Wearing a red lipstick can be a bit intimidating. For my third installment of Princess Andi’s Holiday Guide for Sissies I want you to go bold this Holiday season. I am going to show you that any size lip can wear a red lipstick and look fabulous!
First you need to figure out your skin tone:
Why is this important. Because not all red is created equal. Not all shades of red lipstick will look fabulous on you. Does that mean you can’t wear it? Hell no! You just have to keep looking or you can continue reading and my tips will help you better understand the process and help you find the perfect shade that looks sexy on you!
What kind of complexion do you have?
Fair skin– Very pale skin that burns easily, usually have freckles. You don’t tan. Unless it is a spray on.
Light skin- Your skin burns but usually tans after that initial sunburn.
Medium skin- Your skin tans easily, you don’t get sunburn and you don’t have sensitive skin.
Tan skin– your skin complexation is either olive or tan. Your skin doesn’t usually burn and you tan easily. You might possibly look like you have a tan all year long.
Dark skin– your skin is dark. you don’t easily get a sun burn or don’t sunburn at all. Most people with dark skin have black or brown hair.
What is your skin tone? A quick and easy way for anyone to figure out their skin tone is to look at your wrist–take a good long look at your veins. If they look blue or purple you have a cool skin tone. If your veins look green– you have a warm skin tone and if you look and can’t determine the color this usually means you have neutral undertones and are a lucky bitch!!!! Because, this means most any color you try on will look fabulous on you!
How to pick a shade of red that suits your skin tone:
I want to say– there is no one right answer. I say try and try and try as many different types of red that you like. What makes you feel fabulous? Then buy it!
If you have fair skin– the rule of thumb is a blue- red lipstick. An orange- red for skin with warm skin tones and for those that are darker most of the time– any shade will look good on you.
I want to remind you that how you make up your face is very important when wearing red lipstick. Wearing a more subdued eye and face make up is the rule of thumb for wearing a red lipstick. Make sure to do your mascara with at least 2 coats on your lashes. I will repeat this again light on the eyes with make up when you are going bold on the lip!
Prepping your lips for red lipstick. You want your lips and skin to be well hydrated. Drink lots of water. This should be a daily thing for you. I suggest doing a lip scrub and start that a few days before you go out with your sexy new lipstick. You don’t have to pay a fortune for a lip scrub you can take some olive oil or coconut oil mix with brown sugar or white and then apply to your lips and take a toothbrush and rub across your lips. Do this once or twice a day- depending on your lips. This helps get rid of dry lips. You want smooth , hydrated lips for a bold red lip.
The size of your lip should not deter you from finding your favorite red lipstick. Full thick lips, skinny barely there lips and anywhere in between lips can pull off a beautiful red lipstick. The one thing a skinnier lip needs to remember is they should go for a less deeper red because they do tend to make lips look smaller. Don’t let that scare you! I promise you with the right shade of red and doing the rest of your face will make you look fabulous! For thinner lips, experts suggest a red with pinkish or orange undertones.
To apply red lipstick:
I suggest not using a lipstick liner unless, you are using the exact same color as your lips or a natural/ neutral color that goes nicely with your natural shade of your lips.
Use a lipstick primer. You also can use foundation especially, around the corners of your mouth to help prevent your lipstick from bleeding. I also recommend a good lipstick brush for applying your lipstick. Take your time in applying your lipstick. Look in the mirror to make sure you don’t have lipstick on your teeth.
Now for the reds:
There are red lipsticks made to fit everyone’s budget! I really want to emphasize going to the make up counter and trying it on. Or if you are not to sure, order from Ulta they have a very generous return policy. One of the many reasons that I love buying my make up from them!
Revlon makes Ravish Me Red and Really Red.
I love retro mac lipstick! If you want to go for a Matt lipstick don’t hesitate to check out Mac. I suggest Russian Red, Ruby Woo and Dangerous. There are so many others I could recommend. Please go check out the many beautiful shades of lipstick Mac has to offer and decide which one you like the best!
Too Faced offers a long lasting lipstick called lady balls I had to share because I love the name and the shade.
Here is my personal go to long lasting red, I personally wear: Beso by Stila I love how this lipstick stays on and once I apply it I rarely have to reapply it. It stays on that good!
There is no excuse for not wearing a red lipstick this holiday season. There are lots of red lipsticks out on the market today. Now that you understand what to look for when it comes to choosing a red to go with your skin tone– all you have to do, is spend a little time to find your perfect shade! You are so worth it and you are going to look fabulous! Meow!
Princess Andi
Some long lasting lipsticks are better then others. You just have to find out what works best for you. Me personally, I love the Stila long lasting lipstick in Beso. Some people say it does not last long on them but for me; Once it is on and dry. It is on and stays on for hours. Through drinks, dinner and dancing. It is very rare that I need to reapply it. But I don’t use a lipstick primer with it or it will not stay on.
I suggest looking at reviews of lipsticks you are interested in. You can always ask for a sample or go to the make up counter– try it and see for yourself before you make your purchase.
Hee hee I would love to see one of those pictures! Thanks Petey Cream Puff.
What type of lipstick can a person use so one does not have to keep reapplying it.Thankyou Mistress Andi for another educational and fun post.
I’m using dark red/burgundy lipsticks along with plum shade. My masseuse told me with my skin tone that’s best shade as some reds turn orange because of my skin complexion. This past Friday she put foundation/pink blush and the dark red/burgundy lipstick on me with the plum shades. She took 3 pictures all made up and dressed before my waxing and said to keep it on while she waxed me. With her taking pictures she can hit send anytime as I’m now her cream puff girl and have to do whatever she wants/asks.
I love that idea. Cocksucker Red. Thanks, Alexis! I appreciate your comment.
Red is a classic lipstick color for a reason, but is it not just everything in winter? In many places where snow is commonplace, a gorgeous deep shade of red against that clean polar backdrop is enough to turn any head. It’s basically the equivalent of fire and ice. Somehow they just go together. Now if LDW could just manage to patent ‘cocksucker red’ as a color, that is a legacy that would go on forever. Frankly, I think it would be hard to wear that color and NOT look fabulous.
Hello that is a wonderful suggestion! Thank you for adding to the discussion Amber. You made a very good point and I appreciate it.
Red lipstick is the business! There’a really no better way to make a statement or give yourself an instant makeover. This was a very informative blog but there’s only one thing I would suggest that you did not mention. To really make the color pop and look the best for the wearer, any removable teeth staining should be addressed. No need for expensive treatments at the dentist. It’s as easy as getting a box of whitening strips, incorporating a whitening toothpaste into the daily routine and watching out for the common culprits that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, berries, wine and smoking. Drink through a straw whenever possible and brush your teeth after teeth-staining food or drink.