11 Editor-Approved Tips for a Perfect Red Lip

In the beauty world, nothing is as powerful and transformative as red lips. Coloring lips red dates back to as early as 3500 B.C., when, for instance, royalty in ancient Mesopotamia used a mixture of crushed red minerals to pull off a stained lip look. To this day, red lips convey confidence, power, and sophistication—and with the vast range of shades in the crimson family, there’s a red lipstick to flatter virtually everyone.

However, to make your red lip really stand out, you’ll need to choose the right formula for your needs—and have the know-how to apply it properly. From the proper way to prep your lips to lining them, all the little nuances make a huge difference in the results. So, to help you master the timeless style, we’re sharing all our red lipstick tips and tricks so you can put your best face forward.

How To Find the Best Red Lipstick for Your Skin Tone

Choosing the perfect red lipstick depends on skin tone, undertone, the occasion, and unique preferences. Your skin tone is the overall depth of pigment in your skin and is typically classified as fair, medium, or deep. It can slightly change with the seasons (for instance, if you have a tan), though it typically remains more or less consistent over time. Undertone, meanwhile, refers to the underlying pigment of your skin—and unlike your skin tone, it never changes. 

The easiest way to determine your undertones is to observe the color of your veins on the inside of your wrist. A blue or purplish tint typically suggests a cool undertone, while a greener hue is indicative of warm skin. If your veins display both blue and greenish tints, you likely have a neutral skin tone.

Generally, you’ll get the most flattering results if you pick red lip makeup that complements your skin tone and undertone. However, if you want to skip the guesswork, you can also pick up a vibrant, neutral-toned red lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris. This classic red is timeless, bold, and flattering on just about everyone. If you prefer a matte lip over a shiny look, try a matte red lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris. 

11 Red Lipstick Tips To Try

Once you’ve found your ideal red lipstick, try to avoid the urge to just swipe it on—it may not last as well as you’d hoped. Instead, follow these tips and learn how to achieve the perfect red lip makeup look.

1. Exfoliate your lips 

If you’ve ever struggled to achieve flawless lipstick application—no matter the shade—you could be forgetting a very important step: exfoliation. Use a lip scrub and gently massage your lips to buff away any dead skin cells on your lips' surface. If you don’t have a lip scrub on hand, gently rubbing your lips with a clean, damp washcloth should do the trick, too.

2. Prime your lips 

After exfoliating, grab your favorite hydrating lip balm to help prime your lips and create a smooth base. Many lip primers help prevent feathering, which is essential for darker or more vibrant shades of red. Plus, a primer can enhance the color payoff of your lipstick.

3. Try different formulas 

Lipstick isn’t one-size-fits-all—different formulas have different benefits. Satin-finish lipsticks, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick, tend to feel creamy and hydrating and leave the lips with a subtly glossy finish. Matte lipsticks, meanwhile, lack shine—instead, they coat the lips in velvety (and often, long-lasting) color. For an ultra-matte look that won’t leave your lips feeling dry, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick or the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick. Both formulas are infused with hyaluronic acid and feel comfortable on the lips.

4. Always line your lips

A lip liner is essential to keep your red lipstick in place and prevent bleeding or feathering. To define your lips, trace the contours of your lips by following the natural lip line. Generally speaking, you’ll want to pick a lip liner that matches your lipstick for a seamless look. If you used one of the Le Rouge Paris shades mentioned above, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Le Rouge Paris—it’s the same shade, and ideal for those after a classic red lip look. Alternatively, you could use a lip liner slightly darker than your lipstick to help define and contour your pout—we love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner in Truly Burgundy for a bit of subtle definition.

5. Stay within your natural lip line

There’s a fine line (literally) between overlining your lips and going overboard. Don't stray too far outside your natural lip line when trying to achieve a more voluminous lip look. Instead, line just slightly outside the contours of your natural lip shape to help fake a plumper pout.

6. Accentuate your Cupid’s bow

Defining your Cupid’s bow can help make your lips look more plump and fuller. Take your lip liner and draw an X starting at the highest point of the center of your top lip, extending down on a diagonal from that point. Repeat on the other side of your top lip to create an X shape. If you don’t have a naturally defined Cupid’s bow, follow your natural lip line, only varying slightly outside the lines to create natural-looking definition.

7. Use a lip brush

If you want maximum color payoff, apply your red lipstick directly from the tube. However, if you want more precision or control over the color, you could also use a lip brush to help you build your look. Start at the center of your lips and work your way out to avoid accumulating too much product near the corners of your mouth. And take your time: Red lips are bold, and any color that strays outside of the lines will be fairly obvious (but if you do make a mistake, you can easily clean it up with concealer or makeup remover).

8. Add lip gloss

If you want to rock red glossy lips you’ll need to top your lipstick with a lip gloss or oil. We’re big fans of the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil, which adds glass-like shine and delivers up to 24 hours of hydration for smooth, plump-looking lips. Give your red lipstick a glossy finish with the Cristal Clear shade, or add a touch of dimension with a tinted gloss. Cherry Cherie is a great option for those after a brighter red lip, while Wine O’Clock is perfect for a slightly deeper, moodier crimson pout.

9. Keep the rest of your makeup neutral

When wearing a bold lipstick shade, consider keeping the rest of your makeup minimal and fresh so you don’t overwhelm your look with too many competing colors. A simple eye look in neutral shades and fresh, dewy skin will help your red lips stand out. Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule—you can wear any makeup with red lipstick. The key is to do what makes you feel the most confident.

10. Check your teeth

Before you step out the door with your perfect red lip, make sure your teeth look flawless, too. While we love the bold look of red lipstick, it’s highly noticeable if it ends up on your pearly whites. Fold a clean tissue in half, place it between your lips, and gently purse them together. This trick will help remove any lipstick from the inside of your lips.

11. Avoid rubbing your lips together

If your lips look a little too red or a touch too glossy, grab a tissue and blot your lipstick. Avoid smacking your lips together because this can smear your carefully lined edges and disrupt your perfect red lipstick look.

Next Up: How To Fake the Appearance of Fuller, Plumper Lips

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris