11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (2024)

Red lipstick is intimidating, especially if you’re used to wearing lighter shades. The bright, bold color attracts all attention to your face, making you feel self-conscious of your every facial expression.

When you wear red lipstick the right way, you don’t have to feel uncomfortable. Follow these rules for wearing red lipstick, and you can wear your red lips with confidence!

1. Don’t Overdo Your Eye Makeup

When rocking such a bold lip, you’ll want to tone down the rest of your look. Put your vibrant eyeshadow aside, and pick up your favorite nude eyeshadow palette instead. It’s best to stick with neutral shades that mesh with your skin.

As for your mascara, eyeliner, and blush, a light layer of each is more than enough. You want all the attention drawn to your gorgeous lips!

2. Pick the Right Shade of Red

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (1)

Different skin tones look better with certain shades of red. Before you buy your first tube of red lipstick, make sure you know how to pick the right lipstick color for your skin tone first.

Some red lipstick shades, like L’Oréal’s Matte-Ly in Love, look universally amazing on all skin tones. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to red lipstick.

3. Exfoliate Your Lips

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (2)

Want to eliminate chapped lips and flakiness once and for all? Use a lip scrub once a week to keep extra dry lips at bay. Hanalei’s Sugar Lip Scrub contains granules of sugar that gently buffs away dead skin, while its kukui oil and shea butter work to hydrate your lips.

4. Moisturize Your Lips

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (3)

Putting lipstick on dry lips is a terrible decision, no matter what color the lipstick is. It only makes your chapped lips’ unflattering creases and cracks even more noticeable. Not to mention that lipstick won’t stick to dry lips all day – dry lips cause your lipstick to bleed and flake away, making for a dull, uneven color.

To avoid this, restore some moisture to those parched lips. Apply lip balm the night before you plan on wearing lipstick to get the most hydrated lips possible. You should then reapply lip balm right before you put lipstick on to keep your red lips looking soft and plump. As for lip balm, we recommend Eos Super Soft Shea Sphere Lip Balm for long-lasting hydration.

5. Prep Your Lips With Lip Liner

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (4)

While you don’t necessarily need to use lip liner, it’s highly recommended when wearing red lipstick. Lip liner is a bit like eyeshadow primer – you can wear lipstick without liner, but it definitely won’t look as good or last as long.

Lip liner seals in the color, preventing it from bleeding or flaking. It also comes in handy if you want to enhance your cupid’s bow or make your lips appear plumper. Make sure to apply lip liner over your entire lip (not just the edges), so it can act as a base for the lipstick.

Your lip liner doesn’t have to be the same shade as your lipstick. Go for a lip liner that matches your natural lip color, or even try a transparent lip liner.

6. Use a Lip Brush for Precise Application

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (5)

Applying red lipstick directly from the tube can get messy, and this is especially true if you’re in a rush. You can easily avoid smudges by taking the time to use a lip brush. To get perfect red lips, all you have to do is dab your brush on the tube of lipstick, and carefully brush it onto your lips.

7. Define Your Lips With Concealer

You can make the outline of your lips even crisper by lining it with concealer. After you apply your lipstick, use your lip brush to paint concealer around your lips. This cleans up any smudges and creates stunning definition.

8. Wear a Matching Outfit

Red lipstick doesn’t look good with every outfit. For the most classic look, pair red lipstick with a little black dress or a stylish black pantsuit. If you want to rock a more casual outfit, try red lipstick with a white t-shirt and jeans. Simple is better!

9. Consider Texture

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (6)

Not all lipsticks are the same. There are mattes, stains, glosses, gels, balms, and more. Each will look different on your lips. Taking selfies or posing for pictures? Stick with matte as any possible flashes won’t make your lips glow like a shiner formula. Stains often last longer, but they’re harder to remove if you don’t like the color. Some glosses and gels might feel sticky, so make sure to read some reviews to ensure it’s a smooth lipstick.

