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Red lipstick is one of the oldest makeup tricks in the book, and for a good reason: There’s just no better (or simpler) way to take your look from “meh” to major. But bold, bright lip colors, like ruby-red, aren’t exactly low-maintenance. Like a slick cat-eye and good contouring, they require some time and skill. But it’s a worthwhile investment, considering that there’s no faster way to look polished and exude confidence. To translate it to IRL, we’ve gone to a pro to find out how we non-pros can apply red lipstick with precision. Say goodbye to your browns, your pinks, your plums — because now, we’re officially in the red.
Hit the Mattes
Between glossy, satin, and demi-matte finishes, choosing the right one for a red lip can get be seriously confusing. (No judgment if you just went with the first one you found.) But really, one stands out above the rest. “The best formula for pigmented lipstick is matte, matte, matte,” says celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow. “Otherwise, there’s a risk of the color traveling and bleeding.” And when you’re working with a bold color like red, you want it to stay put.
Line It Up
It’s worth going through the trouble of finding a lip liner that matches your lipstick exactly — instead of, say, using a nude shade to define the lips. “With a matching color, you can play with the shape and enhance it,” explains Tina. A nude liner works in a pinch, but a similar color helps it stand out. And what’s the point of even wearing a red lip if not that? The easiest way to pull this off, according to Turnbow: Just use just a chubby, matte pencil, like Nars Velvet Lip Pencil, to both line and fill in the lips.
Play With the Looks
Some makeup artists swear by lip brushes. But really, the tools you use to apply your lipstick depend on the look you want. For a romantic, effortless-looking vibe, apply it straight from the tube (or using the applicator) and use your fingertips to soften the edges. Then, still using your fingers, tap a little more color into the center of your lips. “The pigment should be boldest here,” says Tina. For sharp, no-nonsense lips, Tina prefers lining the lips with a skinny pencil and then blending in your lipstick using a brush. If your color is less forgiving — say, a true, blue-based red as opposed to something a little more orange or pink—opt for this one.
Make It Last
There’s no point in putting in work if your red fades fast. To extend its wear, try Tina’s trick: Press a tissue against your lips after you’ve applied the lipcolor. Then, tap a translucent powder over the tissue (while it’s still pressed to your lips). Finally, dip a cotton swab in the powder and roll it along the lip line.
Bring Back-Up
With those steps, red lipstick can last a while. Still, it’s not exactly infallible. (Because lunch.) If you’re planning on a long day — or night — packing a few essentials will pay off. Tina recommends bringing along a matte lip balm, in case your lips start to feel dry, along with the lip color itself, a cotton swab, and a concealer. Together, they ensure your red lips stay on point from day until you call it a night.
