How to apply red lipstick ?

Red lips are classic and can change your look in just minutes. It’s elegant and no matter what, will always be in style! If you’ve always had a tough time trying to get those red lips on, this tutorial will teach you how to apply red lips in just 5 easy steps. Once you see the breakdown you will find the simplified steps easier and be rocking the red lipstick at your next holiday party…perhaps this weekend 🙂

how to apply red lipstick?


 What you will need:

  1. Lipstick Primer (this will hold the lipstick longer)
  2. Exfoliator (if your lips are dry)
  3. Red lipstick
  4. Lipliner (make sure it matches the lipstick well!)
  5. Concealer
  6. Lip brush

 Step 1: Exfoliate and Prime

If you have dry lips you’ll want to give them a good exfoliating before applying any lipstick. This will help remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas to work with. You can use a mascara wand or tooth brush to do this. Next, apply a primer all over the lips.

Recommendation: My favourite is the Stila lip primer, as it neutralizes the lip colour and acts like a primer and foundation.


Step 2: Cupids bow

how to apply red lipstick?

Next, find a lip liner that matches well with your lipstick. The liner will prevent any bleeding and help the colour last. Make sure you have a liner that matches close to your lipstick. Your focus is making the top lip symmetrical and even. Start with outlining your cupids bow, the top area creating where the “arch”is. If you have one side that’s lower just draw the liner a bit higher to even out the lips.  Then line the centre of your bottom lip to give you guidance of the lip shape.


Step 3: Pencil all around

how to apply red lipstick?

Lightly trace the lipliner around your lips. This will give you the perfect outline and be ready for lipstick.


 Step 4: Apply Lipstick

how to apply red lipstick?

For more control, use a lip brush for application or you can apply the lipstick directly but make sure to start in the centre. If you decide to use a lip brush, use small strokes blending the lipstick around the middle area all the way to the outer area of the liner.

how to apply red lipstick?


 Step 5: Clean up time!

how to apply red lipstick?

Use a small amount of concealer to outline around your lips. This will give your lips a nice crisp look and also help prevent the lipstick from bleeding.


The Final Look:

Keep your focus just on your lips! Have a softer eye with a nude eye shadow, basic mascara and liner. Or else it can look too overdone and it’s better to have one focus on either eyes or lips.

Photos by Christie Graham

Products used for the tutorial:

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