10. Start Sheer

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (7)

Wearing red lipstick might feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before. So, work up to wearing it. Start with a sheer red lipstick or tinted lip balm. Usually, tinted lip balms are a great starting point. Not only do they hydrate well, but give you a sheer, buildable red. It’s not a bold in your face red, but one that helps you build confidence rocking bright red lips later on.

11. Finish With a Top Coat

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (8)

While it’s perfectly fine to wear red lipstick alone, amp it up a bit by applying a top coat. Naturally, you’ll find different clear top coats for various effects, but adding a glossy shine, such as with Rimmel’s Stay Glossy, is the most popular. There’s also formulas designed to help your color last throughout the entire day, such as Covergirl’s Outlast All Day Top Coat. It’s meant to be worn with other Covergirl Outlast lipsticks, but it also tops other lipsticks well too.

Make Your Red Lips Pop

Feeling bold? Now that you know how to achieve the perfect red lips, don’t hesitate to amp up your look with some red lipstick.

You can’t rock red lipstick without a flawless foundation. Find out how to pick out the perfect foundation for your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep red lipstick off my teeth?

You’ve probably heard that a thin coat of petroleum jelly on your front teeth helps, but who really wants to go through their day with that in their mouth? Instead, do the following:

  • Start by applying lip liner around your lip line and then all over the rest of your lips. This works like a base to keep your lipstick in place versus making your teeth look like they’re bleeding.
  • Finish up by applying your lipstick. Put a clean finger in your mouth and purse your lips around it. Pull the finger out while your lips are pursed. This helps remove any excess lipstick that would otherwise transfer to your teeth.

How can I make my lipstick last longer?

Ideally, stick with brands with long last formulas. A variety of brands now offer these and are designed to stay on while eating and drinking and may last as long as 12 hours. Applying lip liner also helps.

Layering helps give your lipstick more dimension while making it last longer. Start with a matte formula and then layer a long-lasting liquid color over it.

Of course, always carry your red lipstick with you for touch-ups.

Image credit: Tamara Bellis via Unsplash

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (9)

Crystal Crowder

Crystal's spent over 15 years as a tech geek who writes about everything from gadgets to lifestyle and everything in between. She not only wants to live her best life, but help others do the same.

11 Essential Rules for Wearing Red Lipstick - Modern Ratio (2024)

FAQs

What is the red lipstick theory? ›

Women have more luminance contrast between facial features and skin than men, which is enhanced through make-up. Research indicates that red lips are universally appealing, possibly due to a perceived association with sexual arousal. Highly attractive women were perceived as even more attractive in red.

What red lipstick did Grace Kelly wear? ›

Grace Kelly's favorite: Rouge Dior Lipstick by Dior

She wore the shade from its launch in the mid-1950s onward.

What is the psychology behind the lipstick effect? ›

The lipstick effect describes the observation that consumers will still tend to buy small luxury items even during an economic downturn. Cash-strapped consumers want to treat themselves to something that lets them forget their financial problems.

What is the lipstick effect in psychology? ›

The lipstick effect is the theory that when facing an economic crisis consumers will be more willing to buy less costly luxury goods. Instead of buying expensive purses and fur coats, for example, people will buy expensive cosmetics, such as high-end brands of lipstick.

Should a 60 year old wear red lipstick? ›

There's a common misconception that we have to stop wearing bright or bold lip color as we get older—and it makes us madder than a wet hen. Pick flattering shades for your undertones, to be sure, but never, ever stop wearing your signature red or pink if you don't want to.

What Colour lipstick should 60 year old wear? ›

A moisturising pink or coral shade with mid-strength colouring is universally flattering for mature lips and will ensure your lips look fresh and lively without being overpowering.

