Nothing makes a statement quite like a red lip. And there’s no better time for this classic makeup look to shine than December, so why not learn how to apply it perfectly?
While we’re usually advocates for nude lipsticks when planning on eating and drinking (it is Christmas after all), you can still get away with a fade and smudge-proof bold colour with the right tips and tricks behind you. And the help of an excellent red lipstick formula, of course.
Watch the video above to see Lara Srokowski, Director of Artistry for Lancôme Australia, share her best tips or follow our easy how-to below…
#1 Prep your lips
Ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated is a crucial step for lip colour that lasts. If you’re experiencing any flakiness, try a scrub like Burt’s Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub ($11.49 at Chemist Warehouse), or even just some gentle buffing with a toothbrush will do the trick. Follow with a hydrating balm or lip priming product, such as the Dermal Therapy Lip Balm Original ($5.49 at Chemist Warehouse). Better yet, get yourself a 2-step pack like the SpaScriptions Exfoliating Pink Grapefruit & Soothing Mango Lip Therapy Kit ($17.99 at spascriptions.com.au).
#2 Line lips with a red lip liner
For a crisp edge that also acts as a barrier to stop colour bleeding, apply a lip liner in a similar shade or slightly darker than the lipstick you’re using. Keep your mouth relaxed to ensure an accurate outline.
bh loves: Mavala Switzerland Lip Liner Pencil in ‘Mystique Red’ ($14.95 at mavala.com.au) and ulta3 Longwear Lip Liner in ‘Ruby’ ($4.95 at ulta3.com.au).
#3 Fill in your lips with the same red lip liner
Once you’re finished with the outline, use the same liner to fill in the lips too. This will help to increase the longevity of your overall lip colour.
#4 Apply red lipstick
And now you’re finally ready for lipstick. For an extra polished finish, apply with a lip brush. To ensure you don’t get any on your teeth, pop your pointer finger inside pursed lips, and then pull out to catch any unnecessary colour.
#5 Blot and reapply
For extra longevity, blot your lipstick gently with a tissue. Then, reapply a second coat.
#6 Use a concealer brush and concealer to tidy up around your lips for a flawless finish
This step can also help to define the cupid’s bow. And if you don’t want to stop there, add a dusting of highlighter too.
bh loves: Real Techniques Expert Concealer Brush ($12.59 at Amazon) and EcoTools Ultimate Concealer Duo ($20 at Amazon)
Here are a few of our members’ favourite red lipsticks:
M.A.C Lipstick in ‘Russian Red’
“I’ve used the matte lipsticks in MAC’s collection, and I love how pigmented they are. They can be a little drying – so if you have dry lips you’ll need to exfoliate/apply lip balm first. One swipe is all I need with these lipsticks, and if you blot them, they’ll last ages. I can wear them for hours and even though the colour may fade a little – it’s still there! They have a lovely range of colours and one of my favourites would have to be Russian Red.” – jennkitty
$32 at Myer
Read more M.A.C Lipstick reviews
Revlon Super Lustrous™ The Luscious Mattes in ‘Cherries In The Snow’
“Cherries in the Snow is a bold shade! It has a creamy matte finish with a very mild sheen, but not enough to call a satin: I dislike flat, two-dimensional mattes. After eating, it leaves a stain of colour behind. As a bold lippy lover, I hate having patchy lips after a meal. If you’re prone to dry lips from matte lipsticks, this one feels creamy & moisturising.” – Misfortune8
$12.97 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Revlon Super Lustrous™ The Luscious Mattes reviews
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 2-Step Longwear Lipstick in ‘Red Infallible’
“This lippy is unstoppable! It’s very easy to use. One end features the lippy and the other holds a lip balm. I simply use the sponge applicator to dot on and smooth out the colour and then I allow it to dry before adding the balm. What I gain is unbelievably long lasting results. I get hours upon hours of use out a single application. I adore this lippy!” – MoonStone
$31.99 at Priceline
Read more L’Oréal Paris Infallible 2-Step Longwear Lipstick reviews
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
Main image: @nikki_makeup
Did you find these tips helpful? What’s your favourite red lipstick?
My current favourite reds and BH brands are RAWW Coconut Kiss Lipstick in Cool Cherry, The Organic Skin Co Lip Service in Ruby Red and their Cheeky Lips Pod in Lush. All fantastic true/ blue reds.
