Red lipstick is a classic makeup element, and also one of the most intimidating. So, we have put together a fool-proof guide to choosing and applying red lip colour. Here are all the possible mistakes you could be making with your red lipstick and how to correct them.
Prepping the lips incorrectly, be it with a balm that’s too heavy, or by not moisturising the lips at all
Red is a really pigmented colour, so there’s always a danger of it making a mess if it’s too slippery and creamy. That’s why you can’t use a very heavy or oily lip balm before applying it. But, not prepping your lips before putting on red lipstick is also a bad idea. So, what you should do is hydrate the lips with a thick cream like Nivea. This will make sure the lipcolour doesn’t dry your lips out, but will also not make your lipstick move.
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Not factoring in your undertone while choosing your shade of red
Image credit: Stuti Bhattacharya
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.
Not layering the colour and not pushing it in, either by patting on the lipstick from the bullet, or pressing it in with a lip brush
Image credit: Stuti Bhattacharya
Dragging the lipstick over the lips while applying it straight from the tube is how we have been taught to apply lipstick, but these swiping motions don’t allow the product to get deposited properly. Not using a lip brush also leaves more room for error, because you can’t fill in the lips without colouring outside the lines.
So, the correct method of applying red lipstick is different. Ideally, you should apply a layer of colour first with a lip brush. Then, press it in with your fingers and blot with a tissue before applying another layer. Then, pat on the lipstick by pressing the bullet onto your lips. This helps push the colour in.
Not using a lipliner, or using it in the wrong order
Did you know that many makeup artists use lipliner AFTER lipstick while applying red lipstick? First they create a rough blueprint by filling in the lips with lipcolour, and then, depending on where the lines are not sharp, or where the lip looks uneven, they apply lipliner to create a uniform outline.
So, while applying red lipstick, you must use lipstick first, and then take a second to look at your work, and go in with a lipliner to neaten and perfect the edges. If you apply it before lipstick, you’ll be left with a dark, red lipline once the rest of the lipstick comes off. Moreover, if you line lips first by following your lips’ natural border, your outline won’t be as perfect, unless you already have perfectly symmetrical, well-defined lips naturally.
Not going for an opaque and sufficiently pigmented formula
Image credit: Stuti Bhattacharya
Red is not a colour you look for in a sheer lipstick. Red is something that you want in a pigmented, opaque formulation. It’s a colour that is all about impact. So, the smart thing to do is to buy a pigmented, matte red lipstick which gives that saturated, rich colour. Anything with shine reflects too much light, and therefore weakens the intensity of the colour.
Not cleaning up the edges with concealer or not cancelling out redness with concealer
Image credit: Stuti Bhattacharya
Red lipstick can look a little off if you just throw it on without doing a little colour-correction. This is because something about the pigments in red lipsticks draws out the redness in your skin and makes it look blotchy. So, if your skin is already full of red pimples or rosacea, concealer is necessary.
Not only that, but red lipstick draws a lot of attention to the mouth area, so any patches of discolouration or the green tones created thanks to upper-lip hair, also get emphasised. Most people don’t know that this can be fixed with a concealer. In addition to making the skin look even, concealer also helps clean up the edges of your lips, so that the lines don’t look wobbly or messy.
Lead mage credit: Stuti Bhattacharya
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I'm an experienced makeup enthusiast with a deep understanding of cosmetic products and application techniques. My expertise extends to various makeup elements, and I'm particularly well-versed in the nuances of using red lipstick to achieve a flawless look. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed in the article and additional insights to ensure a fool-proof application of red lipstick:
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Prepping the Lips:
- The article rightly emphasizes the importance of proper lip preparation before applying red lipstick. Using a heavy or oily lip balm can affect the lipstick's adherence, while neglecting hydration altogether may lead to dryness. The suggestion to hydrate with a thick cream like Nivea strikes a balance, ensuring moisture without compromising the lipstick's longevity.
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Undertone Consideration:
- Understanding your undertone is crucial when choosing a red lipstick shade. The article provides valuable advice, recommending warm-toned, orange-y reds for individuals with olive or yellow-toned skin, and blue-based reds for those with red or pink-toned skin.
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Layering and Application Technique:
- The traditional method of swiping lipstick straight from the tube is challenged in the article. Instead, it advocates for layering the color with a lip brush, followed by pressing it in with fingers and blotting before applying another layer. This technique ensures a more even distribution and lasting impact.
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Lip Liner Usage:
- The article challenges common misconceptions about lipliner usage, suggesting that applying it after the lipstick can help achieve a more precise and uniform outline. This method allows for corrections and adjustments, ensuring a polished look.
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Choosing the Right Formula:
- Red lipstick demands a pigmented, opaque formulation for maximum impact. Matte formulations are recommended over sheer options, as they provide a saturated, rich color without compromising intensity.
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Concealer for Clean Edges and Color Correction:
- The article highlights the role of concealer in cleaning up edges and addressing skin redness. Red lipstick can accentuate skin imperfections, and concealer becomes essential to create an even canvas, especially for areas with red pimples, rosacea, or discolouration.
In summary, mastering the application of red lipstick involves thoughtful lip preparation, undertone consideration, precise layering techniques, strategic lip liner usage, choosing the right formula, and employing concealer for clean edges and color correction. Following these guidelines will help anyone achieve a flawless and impactful red lip look.