What is the best lipstick for over 60? ›

My Top Picks - Best Lipsticks for Older Women!
  • L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick. ...
  • Clinique Dramatically Different Shaping Lip Colour. ...
  • Clinique Women's Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Color. ...
  • bareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick. ...
  • Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick.
Oct 27, 2022

What lipstick did Jackie Kennedy wear? ›

1. Treat lipstick like an accessory. Despite her otherwise minimal makeup, Kennedy never shied away from bright lipstick, and often matched her pout to the exact shade of red or pink that she was wearing. Try pairing a classic red dress with Chanel's Rouge Coco Lipstick in 'Gabrielle' to give the trend a try.

What was Marilyn Monroe's red lipstick? ›

Marilyn Monroe's signature red lips were famously achieved with five coats of Guerlain's Rouge Diabolique lipstick. Although the original lipstick is no longer sold, many people report this red beauty from Besame to be a pretty close dupe. You'll find it to be a flattering shade of red for you too.

What is Audrey Hepburn's lipstick? ›

Revlon's "Pink in the Afternoon"

If you do a quick google search, this is the lipstick that comes up as Golightly's chosen shade. However there's skepticism around whether Revlon's Pink in the Afternoon is the actual color.

How can I wear red lipstick without looking old? ›

Powder. This trick is only necessary when you really need lipstick to last hours and hours without touch-ups or having to worry. Using a translucent powder, gently swipe a very thin dusting over the applied red lip. Just as it sets your face makeup, it'll make sure your lipstick will stay for good.

How do you rock a red lip? ›

Tips for Rocking a Red Lip

Moisturize – Use a lip balm first and let it sink in for a few minutes before you apply color. Your lips will look smoother and younger. Balance – If you are going for a bold, dark red shade, go lighter with the eye makeup. Allow your lips to be the focus.

What are lipstick hacks? ›

After applying the lipstick, hold a tissue on the lips and dab the mouth with a translucent powder. Just take a small amount of powder in a brush and run on the linings of your mouth. It will offer a matt appearance and help you achieve the long lasting lipstick look.

What makes lipstick attractive? ›

Lipstick draws attention to the lips and makes them stand out. Lips are considered a sensual part of the body, and highlighting them can make women more attractive to the opposite sex.

What did lipstick symbolize? ›

It became symbolic of strength during a time when men were trying to strip that away from women. “In order to gain more notoriety and attention to their cause, some ladies would wear lipstick to their public events.

What is the lipstick effect 2023? ›

The 'lipstick effect' – the idea that during inflationary times shoppers may cut back on luxury purchases yet still indulge in affordable splurges – is still holding strong in 2023, even as the overall U.S. Consumer Price Index cooled slightly to 6.4% in January 2023, continuing a seven-month decline.

What is the lipstick test? ›

Generally known as the lipstick test, medical wisdom states that if a doctor walks into a patient's room and sees the patient wearing lipstick or displaying a cleanly shaven face, that the patient is feeling better — i.e., recovery has started.

Why do people wear lipstick everyday? ›

Lipstick gives women a feeling of power and confidence. Put on some lipstick in a colour that you love and you'll feel way more confident. For all the lovely ladies and gentlemen out there, why not!? It's time to put your favourite lipstick shade to work, and say goodbye to your low self-esteem!

Can a 70 year old wear red lipstick? ›

Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, or even 60s, you can wear any shade of lip color you want as long as it makes you feel good about yourself. However, as we age, the skin on and around our lips changes, and the lipsticks that may have worked well in the past may no longer give you flattering results now.

What color lipstick should a 70 year old woman wear? ›

The best lipstick for older women is the one that suits her skin tone. If you are good with warmer tones, then your undertone is yellow. Therefore, your choice will be shades like scarlet, coral pink, orange, navy blue, brown, warm green, and cream.

Is red lipstick classy? ›

It embodies strength and womanliness in equal measures. Red lips are a classic but they're always on trend as well. They're at once classy and edgy, polished and elegant but unpretentious too.

