Perfect the red lip: easy tips, tricks & stunning looks to try

Classic red lipstick will never go out of style. Here's how to pick the most flattering shade and apply it like a pro:

PICK THE RIGHT RED

Not all red shades are created equal so it is important to find a hue that flatters your skin:

• If your skin has a yellow undertone, go for a red lipstick with an orange or cherry undertone to brighten up the complexion, or you can wear a blue-based or true red shade if you are darker skinned with a yellow undertone.
• Fair skin tones with a pink or blue undertone should go for reds that have a pink base.
• If your skin has olive to caramel undertones, try brick red shades.

Tip: Translate your red lipstick for the evening by swiping on a deep crimson shade for an instant statement.

GIVE YOUR LIPS SOME TLC

Any bold lipstick shade can, especially ones with a matte finish, easily be ruined by flaky, chapped lips. Red lipstick enhances dry lips so ensure that you start with a smooth, hydrated base. 

Hydrate from within by making sure that you are drinking enough water every day and exfoliate your lips by performing a lip scrub at least once a week or when needed.

Make your own lip scrub

Lips scrubs need not be expensive; you can easily make one at home. A simple lip scrub always requires two elements, an exfoliating ingredient, such as brown sugar and an emollient or hydrating agent such as coconut oil or raw honey. Mix these ingredients together into a paste and rub onto your lips for a natural and affordable lip scrub solution.

Consider switching your lip balm

Let's put down the petroleum jelly and give our lips the proper love they deserve. As much as petroleum jelly or most lip balms feel hydrating at first, due to the formula's inability to properly penetrate the skin, you will end up reapplying and still having dry lips.

Opt for lip ointments or serums that are more lightweight, allowing adequate adsorption and packed with hyaluronic acid or nourishing oils.

THE EDGE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The way you choose to finish the edges of your lips when applying a lipstick is the deciding factor between a regal pout and a more effortless looking one.

If you want your lipstick to look more polished, start by using a lip liner to refine the edges before applying your lipstick.

Want to have a more playful finish to your lipstick? Ditch the lip liner and allow the colour to naturally feather at the edges.

4 FAB RED LIPSTICK LOOKS TO TRY

1. PUNCHY MATTE

Applied straight from the bullet onto the lips, intensify the colour payoff by using a lip liner over the entire lip before layering lipstick on.

2. POLISHED LINES

Create lips that look stamped with colour by using a lip liner to demarcate the edges and make lips look super clean and refined.

3. GLOSSED UP

Give red lips a bit of glam with a slick of clear gloss over a matte lipstick to create a vinyl-like finish.

4. BLURRED EFFECT

Blur out the edges for a cherry stained, youthful finish. Apply colour to the centre of the lips and press in colour with the fingertips.