2

Bring Back the Lip Liner

Bring Back the Lip Liner Many people think lip liner is outdated, but when it comes to red lipstick, it is your best friend! The great thing about using lip liner with red lipstick is that you won’t see it like you will when wearing other shades, if you make sure to match up the lip liner to your lipstick correctly. The point of using lip liner with red lipstick is so it locks the lipstick on your lips. There’s nothing worse than finding you had smudged red lipstick on the outside of your mouth after a date! Or, worse, finding it above or below your lips. We don’t want you looking like Bozo the Clown, sweetie!

UPD:

Do: Always use lip liner when wearing red lipstick. Lip liner helps to lock the lipstick in place and prevents it from smudging or transferring onto other surfaces. Make sure to match the color of your lip liner to the shade of your lipstick for a natural look.

Don't: Skip the lip liner all together. Not using lip liner can cause the lipstick to bleed and feather, causing an uneven and messy look.

Do: Use a lip brush to apply the lipstick. Using a lip brush can help you get a more precise and even application. Start at the center of your lips and work your way outwards.

Don't: Apply too much lipstick. Too much lipstick can look heavy and cakey. Start with a small amount and build up to the desired coverage.

Do: Exfoliate your lips before applying the lipstick. This will help to create a smooth base for the lipstick to adhere to.

Don't: Forget to set the lipstick with a translucent powder. This will help to lock the lipstick in place and prevent it from fading.

3

Choose Your Outfit Accordingly

Choose Your Outfit Accordingly When choosing to wear red lipstick, you’ll have to base the entire rest of your outfit around it. Red is bold, striking, and can be brilliant if worn the right way. Yet, when it isn’t, it can be tacky, trashy and tragic! We want you to look your best, so wear red lipstick with a complementary outfit. Red looks great with solid black, such as little black dresses or a suit, and it also looks great with most evening gowns, and jeans with a leather bomber jacket for a more fashionable twist. It also pairs well with simple ballet flats, a brown or black outfit, and with a leopard accent such as a scarf. Just don’t overdo animal print with red lipstick; that’s a big no-no! Also, if you’re wearing sweats, leave the red lipstick at home and put on a gloss to keep things simple.

UPD:

When it comes to wearing red lipstick, there are a few important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose an outfit that complements the bold color of your lipstick. Red looks great with solid black, such as little black dresses or a suit, and it also looks great with most evening gowns, and jeans with a leather bomber jacket for a more fashionable twist. It also pairs well with simple ballet flats, a brown or black outfit, and with a leopard accent such as a scarf.

When it comes to the application of the lipstick, be sure to use a lip liner that is the same shade as the lipstick. This will help to create a neat, precise line around the lips. Additionally, use a lip brush to apply the lipstick evenly and to ensure that the color is blended in properly.

When it comes to removing the lipstick, make sure to use a gentle makeup remover to avoid irritating the skin. Additionally, it’s important to always moisturize your lips after removing the lipstick to keep them from drying out.

4

Don’t Let It Migrate to Your Teeth

Don’t Let It Migrate to Your Teeth Here’s another reason I don’t wear red lipstick besides the fact I look ridiculous in it: I’m paranoid of it getting on my teeth all day! Red lipstick is so bright and noticeable, that you can bet if it gets on your teeth, people will notice you, though not in the way you were hoping. To prevent this, be sure to blot your lips, and try an old trick well known to women everywhere. Insert a clean finger into your mouth, close your lips around it, then pull the finger out. You’ll get rid of the excess lipstick found on the inside of your lips this way. Just be sure to wash your hands after, hun!

5

Make Sure Your Teeth Are Pretty and White

Make Sure Your Teeth Are Pretty and White It can’t hurt to whiten your teeth regularly if you’re wearing red lipstick. Red lipstick does not look good on yellow-stained teeth from coffee, tea, or other dark beverages or tobacco. Ever seen a flashy white smile with red lipstick? It’s gorgeously bold and alluring, while also still looking clean and ladylike. If you’re going to wear red, wear it right and keep your teeth white!

Famous Quotes

Meaning is not what you start with but what you end up with.

Peter Elbow
6

Put Away the Pink

Put Away the Pink Whatever you do, don’t wear anything pink with red lipstick. This is a huge fashion no-no, and a red lipstick nightmare. This is a terrible clash of colors and will take away from the simple bold effects red can offer and seem overstated and tacky instead.

UPD:

When coordinating your outfit, aim for neutral or complimentary colors to let your lips take center stage. Consider a timeless little black dress or a crisp white blouse to accentuate the impact of your crimson pout. These shades create a sophisticated canvas that allows your red lips to truly pop without competing for attention. Remember, less is often more with such a statement-making element in your makeup palette.

7

Tone the Rest down

Tone the Rest down When wearing red lipstick, be sure to tone the rest of your makeup down by using subtler, skin-friendly shades. For example, red lipstick pairs well with light brown eyeshadows better than dark black eyeshadows, or purples. Don’t wear rosy red blush with red lipstick, but go with a softer blush shade. Also be sure to get a clean, pressed powder to keep your skin looking soft and polished. Make sure you don’t overstate your eyeliner and embrace a good mascara!

If you wear red lipstick, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite tips for ladies out there looking to wear this iconic lipstick shade?

Sources: fitandfabliving.com, prevention.com

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I found using brown lip liner works good for me!

I use lip liner daily for the same reasons listed in this article. If I'm wearing pink lipstick I back it up with lip liner, especially with the Matt colors it gives such a great affect to my lips and makes the color last longer!

I only wear red because of my skin complexion. I keep the shade into the deeper shades, rum raisin by cover girl. yeah. the cheap lipstick. Because it's such a strong color, I only wear eyeliner on upper eyelids. I do wear light pink lipstick. On my cheeks. As blush. Easy to carry. Never cracks in my purse and very subtle on my face.

I've got a problem with my lips, it gets dried so often immediately after I take off my lipgloss or lipstick. Please help wat do I do

Anyone can sport RED lips! Research which shade of red looks best with your hair, eye,& skin coloring. Make sure to gently bite down on a tissue, it will keep your red lipstick from transferring onto your pearly whites:/

This is very useful article. What do you think about red lips with red nail plish? is it too much? I have just bought a classic red lipstick and would like to pair it like that.

In no. Says dont wear pink with it but in no. 2the model is wearing pink I dont get it .the rest of the tips r useful

Winnybelle, I know good way to make your lips soft - it's honey. Put it on your lips and wait 10 min :)

I think red lipstick and pink clothes complement each other perfectly, it balances the overall look out rather than making the lips a statement.

These are really good tips. Thanks.

Related Topics

estee lauder wear red lipstick best lip glosses for brown skin most moisturising lipstick purple undertone lipstick best lip stain lipstick top chapsticks yes to carrots lip balm lipstick for fall mac derriere lipstick mac lipstick best

Popular Now