As the holiday season approaches, one beauty product you’ll always find in our bag is a red lipstick. Its classic and timeless allure always makes its bold comeback just in time for the season. IYKYK, the perfect red shade does exist. It just may take some time to find yours, but once you find your match it will become a staple to elevating any makeup look.
Whether you’re attending holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy get-togethers, a red lip adds a perfect pop of color and is sure to be unforgettable. Set the tone for the season with a classic red lip that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Bold, confident, and perfect for every holiday occasion—there’s no better time to bring out this timeless favorite.
Start with a Natural Makeup Look
Consolidate your makeup routine with an iconic red lip. With a complexion booster or soft glam foundation, it’s easy to elevate any look with a final red lip. This final step of your makeup routine will easily become the star of the show, so it’s important to keep other colors minimal.
When creating your makeup look, stick to soft blush tones and neutral eyeshadows. The goal when putting together a look is to stay away from vibrant tones and lots of warmth so the face doesn't look too busy. Trust us, you don’t want to distract away a red pout!
How to Pick the Right Shade of Red Lipstick for Your Skin Tone
There’s lipsticks and then there’s red lipsticks. From the warm-reds that instantly brighten your face to the deep-reds that add a little mystery to your character. One essential for the ultimate holiday glam includes a red lip and we’re here to introduce you to four iconic shades to add to your routine.
Meet your perfect match within the e.l.f. O FACE Satin Lipstick collection — the first step to finding the perfect shade begins with matching it to your skin tone and undertone. One pro-tip is to remember what works for one person might not work for another! If you have a cool undertone, the shade “No Regrets," is an ideal match for its blue-red shade that offers a rich, classic finish. For warm undertones, opt for a warm-red like "Own It,” a burnt deep red for a sun-kissed glow. If you’re looking for a touch of drama, reach for a deeper red shade, such as "Do Not Disturb" and "Spicy," which also beautifully complement darker skin tones.
Why Exfoliating Your Lips is Important When Wearing Lipstick
The secret to lips that look and feel healthy begins with exfoliating your lips. For an iconic red lip look — prepping your lips might add a few extra steps to your routine but they’re all worth an unforgettable pout. For luscious lips, prepping them helps to enhance your natural base, create a smooth canvas for your lipstick, and more importantly also safeguard your skin.
A key step to wearing bold lipstick shades is to exfoliate! Try our Sugar Lip Exfoliator to gently buff away and remove any dry, flaky skin. Next up after exfoliating it’s vital to lock in moisture with a hydrating lip balm. If you have some extra time to spare we highly recommend getting to know our replenishing lip mask to keep lips extra soft and ready that perfect red shade. A well-prepped lip always allows your bold, red pout to be the star of show.
How Do You Apply Red Lipstick Perfectly?
The essential to have on hand for any red lip adventure begins with a red lip liner. While a red lip can feel like a bold statement, it doesn’t have to be intimidating with the guide of a lip liner. Trust us, lip liners will become your handy friend in your application process by ensuring a smooth and flawless lip that stays in place.
When creating your perfect red lip, start by finding a lip liner that closely matches your red lipstick or one that is slightly darker in shade. Begin by outlining your lips to your preferred shape. This outline will help to act as a guide when you apply your red lipstick. Next, fill in the outline with your favorite red lipstick. The lip liner acts as a barrier to prevent any fall out and ensure your lip color stays in place, whether you’re wearing it all day or all night.
How to Make Your Red Lipstick Pop
Just like a cherry on top, the perfect finishing touch in our book often includes a lip gloss! Then again, it’s all about the look you want. If you’re looking for that classic, timeless Hollywood-inspired look, skip the gloss and let your red lips do the talking.
However, if you want to playfully amp up the look, top your lip color with a clear lip oil or red-tinted lip oil. Our lip oil formula delivers the ultra-glossy, high-shine finish you love, leaving a soft red tint that’s perfect for a festive look—almost as if it was made for the holidays!
Get Sharp, Clean Lipstick Edges with Concealer
What makes a red lip the closest thing to perfect? Polished and defined lines. The very last step to perfecting your look is to clean up the area. For extra precision and detail, you can use a Q-tip to clean up the surrounding area of your lips for a defined lip. We also like to reach for our concealer to sharpen the look and help prevent any smudging around the lips.
Before you head out the door, don’t forget to check your teeth for any stray color and finally blot any excess product with a tissue to prevent any transferring of makeup. In case you missed the answer to the festive season’s most asked question: What lip look should we be serving this holiday? A stunning red lip, of course! Bold, classic, and guaranteed to steal the show or even a kiss under the mistletoe!
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Lipstick:
Q: How Do You Apply Red Lipstick Perfectly?
A: In order to best apply red lipstick, we recommend following these six steps:
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Start with exfoliated, moisturized lips
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Apply a lip primer to create a smooth base
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Use a lip liner to outline and define your lips
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Choose a high-quality red lipstick that complements your skin tone
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Apply the lipstick from the center of your lips outward
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Clean up edges with a small concealer brush
Q: How to Look Good with Red Lipstick?
A: The key to making red lipstick look stunning is selecting the perfect shade that complements your skin's undertone. Cool undertones typically pair well with blue-based reds, while warm undertones shine with orange-based reds. Neutral undertones can often pull off both. Once you've found your ideal shade, practice is essential. With consistent practice, you'll master the application technique, ensuring your red lipstick looks flawless every time.
Q: Do You Need Lip Liner for Red Lipstick?
A: Yes, using a red lip liner with red lipstick is highly recommended to help the application process go smoother and easier. A matching lip liner serves as an essential tool in creating a flawless red lip look. It helps define the shape of your lips, prevents the lipstick from bleeding or feathering, and provides a base for the lipstick to adhere to, enhancing its longevity. By outlining your lips first, you create a precise boundary that makes applying the lipstick more controlled and accurate. This technique also allows you to slightly overline your lips if desired, creating the illusion of fuller lips.
Q: How Do You Apply Red Lipstick Without Bleeding?
A: To apply red lipstick without bleeding or feathering, start by prepping your lips with a gentle exfoliation and moisturizer. Use a matching red lip liner to outline your lips, slightly overlapping the natural lip line to prevent bleeding. Fill in your entire lips with the liner to create a base for the lipstick.
When applying the red lipstick, start from the center and work your way outwards, using a lip brush for precise application. To further prevent feathering, use a small, angled brush with concealer to clean up the edges around your lips. With these steps, your red lipstick should stay put without any unwanted smudging or feathering.
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