Even though I’m a pretty solid mauve, nude pink girl when it comes to lip color, I’ve been reaching more and more for red lip colors. Red lipstick is iconic, and I find it to be a really power move to wear! It took me a lot of trial and error with red lipstick, starting from the actual tone to even applying. Here are a few tips and tricks that I have found helped me find my favorite red and how to make it last.
Don’t Swatch
The beauty community has really put down swatches with good reason: while they can give you an idea of the color and texture, your arms really don’t have the same skin texture and color as your face. I find that swatching really doesn’t reflect how the color will look on my face. So while I may begin by swatching in the store, my real test is actually applying it to my lips. It’s really helped to define which red looks good on my face, and ensure I don’t pick up something too dark or vampy.
Use Lip Liner
Unlike my usual, close to my own lip color lipsticks, reds will show more when they “bleed,” or begin to move into the cracks of lines around your lips. To avoid bleeding, use lip liner to line around your lips. I also line the entire lip, since I feel like this helps my lipstick stay on longer and more opaque.
Avoid transfer to teeth
My small lips deceive my teeth when I wear lipstick. I am always checking to make sure that my lipstick hasn’t transferred to my teeth (that can be really embarrassing.) Right after applying my lipstick, I’ll do this trick: Wrap my thumb with a tissue, close my mouth around that, and then pull it out. It takes out all extra lip color that would otherwise transfer to the teeth, without destroying the rest of the lip. Yes, it looks and feels weird but it totally works!
Blot with a tissue
This vintage trick really does work. I like to blot my lips with a tissue because it removes extra product for a more stained look. If you prefer a more opaque lip, this will take off extra product and create an even layer before applying a second layer.
Wondering which are my favorite reds? I have a few favorites between all the different kinds of formulations – from liquid lips to balms. Shop all of my favorites below!
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color in Pioneer
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso
Dior Addict Lacqur Stick in Turn Me Dior
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Babe
Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Deviant