Some great recommendations Frenchy, I’m off to research them!
I’ve never really been comfortable wearing red lipstick. It’s just not my colour.
Thank goodness – Rose_P I’m with you. Pinks every day. I am positive there has not been a red lipstick created that I would be comfortable with.
Ooh, they used my review for Revlon Super Lustrous! I love a bold red lip. Rimmel Lasting Finish & Provocalips are also faves of mine.
Rimmel is such a great brand and doesn’t break the bank!
Cool toned red with some purple in it and cool toned coral. Love bright pop of colour in a good hydrating plumping formula, especially when wearing white a lot lately.
I love wearing red lipstick but mostly for special occasions!
I love red but with all the mask wearing I hardly wear any lipstick as it smudges on my mask -Roll on next year
Don’t mind wearing a red lip occasionally but I also know that it takes work, hence “occasionally” being the operative word. I did just buy another red lipstick + a matching liner from Eye of Horus that I’m determined I’ll wear on NYE (will be going somewhere special), so I’m willing to put in the effort where required & when I feel like it.
I like the look of red lipstick, but I’ve never been able to find the right red for me 🙁
Red lippie just doesn’t seem to suit me.
Red is just too bold for me. Pinks and corals are more my style.
I am taking notes
Antipodes have some lovely red shades. Remarkably Red, and Forest Berry Red are my favorites.
Great tips…
The model is beautiful and has great lips! Really great colour for her – a very polynesian pretty look. Love it! I love also the sounds of the lipstick being matte and would like to try that Lancome one out next time I’m in the shops.
I like the look of the eros one
I’m not very good with red lipstick, I lose it from the inner part of my lips and the bare part is very noticeable.
only at night for me
Good tips but when I wear red lippie it just seems to end up on my teeth
@chrystalage do you get red of excess lipstick on the inside of your mouth? Put your finger in your mouth to remove the excess lipstick.
Red lipstick is my go to colour. Love watching these makeup videos.
Red lipstick is not my colour
I love red lips. The Eros one looks really good.
Definitely going to try this out for Xmas lunch. Here’s hoping I get it right. Thanx for the great article.
I would add a couple more steps, which I find helps with longevity without using a very matte lipcolour. I blot with a tissue, reapply a layer of lippy and blot again. I find it works well with my creamier more moisturising red lippies.
I find bright red does not really suit my skin tone.
I just got no where to go!
I am not fan of bright red lipstick.
Great tips. I love red lippie as it is a quick and easy way to transform your look to glam.
Great tips for a red lip!
I used to wear Red lipstick on a regular basis. I find it high maintenance. I picked up two tips here that I will use. I wish I had those beautifully shaped lips like this model.
me too
Love red lips but always been a bit scared to do one.
I love wearing red lipstick as long as it has a cool undertone.
This! I stay well away from orangey reds!
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I love a good cool red lippy! I used to wear Jemma Kidd’s lippies but her brand was discontinued!
I alternate between light nudes and bold reds when I choose to wear lippy.
Great tips for red wearers! I don’t tend to wear red on my lips as it clashes terribly with my green eyes.
Good article and I am going to try these tips as I eat my lipstick too much.
Myself personally I prefer the Nudes or the Lovely Lipglosses that are out now.
Thank You BH for the Tip on keeping your lipstick 💄 on longer.
It’s hard to eat when you have lipstick because it can transfer really quickly
a wine glass is the worst as so much transfers to the glass
That was a helpful video and the coral is a pretty colour
Ooh I do like a nice blue red lippie
Don’t wear red lipstick as I don’t think it suits me.
I’ve never been comfortable wearing lipstick, it’s just not my thing
Pleased to see several other beauties share my “no red lipstick” attitude too. Reds look positively awful on me.
Most reds can not wear as they do not suit my colouring. Purples and cool berry and plums all the way for me. Deep pinks fab too
For me wearing a red lip would only be for a very special occasion.
I love Red Lipstick. I have a Maybelline one on the go at the moment.
I really enjoyed watching that video! Thank you for sharing it. Not sure if coral red would suit me, i feel like a darker red is better suited for me.
Gotta love MAC reds. Russian Red, Lady Danger and Ruby Woo shades always on rotation.
Good tips , I love red lipstick.
For years I’ve been searching for the perfect shade of red. Still hunting!