The red lipstick is a statement in itself, and a woman’s best friend, just like diamonds, and a good moisturiser. You might have noticed already that once you apply the red lipstick, you completely forget you have a bad hair day! The red lipstick can give you a sophisticated air and can make you radiate self-confidence. More than this, it has been scientifically proven that men find women wearing red lipstick more attractive. However, red lipstick is not easy to wear. This is the reason why most of us choose to wear it only on special occasions. But in all honesty, the red lipstick deserves more, and this is a good time to find out how to wear it like a pro!
If you want to make the most out of your lippy, it’s important to consider a few suggestions before applying the red lipstick. The colour can emphasize any imperfection, so you need to make sure you’re getting fabulous results even before touching the lipstick. Just like it is the case with facial makeup, you need to prepare the lips:
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is very important when it comes to getting smooth and soft lips. Exfoliation can help you remove the dead skin cells and avoid the dull and dry texture of the lips that is so unappealing. You can buy a scrub that is specially formulated for delicate skin, or you can use some honey and coconut oil. Apply a touch of honey mixed with the oil to the lips and the area around them. Let it work for a few minutes then rinse with warm water. Your lips will be soft, smooth, and hydrated.
2. Hydrate
After exfoliation, the skin needs proper hydration. You can use your daily moisturiser, the eye cream, or natural oil such as coconut or almond oil.
3. Use a primer
If you want your lippy to last longer, consider using a primer before applying the lipstick. Jane Iredale Smooth Affair Facial Primer is a great choice.
And now that the lips are ready, here are a few tips and tricks to get awesome results with the red lipstick:
1. Use a lip crayon
When you are wearing red lipstick, the lip pencil is a must. It can help you get elegant lines, it prevents lipstick to “migrate,” and it perfects the shape of the lips. But this you probably already knew. However, when it comes to wearing a deep shade of red, you should use the lip liner on the surface of the lips, too, not only on the contour, like a makeup base. Make sure to apply a thin layer and tap it with the fingertips to remove excess. Jane Iredale Lip Pencil Crayon is a good choice, soft and durable.
2. Aim for more volume
Have you noticed how some women wearing red lipstick have very thin lips? Yeah, this happens a lot when wearing a deep, vibrant colour. The red lipstick, especially the matte version, can make your lips look thinner than they actually are. This is why you need to aim for more volume using a simple trick – use two complementary shades of red. Apply the darker shade on the whole surface of the lips and the light one just in the middle of the lips to make them look fuller.
3. Kiss the napkin
It doesn’t sound too romantic or appealing, but makeup artists from all over the world swear by it. And it’s rather easy after you got the hang of it. After you applied the lip pencil on the contour and surface of the lips, apply a thin layer of red lipstick. Now you need to press your lips against a napkin, like in a kiss. This way, you remove the excess lipstick and get your lips ready for the second layer. After the second layer of lipstick, make sure to kiss the napkin again, but more delicate this time around.
4. Work your way up to the deepest, most sumptuous shades of red
It’s not easy to get it right the first time you try the red lipstick. If you are really a beginner and just starting to discover the beauty of the red lipstick, you should begin with an unpretentious colour – ruby red, crimson red, and rust are excellent choices for starters, depending on your skin tone. If you want to wear red by all means, but you are not sure you picked the right shade, just kiss the napkin until you are left with just a touch of colour to brighten your makeup.
5. Choose a hydrating lipstick
Some matte lipsticks have a considerable amount of powder in them and tend to make the lips dry. However, there are hydrating lipsticks that are a delight to wear. Here are a few options to choose from:
It has a lanolin-free formula enriched with natural oils for velvety, soft lips. It comes in many different shades, so it’s impossible not to find something you like.
• Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Lipstick
Long-lasting formula with a deep moisturising effect on the lips, you’ll love the shades of this Triple Luxe lipstick.
• INIKA Certified Organic Vegan Lipstick
If you are always looking for vegan options, you will be pleased to know there is one even when it comes to red lipstick. With certified organic argan and avocado oils, the lipstick from INIKA promises easy application for a flawless lips’ makeup. And the feel is just as luxurious as the looks!
• Cherry Blooms Matte Volumizer Liquid Lipstick
You want to give red matte lipstick a try, but you don’t know if you can handle it? Well, good news for you too! Now you can enjoy the matte effects in a liquid lipstick. More than this, it has a volumizer effect, which is always great when it comes to dark shades of lipstick. The non-drying formula with a gelling system promises an all-day colour without the need for touch-ups.
Photo by Laura Marques on Unsplash