What is the best lipstick for older woman? ›

Use Creme Lipsticks or Slightly Matte Lipsticks

And Super matte lipsticks for older women will be far too drying. A creme lipstick has the best chance of being a hydrating lipstick. Red Apple Lipstick makes some soft matte finish lipsticks that are very hydrating (see below).

What Colour lipstick is most seductive? ›

1. Red Rules. Among all the lip shades, crimson shade holds the guys' eyes for longest. This is because this hue is linked to a strong reward which attracts the most.

Does red lipstick make you look younger or older? ›

Researchers say bright red lips and rosy cheeks could amplify the facial contrast and make women appear younger. Female faces also have greater facial contrast than men's.

What colour lipstick makes lips look bigger? ›

WEAR LIGHT COLORED LIPSTICKS

The same idea applies to makeup: when you wear dark colored lipsticks, it makes your lips look smaller. Wear lighter colors, and they automatically look bigger.

What lipstick does Oprah wear? ›

Oprah's Favorite Things 2021 Include Bossy Cosmetics Lipstick.

What lipstick does Anne Hathaway wear? ›

The product behind the pout is none other than Armani Beauty's Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick in color 500. Retailing for $38, Sephora describes it as a "hydrating matte liquid lipstick that delivers intense, velvety color with a rich and creamy texture, for lips that feel as luxurious as they look."

What lipstick did Adele wear on Oprah special? ›

If anyone saw the interview with Adele on Oprah then you saw the beautiful peachy nude matte lipstick she was wearing. It was a stunner of a color!

What was Queen Elizabeth's lipstick? ›

clarins Clarins Ever Matte Compact Powder

Queen Elizabeth was famously crowned wearing Clarins cosmetics, after commissioning the company to create a shade of lipstick that went with her coronation robes. It's rumoured that its Ever Matte powder was among the Queen's must-haves.

Why was red lipstick scandalous? ›

Until lipstick was popularized in the early 20th century, red lips were often associated with morally dubious women: impolite, sexually amoral, even heretical. In the Dark Ages, red lips were seen as a sign of commingling with the devil.

Did Queen Elizabeth wear red lipstick? ›

The colours used in Queen Elizabeth's make-up had to tone with the Coronation regalia, and the Robe of State was a very rich red. The late Queen consequently wore a bespoke lipstick by Clarins in a classic, rich red.

What lipstick does Sofia Vergara wear? ›

Luckily, there are similar versions available online, including the Armani Beauty Lip Power Satin Long Lasting Lipstick ($45) and the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick ($35). Always the self-promoter, Vergara also donned a pair of puce-colored glasses from her Foster Grant x Sofía Vergara collection.

What is Peggy Carter's lipstick? ›

Agent Carter Approved

She was looking for a signature lipstick for Peggy Carter and found Red Velvet to be the perfect fit. Especially since the show took place in 1946! Hayley Atwell wore Red Velvet throughout the run of Agent Carter and even tweeted about her love of the lipstick!

What lipstick does Lady Gaga use? ›

HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Lip | Sephora.

Should a 50 year old wear red lipstick? ›

The key to wearing it at 50 is all about finding the right texture and shade according to your skin and complexion. Generally, fair ones look best with a blue-based red lipstick, warmer tones look best with an orange-based red. And women with very dark complexions look fantastic with bright reds.

Who does red lipstick not look good on? ›

Many seem to think that red lipstick does not look nice on them. This is completely wrong, because there's a shade of red out there for everyone. If you have olive or yellow-toned skin, warm-toned, orange-y reds will look great on you. If you have red or pink-toned skin, blue-based reds will look great on you.

Do guys find red lips attractive? ›

Earlier explorers from the University of Rochester in New York have already scientifically confirmed that women in red attracts men's attention most of all.

What eyes to do with red lips? ›

Eye Makeup To Pair With Red Lipstick Shades

Red lipsticks look best with neutral colors so there's no clashing. Try warm or cool shades of brown paired with golds, champagne, even bronze shades to give that glam factor. Black and grey shades are also perfect to pair with a red lip and a very glam look.

