Perfect Red Lipstick

If I was allowed to have just one lipstick colour in my make-up bag (heaven forbid!), without a shadow of a doubt, I would choose red.

I have long-running love affair with red lipstick; to me, it’s a signature statement that never goes out of style. Epitomized by Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Gwen Stefani and Dita Von Teese, red lipstick evokes confidence, glamour, allure, sexiness and womanliness.

However, many women are scared to try it out; they’re concerned that it may be too bold a colour for them, that they can’t find their perfect colour or that they don’t know how to apply it.

These are very understandable concerns. For starters, you’ve heard of the 40 shades of green - well there must be 400 shades of red! And there’s no doubting that wearing red lipstick makes a statement.

Rest assured however, that with the following Style By Caroline tips you will learn how to choose and apply your perfect shade of red, which will hopefully help you to carry it off with ease and confidence!

Choosing the Perfect Colour:

• The good news is that there is a shade of red to suit everyone.
• The main consideration to bear in mind is the tone of your skin.
• If you have cool-toned skin (generally pale, with pink undertones), go for reds with a blue or pink tint i.e. scarlet-red, blood-red, fuchsia red etc.
• If you have warm-toned skin (sallow / freckles / tanned, or tans easily), go for orange or brown tinted reds i.e. tomato red, coral-red etc.
• If you’re teeth are in any way ‘yellowy’, avoid warm-toned lipsticks as they will emphasise teeth discolouration. Conversely, blue-tinted shades will make your teeth look whiter.
• If you're anxious about wearing a bold red, opt for a sheer lipstick, which will give you a more subtle hint of colour.
• Most cosmetic counters have trained make-up artists on hand to help you choose your perfect colour.
  
  

Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick:

• As red is such a statement colour, I strongly advise that you keep your eye make-up and blush understated.
• Red lipstick is perfectly complimented with lashings of mascara. If you have black or brown hair, opt for black mascara. If you have blonde or red hair, I suggest that you go for brown.
• Personally, I prefer a matte finish when wearing red lipstick so I avoid lip-gloss; however, see step 10 below for the exception to this rule.

Applying Red Lipstick:

• Step 1: Make sure that your lips are in perfect condition before applying red lipstick. Exfoliate them with a lip balm on a damp facecloth/soft toothbrush and allow the lip balm to soak into your lips before applying make-up.
• Step 2 (optional): You may wish to apply a lip primer underneath your lipstick.
• Step 3: Apply a light coating of foundation over your lips.
• Step 4: Dust the foundation-covered lips with a light dusting of powder
• Step 5: Outline your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick, and then blend the liner over your lips with a lip brush. If you want your lips to look larger, apply the lips liner marginally over the natural lip line.
• Step 6: Apply your lipstick carefully with a lip brush.
• Step 7: Blot the lips with tissue.
• Step 8: Apply your lipstick again.
• Step 9: Avoid the dreaded ‘lipstick on your teeth’ scenario by inserting your index finger into your mouth, close your lips tightly and then slowly remove your finger. It may look extremely daft but at least the lipstick residue will be on your finger instead of your teeth!
• Step 10: If you want your lips to look more plump, apply a dot of lip-gloss right on the centre of your upper and lower lips (just under the cupid’s bow) and smudge your lips together. This will give the illusion of fuller lips.
  
  Yours in style,
  Caroline