THE DOS AND DON’TS OF WEARING RED LIPSTICK

Red is a vibrant and bold colour that can easily boost your entire look day or night. Finding the best shade for your skin tone can be tricky, but with some experimenting, you’ll find your perfect match

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The colour red is quite a strong hue generally and makes a daring expression as a make-up colour, clothing or accessory. A good pop of red lipstick gives you instant glam and sophistication while brightening up your face. A not so good shade can easily overpower your look, making the colour stand out more than you. It’s important to choose wisely from the many variations of red and select a blend that suits your skin tone.

Experiment with a few shades before settling on the red that you love and works best for you.



People with fair and pale complexions are fortunate in that their tone is flattering for most red lipstick colours. The best shades to choose from, if you have a lighter skin tone are cool reds and soft berry reds. Emma Watson’s choice of red lip colour, looks pleasantly natural and is not too overwhelming for her face.



Those with medium skin tones have the most versatile and flexible skin tone and picking a shade would not be too much of a hassle. Rihanna’s skin tone is a lovely olive colour that matches with mostly yellow or orange-based reds. For those with warmer medium tones, choose from brown reds instead.



Darker skin tones can handle more intense red colours, like the deeper reds, wine shades and brick reds. Lupita’s look is well balanced and her red colour is blended beautifully and does not stand out on its own, it matches her tone perfectly.

HERE ARE A FEW RULES TO MASTER THE LOOK

1. PREP LIPS
Your lipstick is only as good as the condition of your lips. Gently scrub a mixture of sugar and olive oil on your lips to get rid of flaky bits, or run a toothbrush softly over your lips to smooth them. Keep your pout plump and hydrated with a nourishing lip balm.

2. FIND YOUR SHADE
Have a look at the clothing you wear. Which colours suit you best? If it’s yellow and gold then you will look great in warm shades of red with an orangey undertone such as coral, copper or brownish red. If you generally look good in blue or red, then go for cooler undertones like cherry, wine or crimson red. The darker your skin tone, the more intense the shades you can wear, so experiment and have fun.



3. CHOOSE A TEXTURE
The type of lipstick you choose can change your look completely.
A liquid lipstick will give you a striking matte finish and often lasts longer. If you have dry skin and lips, look for a lipstick with a creamy or glossy finish. If you aren’t ready to commit to lipstick, ease into red with a tinted lip gloss or try a berry shade lip pencil on its own.

4. PERFECT YOUR SKIN
Red lipstick can be unforgiving to your skin, highlighting all your flaws! Fine lines, dehydration and pigmentation may be the focus along with your bright lips. Cheat your way to flawless skin by using an exfoliator to smooth out rough skin. Boost hydration with a plant-based oil such as jojoba, argan or rosehip. Fill in fine lines and big pores with a primer, and lastly apply a full-coverage foundation to even out pigmentation.

5. COMPLETE THE LOOK
Complement your racy lips by keeping the rest of your make-up neutral. Avoid bright blush and eyeshadow, but do focus on accentuating the eyes. Get the classic look by filling in sparse brows with a brow pencil. Plump up lashes with a coat of mascara and finish off with a slick of black liquid liner.



RED POUT MASTERCLASS

• Do use a lip pencil. Not only does it give you a perfect outline, the high wax content makes lipstick last much longer.
• Do make it pop. Blend some foundation around the lip line to define your lips, give you a clean finish and accentuate your lip shape.
• Don’t throw out your existing shades of red. If it’s too light, deepen it with a brown or berry lip pencil. If it’s too dark, lighten it with a gold or pink gloss over.
• Don’t forget to blot. Kiss a tissue paper or pull your index finger through pursed lips to avoid lipstick on your teeth.