Red lips are always a favourite throughout the winter season. We’ve asked make-up artist Tori Harris to share her top five tips on how to perfect your red lipstick look.
Find a shade that suits you
One of the most difficult things when searching for the perfect red lipstick is to find the right shade for you. There is no right or wrong way on how to find the perfect colour as every shade looks different on different people. Not only is complexion a consideration but hair colour, the rest of your makeup and the natural colour of your lips. There are so many variables that a red tone can look great one day and not quite right on another. A top tip when shopping for the perfect red lipstick is to try the lipstick on your lips not on the back of your hand as the colour can look completely different because of the natural colour of your lips.
Don’t get too wrapped up with ‘I am fair so need a blue-red lipstick.’ I think most skin tones can pull off any colour. Whilst yes a plum red does look beautiful on darker skin an orange-red can too. It’s more important to get the vibrancy of the colour right for you. Overpowering colours, colours that are too bright or too dark can look too much on pale skin or washed out colours can loose their effect on darker skin. Unfortunately there is no rule book when it comes to finding a perfect red – the key is trial and error!
Glossy or Matte?
If you are considering red lipstick for the seasons ahead there are a number of things to consider then just the colour tone. What texture do you want? How are you going to stop it wearing off too quickly? Will you leave red lipstick on your loved one when you pucker up under the mistletoe? Matte lipsticks or stains can be a great alternative to glosses as they generally last slightly longer and don’t transfer as easily as glosses. MAC do a popular matte red shade – Ruby Woo or YSL have a great range of Glossy Stains Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres in a wide range of red shades which are perfect for a glossy look but leaving a stain underneath so you don’t have to worry as much about touching up.
The Perfect Application
Perfect red lipstick starts with prepping the lips, so use a lip scrub to remove any dead skin and an intensive moisturizing lip balm such as Elizabeth Arden 8hr Cream. Use a primer to prep the lips – this stops the lipstick from bleeding as well as creating a smooth base for the lipstick to sit on allowing for a more even finish. I recommend applying a red lipstick with an angled brush so that you are able to create a much neater line. Use the angle of the brush to perfectly draw in the Cupid’s bow before slowly working outwards to the centre while subtly filling in with colour. Blot and re-apply the lipstick a couple of times for long-lasting application.
To Complete the look
You’ll often read that you can only focus on lips or eyes. Sometimes, however, a bold red lip can need a smoky eye to balance it out. A bright colour can look too much on its own but with plenty of mascara or some subtle false lashes and a little eyeliner suddenly the makeup works better as a complete look. When going for a bold lipstick I tend to use less blusher and bronzer. Vintage styles feature a black flick and matte red lip or a more modern take is a soft brown smoky eye and glossy red. Strong, defined brows help to complete the look and balance the face.
Don’t forget
When wearing red lipstick don’t forget to touch it up. With some lipstick shades you can get away without touch frequent ups but red is more challenging. Red lipstick can end up on your teeth – in private make an O shape with your lips and place your index finger on your tongue then close your lips around your finger and slowly slide out your finger this will remove any excess lipstick. Finally wearing red lipstick requires confidence to truly rock it so don’t forget to smile.
If you would like to book a private make-up lesson with Tori Harris please visit her website for more information on her services www.toriharrismakeup.co.uk
