I wrote this article on how to wear red lipstick a couple of weeks ago for "Best Things in Beauty", and with the holiday's upon us I thought I would repost it. Hope it inspires you to break out the red lipstick... Happy Holiday's Everyone!
VIVE LA ROUGE!!!
I love red, and nothing says “festive, and fun” better than a beautifully applyed red lip.The holdays are coming, and what better time to break out a racy red lipstick?
Many women shy away from red lipstick, but when applied correctly it is stunning, and makes a bold statement. Pair it with a gorgeous Little black dress, (or little red dress!) and you’ll pack a powerful punch.
Here are a couple of tips to help you get the most Vavoom out of your red…
Choose a color that works with your skin tone…
You Have Darker Skin and Darker Hair:
Choose a blue based red (try M.A.C Ruby Woo, or Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red). Darker hair and skin tones can support stronger colors without looking harsh. Also, the darker your skin the more color you will need or it will end up looking washed out on your lips.
You have Dark Hair and Pale Skin:
You can get away with some yellow/orange based reds (try Dolce & Gabbana’s Classic Cream Lipstick ) as long as they do not have very prominent undertones. And if you have pink tones to your skin the blue based reds work well for you as they are the “truest reds” (try Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick in Exces de Rouge, or Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick 14 Passion,)
You have Light hair and darker skin:
If you’re skin is golden brown, then reach for a yellow/orange lipstick first (try Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick Fire and Ice). However, if you have naturally dark skin and you have lightened your hair then don't be afraid to experiment with yellow/orange tones, but remember to go darker so it doesn't disappear when you apply it. Keep I mind, if your skin is naturaly very dark then you should try a blue-based shade first (try Russian Red by M.A.C,) and then see if you can find a good deep yellow/orange shade (try Jungle Red by Nars).
Keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum…
A precise line of liquid black eyeliner drawn close to the lash line and a sweep of mascara is really all you need to set off your gorgeous crimson lips. This look is timeless and oh so reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamour girls.
Set your pout….
To avoid having your color feather and bleed all over your face, napkin, and clothing and keep it on your lips where it belongs, try this pro makeup artist tip and your color will last for hours:
Apply your lipstick, then place a tissue directly on your lips. Dip a powder brush in loose translucent powder and dust over the tissue. Just enough powder will transfer thru the tissue to set your lipstick. Re-apply one more coat, blot lightly and you’re good to go!
Remember, it’s all in the attitude and wearing a red lip screams “sexy, seductive, siren”. So be bold, have fun, and wear your red with confidence!
over the models entire faces for a super flawless finish. No mascara, blush, or eyeshadow. I then added a bright "pop" of color to the girls lips using 
in "Love Forever", a bright fuschia, and "Good to Go" a deep, vibrant Orange, and that was it. 
Below are a few of his pro faves....
. 
, and 
to give her skin a gorgeous sheen and radiance, without looking like she was wearing tons of foundation.
on her cheekbones, under her brow bone, and on the inner corners of her eyes as a light reflecting highlighter.
to top and bottom lids to add depth and density. I lined her eyes with 
, and swept 
in Black on her lashes. I then used a small angle brush and dark shadow to fill in between the lashes, and give them extra definition. A soft and subtle way to pump up your lashline!
to give them a subtle peachy glow, and I finished her look by slicking 
in Caramel Kiss on her lips, and topping it with 
to give her them a Matte/Nude feel. Gorgeous!!
