How to wear red lipstick

Dramatic, chic and timeless – for a modern look that oozes glamour, red lipstick has it all. Here's how to wear it.

Red lipstick isn't just a look for red carpet celebrities. "It's a timeless classic and suits everyone," says Jamie Coombes, Dior's National Make Up Artist. Benjamin Rousseau, Lancôme's National Make Up Artist, agrees. "For me, red lips convey confidence and sophistication." So isn't it time to cast away your fears and reap the rewards of going into the red? It's as easy as one, two, three...

Step one: Find your shade

If you've dabbled unsuccessfully with red lipstick in the past, it's likely you picked the wrong shade for your skintone. Find the right shade and it can add glamour to any look, says Benjamin, whose rough guidelines below should help you find a flattering red lip shade:

• Pale skin

  "Pale skinned women should go for a red lipstick shade which has a blue or brown undertone," says Benjamin. "Try Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue in 132 which looks striking against fair skin."
  
  

  We also like:

  Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in 012, Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday and Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Revlon Red




• Olive to dark skin

  "Medium to dark skins are best suited to deeper reds, with brown or orangey bases," says Benjamin.
  
  

  We like:

  CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Excessive and Dior Addict Lipstick in Red Carpet.




• Dark skin

  "Dark brown skintones look dramatic with pinkish reds. Try Lancôme Le Rouge Absolue in shade 130," suggests Benjamin.
  
  

  We also like:

  No7 Poppy King Lipstick in Glamour and Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in 17

Step two: Wear it your way

Scared of getting it 'wrong'? Don't be. "There are so many ways to wear red lipstick," says Dior's Jamie Coombes. "Use it as a lip tint by applying it with your finger; add a gloss over the top for a vinyl effect, feather the lip edge with a clean brush to soften a strong colour or powder it through tissue to mattify the finish." The message: anything goes if you wear it with confidence. Red lipstick newbies may feel more confident applying theirs with fingers first, to create a non?scary buildable colour.

Step three: Flatter your eyes

"I prefer using more neutral tones on the eye with a bold colour on the lips, as this look is eternally chic," says Jamie. The alternative new look on the red carpet plays a little more adventurous, yet still subtle, teaming a delicate wash of gold or metallic bronze eyes with red lips. We've recently spotted Scarlett Johannson rocking the look, which complements the drama of a bold lip without looking too 'busy'. For a similar effect, try using Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeshadow in Nude Slip or Maybelline Expert Wear Mono Eyeshadow in Sparkling Gold.

Insider red lipstick tips

• Dark skin? Go for shiny lipstick to make a statement. "A lipstick with shine makes the colour stand out more on darker skin tones," says Benjamin.


• Prep your lips. "Preparation is key, as lips need to be soft and hydrated to keep that fabulous timeless red lip look," says Jamie. "Exfoliate lightly with a tooth brush after brushing your teeth and moisturise with a lip balm."


• Sallow skin? "Orange toned red lipsticks add warmth," says James.


• Brighten your teeth. "Any lipstick that has a blue pigment will give you an immediate teeth whitening effect," says Benjamin.


• Match your blusher. As a rule, keep your blush in the same colour family as your lipstick for a harmonious, eye–pleasing result.


• Prevent bleeding. "Begin by filling your lips with a lip liner first to help the lipstick texture to stay in place," says Benjamin.

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Lipstick
Make up
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