How do you master the red lip? ›

Apply foundation to your lips—it lets the red color ring true. Then add lip liner, which works with the foundation to make your color last; it also prevents the red from bleeding into fine lines around your lips. Use a shade that matches your lipstick or gloss (try Quickliner for Lips Intense).

How do you wear red lipstick after 40? ›

A. Red lips after 40 depend on a few things. If you have tiny lips, red is only harsh and creepy, and try to wear a deep matte red. If your lips are thin or shrinking and you want to wear red, try using a warmer, lighter red with a bit of shine.

Am I too old to wear lip gloss? ›

You're never too old for a gloss, says Wendy. “Lip glosses are wonderful for all ages as they give the appearance of youthful lips which, in short, means plump and hydrated with no fine lines,” she says. “Lip glosses can make the lips look fuller.

What is the Tiktok lipstick color theory? ›

"One person has a more golden skin tone, this brings out more of the red within the lip colour making it look warmer. "Whereas, on the other person, their skin tone has more of a rose undertone, which brings out the blue and making the lip colour look more mauve or purple.

What is the red lipstick novel about? ›

Struggling with such existential questions, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, eminent transgender activist, awakens to her true self: She is Laxmi, a hijra. In this fascinating narrative Laxmi unravels her heart to tell the stories of the men-creators, preservers, lovers, benefactors, and abusers-in her life.

Is red lipstick a symbol of feminism? ›

There, golden tubes of Arden's red lipstick were handed out to suffragists as a symbol of female empowerment. From that moment onward, red lipstick became an unofficial symbol of the suffragist movement — at least for white women.

What does red lipstick symbolize in movies? ›

When you see a character put on red lipstick in a movie, that usually means that something really important is about to go down in the plot.

What colour lipstick is most seductive? ›

1. Red Rules. Among all the lip shades, crimson shade holds the guys' eyes for longest. This is because this hue is linked to a strong reward which attracts the most.

Why is red lipstick seductive? ›

Scientists have found that red lipstick draws attention to the mouth, most notably from the opposite sex. Red lipstick has always been associated with power and strength, making it an attractive colour to wear. It is seen as a bold , feminine, yet daring and powerful colour.

Is red lipstick promiscuous? ›

Wearing red lipstick indicates that you have genitals that are super aroused (the labia gets darker as you get more excited.) That explains why, for much of history, red lipstick in particular was associated with prostitutes — though it was also associated with some other sexy-seeming women.

Does red lipstick attract guys? ›

Earlier explorers from the University of Rochester in New York have already scientifically confirmed that women in red attracts men's attention most of all. It's no secret that red is the color of passion, love, energy, courage.

What does red lipstick say about a person? ›

Red lipstick

It's a colour that you can wear from the ballrooms of the Ritz to the bohemian seediness of Paris' Montmartre. In short, it's the colour of a woman who is fun loving, passionate, energetic, independent and extremely adaptable.

Why do Latinas wear red lipstick? ›

“Red lipstick has such a symbolic importance with influential Latina women like Selena Quintanilla, Jennifer Lopez, Celia Cruz, Frida Kahlo and many more that have used bright red lips to represent their confidence and feel empowered in their life and work. Red lipstick brings out the fierceness and femininity.”

What do guys think when they see red lipstick? ›

The men in the study, when questioned later, said they tipped more because they found the women with red lipstick to be more attractive.

Why do Chinese wear red lipstick? ›

Wearing red lipstick is an ancient tradition has many different meanings. In Chinese culture, the color red symbolizes good luck, prosperity and vitality and is often worn by brides on their wedding day.

What did red lipstick mean in ancient Greece? ›

In Ancient Greece, prostitutes often wore red lip paint (made out of ingredients such as red dye and crocodile feces). Eventually a law was passed that allowed punishment of prostitutes if they didn't wear red lipstick, because it was thought that they were trying to pretend they were ladies.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 5839

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.