How to Make Red Lipstick Look Classy Not Trashy

When you think of lipstick, the first shade that comes to mind is bright red. It's the iconic color seen everywhere from Hollywood stars to love notes sealed with a kiss. The reality is a bit less flashy, though. A bold statement can easily become a less-than-classy look if you don't execute it correctly. But, with a few tips, most people can pull off that vibrant red-lipped look.

Instructions

1. Make the commitment to your lips. Keep the rest of your make-up subtle. Red lipstick with bright eye makeup tends to lean more towards clown than class.

2. Take preventative measures. To avoid the color bleeding, giving you a trashy smudged look, place concealer around the borders of your mouth.

3. Take your lips into consideration. Red lipstick has a thinning effect on your lips. If you have ample lips, you can go with deeper shades of red. If you have thinner lips, try to tend towards the brighter shades.

4. Line your lips with your natural lip color. It's easier to match lip liner to your lip color than the exact shade of red lipstick you are using.

5. Give yourself time. Red lipstick gets all the attention. It's the first thing people notice on your face. If you don't have the time to apply it carefully, don't wear it.

6. Finish cleanly. Nothing ruins a look more than bright red lipstick on white teeth. Once your lipstick is applied, purse your lips around your finger and pull it out slowly. This removes any excess lipstick on the inside of your lips.