How to Wear Bright Red Lipstick

Many women wonder how to wear bright red lipstick. Nothing makes quite the same dramatic statement as red lips, yet choosing the right shade at the cosmetic counter can be intimidating. If you crave the bold and glamorous appeal of a siren pout, you'll need to learn how to wear bright red lipstick that flatters your skin tone.

Find a flattering shade of bright red.

Red lipstick has long been considered the most elegant and glamorous shade. Hollywood bombshells such as Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, and Gwen Stefani have made red lipstick their signature.

With little other makeup or accessories, red lipstick has the power to add instant polish, elude confidence and increase sex appeal. It's no wonder women reach for this vibrant shade more than any other color. Red lipstick is timeless, chic and is always in fashion.

There are thousands of shades of red lipstick on the cosmetic market, yet only a handful of tones will work on each individual woman. If you've tried bright red lips, yet have been uncomfortable or less than thrilled with the results, you may have worn a color better suited for a different skin tone. Rather than give up on this empowering shade, seek out colors that are recommended specifically for your skin coloring.

The following guide will help you find a bright red lipstick that will work on your skin tone.

• Fair skin: Fair skinned women look best in blue based reds. Seek out cool mauve or berry tones such as Yves Saint Laurent Exces De Rouge 523.

• Medium skin: Medium skin tones should seek out true reds or brown based reds such as Clinique Angel Red.

• Olive skin: Olive skinned women look best in fire engine reds. Seek out orange or yellow based reds with golden flecks such as Vincent Longo's La Prima.

• Dark skin: Dark skin beauties will find they look best in almost any shade of bright red lipstick. Seek out pink fuchsia or orange poppy reds such as Nar's Heat Wave.

Before you apply bright lip coloring, you'll need to prep the surface of your lips for a smooth and flawless application.

• Exfoliate: Always exfoliate the surface of lips prior to applying a bold shade of lipstick. A simple mixture of a tablespoon of water and a tablespoon of sugar can be applied in a circular motion on the lips to slough away dry lip skin.

• Hydrate: Prior to lining lips, hydrate the surface with a light application of lip balm.

• Line: Line lips with a lip liner that coordinates with your bright red lipstick. For a basic, wear with any shade of red lipstick, purchase a nude lip liner.

Once the lips are prepped, you're ready to apply your bright red shade. Make sure you keep the rest of your makeup simple, as to not compete with the bold statement of your red lips. A simple beige shimmery eye shadow, black mascara, and a rosy blush will compliment your makeup palette, yet keep the focus on your beautiful lips.

Tip:Red lipstick has the tendency to bleed, which is why a lip liner is so important. Make sure you check your pout throughout the day to make sure your red lips stay within the lines. In addition, keep red lipstick off your teeth by putting your finger into your mouth and pulling it out right after lipstick application. This will remove any leftover lipstick from the inner lip wall that may otherwise stain the teeth.

If you love the look of bright red lips yet can't seem to pull them off with confidence, you may be a better candidate for a lip stain. Lip stains offer diluted washes of color, yet are still available in a variety of red shades. In addition, some women find applying a bright red lip liner in lieu of lipstick works better for them. With less application woes and increased wear, a lip liner may be a better match for your needs.

No matter how you wear bright red lips or the shade you choose, you're guaranteed to feel glamorous and chic. Wear this color fearlessly!

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