How to Update Your Red Lip for Valentine's Day

If we had to name a single makeup look that absolutely screams “Valentine’s Day,” it would be a no-brainer. Come February 14th, lips everywhere will be coated in a red lip color. Whether you’re getting ready for a hot date or a single girl’s night in, swiping on a red lipstick is the obvious choice. Of course, that does put you at risk of rocking the same makeup as everyone else in the room. We don’t blame you if you’d rather stand out from the crowd, but that doesn’t mean you have to deviate entirely from this beauty trend—just put your own twist on it. Don’t worry, we’ve already done the work for you and found six (easy!) ways you can update your red lip to totally transform this go-to look.

RED LIP UPDATE #1: COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES

Changing the size of your lips for a single day of the year may not sound feasible, but you just wait. With the help of a lip liner and your favorite red lipstick, it’s completely possible to create the appearance of bigger lips, temporarily, that is. First things first, pick up a matte lip liner, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner in Matte in Manhattan, and line slightly (subtlety is key in being successful with overlining your lips) outside your natural lip line. Then, fill in your lips using the lip liner to prevent any awkward fading throughout the night. When you’re finished wielding your lip liner, all you have to do is go over your work with a coordinating matte lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-ly in Love. Check out that plumper-looking pout!

RED LIP UPDATE #2: DEEPEN YOUR HUE

When you think of red lips, your mind likely goes straight to shades that resemble fire trucks and candy apples, but those aren’t your only options. To mix things up, opt for a darker, burgundy hue. You’ll fit in with all the gals sporting red lips, without looking like a complete copycat. Sounds like the best of both worlds to us! Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Stirred, for a deep red that’ll remind you of all your favorites ‘90s starlets. 

RED LIP UPDATE #3: SHINE BRIGHT

We’ve long been passionate about matte red lips, but that doesn’t mean you’re bound to making your lips matte on Valentine’s Day. Feel free to bring on the shine! You may not want to totally go to the opposite end of the spectrum—a.k.a. dousing your lips in glitter—at risk of covering your date in sparkling specks, but there’s no downside to switching to a lip look with lots of sheen. A glossy red lip, courtesy of the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Enamel Red, pairs perfectly with dewy skin and a dramatic highlight.

RED LIP UPDATE #4: CREATE AN OMBRÉ LIP

Just as we have no plans to stop our support of ombré hair, we’re pretty sure we’re forever fans of the ombré lip. For a look that’s sure to get a lot of love, pair a classic red lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in British Red, with a pretty pink, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Ballerina Shoes. Start by lining around the perimeter of your lips, shading in the corners for dimension, with a color that matches your red lipstick. Next, use a flat lip brush to apply the pink lipstick to the center of your lips. Then, apply the red overtop of where you lined your lips. To finish, blend any harsh edges with the brush for a seamless ombré effect.

RED LIP UPDATE #5: KISS-PROOF YOUR POUT

Did last year’s red lip smudge and smear all over your face—or worse—your date’s? Let’s not let that be a repeat occurrence. You have to learn from the past! To help make sure your red lipstick stays in place all night, even if you want to steal a kiss or two, the work begins before your lip color ever comes onto the scene. To prep for a vivid red, use a lip primer before proceeding. Then, you can follow with your lipstick as per usual. Opt for one with a long-wearing formula, like the L'Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Achieve, I Am Worth It, and I Don’t.

Once you’re all finished carefully applying your lipstick, it’s time to set your lip look. First, place a tissue over your lips. Then, dip a fluffy makeup brush into a loose translucent face powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Face Powder. Through the tissue, press the powder onto your lips. After that, you’re free to pucker up.

RED LIP UPDATE #6: KEEP IT SUBTLE

Who said a red lip had to be bold and vibrant? Switch things up by rocking a red lip balm and allowing your eye makeup to be the star of your Valentine’s Day look. They say a little goes a long way, and that’s certainly the case when wearing a sheer coat of red on your pout.

Looking for more ways to take your Valentine’s Day lip look up a notch? Check out our 5 Lip Hacks for a Pretty Valentine's Day Pout.