Sunday, January 9, 2011

How to Choose the Right Red Lipstick

I love red lipstick and believe anyone can pull it off.  The secret is in finding a shade that won't make you look like a circus clown freak!

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--- CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR ---
For Fair Skin Tones, choose apricot, pink, or coral-red with a hint of blue undertones.  For Medium Skin Tones, choose rose, mauve, or cranberry-red with a pink base.  For Dark Skin Tones, choose brown-red, plum, or wine.  A color that suites All Skin Tones is primary red (think London Trollybus).  So if you happen to come across that color, snatch it up!

My personal favorite is NYX Lipstick in Snow White.

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--- TIPS & TRICKS FOR A PERFECT POUT ---
  • Test lipstick on the pad of your fingers instead of the back of your hand - It's closer in texture and color to your lips.  

Don't forget!  Lipstick should match the skin and hair, not the outfit.

  • Exfoliate your lips using a soft toothbrush then hydrate them with a thick lip balm - I prefer the plain old Chapstick Original.  Another good exfoliator is Mary Kay Satin Lip Set.
  • Apply foundation or face powder as a base for your lipstick.
  • Outline your lips with lipliner.  This helps define your lips and helps lipstick last longer.
  • Apply lipstick with a lip-brush, wait 2-3 minutes, blot and re-apply (repeat if necessary).  This allows you to build color and also helps the color stay on longer. 
  • Dab lip gloss from the center to the outer corner of your lips to help prevent the color from smearing.


What do you think of red lipstick?  Do you have a favorite?  Do share!

33 comments:

  1. haha, good post. i LOVE lipstick of all crazy shades, especially red! my fave red lipstick is l'oreal's "british red." :)

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  2. This is sooo freaking useful! Personally, I have always been quite intimidated by lipstick (besides for costumes!) and red was definitely not an option! But now I think I actually might give it a whirl. Thank you for the great post :)

    Whit
    whitspeaks.blogspot.com

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  3. oh, oh, I LOVE red lipstick :)


    thank you so much for the tips! i need to get a new shade pronto!

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  4. I love red lips. I don't have a favorite lipstick, but I love to wear it.

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  5. I haven't found a good red yet! I'm a little safe and stick with nudes and pinky nudes until I find my "red" :) My favorite brand for lippies is Too Faced right now.

    Great tips! "Lipstick should match the skin and hair, not the outfit." So true!

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    Ass: Magno Oliveira
    Folhetim Cultural

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  7. @ Kat - I've never tried that one. I'll have to check it out!

    @ Whitney & Sarah - If you try it, please post pictures. I'd love to see! And the good thing about using the lip brush is that you have control of the color instead of going full, deep RED.

    @ Lady Sophia's Lover, Sam I Am, & Onemixdbag.com - Hope you ladies find your perfect color!

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  8. Hey! I'm a new follower from More Love Monday. Great blog. Can't wait to continue reading.

    www.theelephantstrunk42.blogspot.com

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  9. I wish I wish I could wear red lipstick. I might have to try your advice. I'm so fair skinned I think bright colours just make me look un-well. But, you know, your guidance is giving me hope!

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  10. Thank you so this! I have been needing advice on which color of red would look best with my skin. Sadly not very many people wear red lipstick where i'm from so people give me funny looks when I wear it... I think they're just jealous though ;)

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  11. Great tips!
    Found your blog from Kate's more love hop.
    my new blog -
    http://www.dont-worry-bout-a-thing.blogspot.com

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  12. I have always loved more of a burgundy than a red lipstick. But then being dark skinned those tones look much better on me than a bright red would.

    This is my first time visiting your blog just found you on For the Love of Blogs.

    joy & blessings,
    alida

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  13. A red lip is my absolute favorite accessory that I don't wear enough! Its so classic and beautiful!

    I hope you are having a fabulous Sunday!

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  14. cute! just fyi, i gave you a blogger award, you should go check it out!

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  15. hi there- had to follow you along when I saw your blog title! please follow me back on Monday's blog hopathon!
    laura

    http://imnotatrophywife.blogspot.com

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  16. oh my goodness this was so helpful. Im totally in a need of finding the right lipstick colour! its like you can read my mind:p hahah.. lovely! what colour do you think would match me? and do you have any tips for a certain brand? or doesnt matter?

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  17. I've always wanted to wear red lipstick, but picking the right tone has been the most difficult! Plus, I have red hair, so I always felt that it would look strange. I will remember what you said though and give it another try. Great tip about testing on your finger and not your hand. Thank you!

    AubrieAnne @ http://whosyoureditor.blogspot.com/

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  18. Nice post - I love red lipstick. My favourite would have to be Mac ruby woo, but Rimmel alarm is a good cheaper alternative! Sally x

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  19. Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Oh how I so often miss that step. Thanks for the reminder!!

    Happy Monday Darling! xo

    Oh, and have you checked out my $75 EmersonMade GIVEAWAY yet??

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  20. @ Lauren - Thank you for visiting my blog. :D

    @ Sarah - I'm sure you can pull off red lipstick. Dita Von Teese is very fair and she pulls it off beautifully.

    @ Kelsey - Haha. Yeah, red is a pretty bold color. It's hard not to get noticed. I agree, they're probably jeals. :D

    @ Linsey - You're too sweet. Thank you so much for thinking of me! Check out your little blog mention in the post below!

    @ Cylia - I actually think NYX Lipstick in Snow White would work for you also. We pretty much have the same skin complexion.

    @ AubrieAnne - I'm sure you can find a shade that would compliment your red hair. Coral-Red would probably suite you the most. You should check out Christina Hendricks.

    @ Sally - I've never tried Rimmel but I've read that it's good. Thanks for recommending it.

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  21. @ Jen - I've just entered! Hope I win. Hehe.

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  22. i love love love red lipstick!

    katslovefashion.blogspot.com

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  23. I feel like I look awful in all shades of red lipstick...but I mostly wear gloss so it might just be the lipstick itself

    <3, New Follower

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  24. I LOVE red lipstick! BUT I have a hard time wearing it well, I rarely dress up any more. I have an EXTENSIVE collection of mac makeup, I used to get dolled up every day. I think I need to start doing that again! AND I never thought of testing a shade on your fingertips instead of on your hand.. Good tip! Thanks for always leaving such sweet comments on my blog! Have a great day doll!

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  25. Yay, you are awesome!! I will ship your little owl out tomorrow! :) xo

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  26. @ Tanya - Thanks for following my blog. It's great to have you here. I just visited yours and want to congratulate you on your pregnancy. Hope all is well. :)

    @ Gwiddle - No problem. Good luck with all your resolutions! :D

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  27. hi! im your newest follower :) i love lipstain. my ultimate favorite lipstain is covergirl sassy mauve. its the perfect amount of color for my olive skin :)

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  28. Hey Grace! You won my giveaway, I emailed you earlier, hope you got it:) congrats hun!

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  29. mmm, i always love a good red lipstick!

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  30. This is great! I'm trying to figure out this whole red lipstick thing right now. My personal favorite is Mac's Ruby Woo, but I think I need to try out another shade too.

    Anyway, I'm visiting from FTLOB Comment Day...love your blog!

    xoxo,
    Joelle

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  31. It is very helpful discussion here for those who are finding it difficult for many to choose the right color...the skin tone consideration is very important.It is also to note that the lip color liner should not be too dark as to be prominent over the lip color.

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