Applying lipstick can truly be an art form.
When you are working with red lipstick, the application is
particularly important. Red is a strong color and when applied
to your face it will draw the eye to that spot. When everyone is
looking at your lips, you want to be sure everything is in its
proper place.
Start with a lip liner that closely matches
your natural lip color – not the color of your lipstick. If the
liner color is too dark it will look harsh; your liner is merely
a base to hold the color on your lips. Line the lips first and
then fill them in with the lip liner. Apply the lipstick next,
ideally with a lip brush for a more accurate even surface. Then,
blot the lips and cover with face powder. This will help the
color to last longer. Reapply the lipstick and then blot again.
Lastly, check the look in the mirror with a big smile!
To prevent your lipstick from bleeding – a
horrendous affect with red lipstick – place your face powder
around the lips after applying your lip color. For additional
protection, apply the powder with an extra lip brush to ensure
that it holds into the little winkles around the lips.
The Looks of Red
There is certainly a time and place for red
lipstick. Consider it for the following situations:
Expanding Your Lip Line
Red is a particularly good color choice for
lining outside of your natural lip line. Simply line with the
lip liner pencil in a natural lip color around the outside of
the normal edge of your lips and fill in with the red lip color.
The brightness of the red will cause your lips to comfortably
look larger and fill in the additional area you have drawn.
Black & White Photography
Whether it is a family or wedding picture,
when photographed in black and white, add red lipstick for the
right about of contrast to your lips and face. Just make sure
that the darker lips are matched with makeup around the eyes to
balance out your face.
Hollywood Screen Play
Nothing says movie star quicker than the flash
of red lips. Add some Hollywood drama to your look with the
addition of red lips.
Evening Looks
Keep some red lipstick in your purse for those
times you have to make a quick change from daytime to evening
looks. Nothing with freshen up your face and appearance quicker
than a smudge of red lip color – even rub a small amount into
your cheeks to wake up your face.
Marilyn Style
Flash back to the original glamour queen and
create your own Marilyn style. Add some long eye lashes and
shimmer eye shadow to your red lipstick and off you go. For that
extra touch, create a beauty mark just above your lips with a
spot of black eyeliner.
Geisha Girl
Red lipstick is the staple product of the
Geisha look. Start with white theatrical face makeup over your
entire face. Rub a little red blush into the apples of the
cheeks. Use a black eyebrow pencil to give your eyebrows a thin
arched appearance and line the entire eye with liquid liner
adding a line extension going up at the outer edge and going
down at the inner edge of you add. Finish the look with the
classic red lip color.
Skin Tones
A strong red is best for olive skin, while the
medium tone Caucasian woman should wear a more delicate red
color. Ebony skin looks best with a brownish red and the ivory
skin tones should save red lipstick for only those special
occasions calling for some extra drama.
Tips for Red Lipstick
Cream or matte lip color is best for a
strong red shade.
A true red is better bought straight from
the store instead of trying to mix your own.
Darker shades are suitable on larger lips
as the deep reds have a tendency to make lips look thinner.
Ultimately red lipstick is optimum for a
younger woman, but not too young. The bright red color is too
dramatic for teens and tends to make an older women look more
aged.
When mixing your own lip colors, use red as
an addition to brighten up your combination. Just add in small
amounts.
If red is your favorite lipstick – but it
doesn’t work with your skin type, tone it down with a neutral
color and create your own personalized lip covering.
Add a little shimmer to your red lipstick
to combat the tendency that red has to make your lips look
smaller.
Even if red lip color is definitely not
your shade, keep a small tube around to seal your love notes
with a kiss of red.
