The perfect red lip. Alright, I’m not going to say I’ve captured it here but I’ve done it before. Like, a lot. I LOVE a good red lip. Whether is for a fancy night out, holiday party, unexpected pop with an otherwise casual look….. I’m into it. So I’m sharing my top three tips on how to get YOUR best red lip – and if you’re not a red lip gal, these principles really apply for any bold lip color you are going for (oxblood for fall anyone?!)

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1.FIND YOUR RIGHT RED

Not all reds are created equal, and not all reds look great on everyone. Skin tones COMPLETELY matter with the red that looks best on you so be aware and try out all the varieties to find your match. Fair complexions are typically more complimented by blue or pink undertones in a red, so try to find something in that range.  Light complexions that have an undertone of yellow, look for a red that has some hint of orange in it, it will totally brighten up your skin. For medium skin tones, you get to enjoy your pick, depending on the look you are going for, but be sure to try it before you commit and see how each compliments your skin. For olive skin tones, a brick or rust red typically is best. Caramel complexions should trend towards a true cherry red to pick up the best colors. Deep complexions enjoy the options again, if you want bright go for the orange undertone, if you want something darker go for the blue/brick undertones. Got it?

2. LINE EM’

When it comes to a bold lip, lining them is key. Using a lip liner will not only help shape your lips well and create a defined line, it will also keep the color from bleeding throughout the day (and you eventually looking like a clown). Anytime I’ve forgotten to line or said nah, I have completely regretted it later when I look in the mirror and my lips are doing some strange ombre look around the line of them (not good ombre). Find a near match for the lipstick, line them well and draw in the lips a little with the liner so that if your lipstick starts to rub off you aren’t stuck with a liner only look.

3. ADD A LITTLE DEPTH

Though I don’t use this trick every time if I want a matte solid look, I do like trying this occasionally to up my lip game. Do your lips as you normally would with the liner and lipstick, then find a color a shade lighter (if I have nothing sometimes I use a pink I have) and dab a little bit on in the middle of your lips. Smooth the color out to blend and oooo girl doesn’t that look nice. It creates a little more depth to your lip look often making your lips look fuller.

 

PRO TIP: The finger trick (that sounds and looks a little risqué so don’t do this in front of people). This trick is crucial for not getting the whole lipstick on your teeth thing (which is REAL people). Put your pointer finger in your mouth, tighten your lips as if sucking a lollipop and then slowly pull your finger out (again I know that sounded way more scandalous than I meant but it is what it is). This will help get the lipstick that may have wandered too far back on your lips off, which keeps it off your teeth. Do this until you notice no more lipstick is coming off and you are set!

 

What is your go-to bold lip? Will you rock a red?!

 

XO,

JESS

 

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