How to Look Good in Red Lipstick

Actress Evan Rachel Wood in red lipstick.

It's a misconception that only certain skin tones look good in red lipstick. The main problem is some women overuse the red, which looks bad against any skin tone. The real key is to use just enough lipstick to make the lips stand out.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Foundation
• Dark red lip liner

1. Apply powder foundation one shade lighter than your skin around your lips only. This will help make the red in the lipstick stand out.

2. Line the lips with a shade of red a couple of shades darker than the red lipstick you want to use. Line your lips a bit outside your natural lip line.

3. Apply the lipstick with a small brush. Start from the outside and blend the lip liner into your lips with the lipstick. Stop to observe how the lipstick looks on you. Use the brush to control the brightness of the lipstick, and take your time. Sloppy application of red lipstick could leave the corners of your mouth and your teeth spotted in red.

4. Use a touch of clear lip gloss to finish the lips. Always put a little concealer around your mouth.

5. What you wear can also draw attention to, or from, the lips. For example, red lipstick should not be worn with workout clothes, and it won't hurt to wear it with something red. Red lipstick also works best with light eye makeup.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the key to looking good in red lipstick is making the lips really stand out and to be moderate!

References

• Seventeen: Pull off Red Lipstick
• Real Simple: Easy Tips for Wearing Red Lipstick