Knowing how to apply red lipstick well gives you a look that needs almost nothing else. Red is unforgiving of rough edges and dry lips, though, which is why it has a reputation for being difficult. With a little preparation and a steady order of steps, it is as easy as any other color.
Choose your red
| Your undertone | Reds to try |
|---|---|
| Warm | Orange-red, tomato, brick |
| Cool | Blue-red, cherry, raspberry |
| Neutral | True, balanced red |
| Olive | Brick, deep warm red |
On fair skin, bright and light reds look fresh. On medium skin, true and deep reds are easy to wear. On deep skin, rich blue-reds, wine and vivid orange-reds all look striking. Blue-based reds make teeth appear whiter. How to Choose Lipstick for Your Skin Undertone explains undertones and lipstick in more detail.
Choose your formula
- Matte: the crispest edge and the longest wear.
- Satin: more comfortable and forgiving.
- Sheer or stain: the easiest way to start wearing red.
Prepare
- Smooth your lips. Remove flakes gently and apply balm, then blot. See How to Prep Your Lips Before Applying Lipstick.
- Finish the rest of your makeup first, including powder, so that nothing touches the lips afterwards.
- Pat a little concealer or foundation around the lip line to give a clean canvas.
Apply, step by step
- Line. Use a red liner that matches the lipstick. Mark the cupid's bow with an "X", mark the center of the lower lip, then connect to the corners with short strokes. See How to Apply Lip Liner for a Defined Look.
- Fill in the lips with the liner. This holds the color in place.
- Apply the first coat. Use the bullet in the center of the lips, and a lip brush near the edges for control.
- Blot. Press a tissue between your lips.
- Apply a second thin coat.
- Check the corners. Open your mouth slightly and make sure the color reaches the corners without spilling over.
Sharpen the edges
Dip a small flat brush in concealer and trace around the outside of the lip line, then blend the concealer outward. This erases wobbles and makes the red look precise. A cotton swab dipped in micellar water removes larger mistakes.
Keep it off your teeth
After applying, put a clean finger in your mouth, close your lips around it and pull it out. The color on the inner rim of the lips comes away on your finger instead of ending up on your teeth.
Make it last
- Lining and filling the lips is the most effective step.
- Blotting between coats builds a stain.
- For extra hold, lay a single ply of tissue over your lips and dust translucent powder through it.
- Carry the lipstick and a cotton swab for touch-ups. Reapply to the center and press your lips together.
How to Reduce Lipstick Smudging and Transfer has more on smudging and transfer.
Balance the rest of the face
Red lips are a focal point.
- Keep eye makeup simple: mascara, a soft neutral shadow or a thin line of liner.
- Even out the skin. Redness around the nose and chin stands out next to red lips.
- Choose a soft blush in a similar family, used lightly.
- Groomed brows complete the look.
Common mistakes
- Applying straight from the bullet with no liner, so that the edge is soft and uneven.
- Putting on one thick coat instead of two thin ones.
- Wearing red over dry, flaky lips.
- Choosing a shade only because it looked good on someone else.
- Forgetting to check your teeth.
A softer way to wear red
Tap the lipstick onto the center of your lips with a fingertip and blend outward for a stained, just-bitten effect. It needs no liner and no mirror, and it is a good way to get used to the color.
Taking it off
Red pigments can stain the lips. Use an oil-based remover or cleansing balm, and wipe from the edges towards the center so that you do not spread color onto the skin. See How to Remove Long-Lasting Lipstick.
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Frequently asked questions
What red lipstick suits everyone?
A balanced, true red, neither obviously orange nor obviously blue, suits most skin tones. Finish and depth can then be adjusted to taste.
How do I stop red lipstick bleeding?
Line and fill the lips, apply thin coats and blot. A clear liner or a little powdered concealer around the lip line adds a barrier.
Can I wear red lipstick in the daytime?
Yes. Keep the rest of your makeup simple, or wear the red as a blotted stain for a softer daytime version.