Even for those who are no strangers to makeup, red lipstick can seem bold — almost too bold. It has a high-maintenance rep, bringing it worries about smudging, transferring onto glasses, and beyond. But red lipstick can offer a lot: It has an innately festive vibe, especially around the holidays, and can make you look (and feel!) pulled-together and polished in a single swipe.

First, let’s start with the truth: The secret to wearing red lipstick is just to apply red lipstick — because the most important thing is that you like what you’re wearing. Easy enough, right?

That said, certain tricks, from the application to finding the best shade for your skin tone, can make the experience even better. Here, we asked makeup artist Misty Spinney to share her tips on making the most of a bold red lip for the holiday season — and always.

How to choose the right red

In general, you should align your lip color to your undertones. If you have warm undertones, for instance, consider a warm red hue, like the orange-red shade of Kosas Weightless Lip Color in Thrillist. For those with cool undertones, cool reds — think blue-red or pink-red shades, like Kari Gran Lip Whip in Suji — are your best bet.

(Not sure what your undertone is? Peep your inner wrist; if your veins are blue, you have cool undertones, whereas if they’re green, you lean warm. If you have both, you’re neutral, and the world is your oyster.)

However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule, so take it as guidance, not a must-do. (In other words, if you have warm undertones and love a pink-red shade, then go for it!)

And if you don’t feel like digging for the right hue yourself, we’ve got you covered with our 3-minute beauty assessment, which gives you customized recommendations based on your skin tone, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It’ll do the work for you.

How to apply red lipstick

If you’re a newbie — or are just looking for something more casual — Spinney recommends applying a quick swipe of lipstick and then blending it into a lip stain with your finger. “This will allow you to experience a bold hue without the full commitment,” she says. Here’s how to do it:

  • Apply one coat of your lipstick
  • Using the pad of your finger, tap it into the color, pressing it into the lips
  • Press lips together — that’s it!

Then, for a clean look,“line with a tad of concealer on the outside edge of your lips to hold as a barrier, so your lip hue won’t bleed or feather onto your skin,” she says.

If you’re pulling out all the stops for a big event, however, you can go the extra mile.  First, Spinney says, line your lips in a color similar to your lipstick of choice. “Apply lipstick, blot with a tissue — or kiss a piece of paper — then reapply lipstick over the residual stain you just blotted down,” she says. “This is a double layer for longevity.” Finally, she says, line the outside of your lips with a concealer.

If you’re looking for more precision, you can also use a dedicated lip brush to draw an “X” at the Cupid’s bow, following the line of your lips, and then blend in the color.

How to make the most of your lip color

Beyond the application, certain pro tips can level up your red-lip game, like making sure you don’t have any flakes or chapping, setting it with powder, and pairing it with the rest of your makeup. You don’t have to do them every single time you apply your red lipstick, but they can help you make the most of it when you have the time.

Exfoliate your lips

Flakes and peeling skin are not, in this case, the vibe. Use a lip scrub like Fitglow Beauty 3-in-1 Lip Scrubbing Mask to smooth and soften lips, prepping them for a seamless application. “Gently scrub your lips using small circular motions and remove with a warm washcloth,” says Spinney. “This will remove any loose skin and brighten your lip for a more even palette to apply color.”

Set your color

While two layers of lipstick will usually do the trick, you can incorporate one more step if you want all-day wear. “Lay a tissue over your lips and apply a translucent powder over the tissue,” Spinney says. “The powders will set through the small fibers of tissue, creating a soft set for your lip hue without altering the color.”

Balance your makeup

Balance is always key, so it helps to pare back the rest of your makeup. Plus, red lipstick is so powerful in its own right, so you don’t really need much else to make an impact.

“If you’re wearing a bold lipstick, it’s often best to keep your eyes fairly neutral,” Spinney says. “You could do a neutral smolder with bronze tones, a clean, liquid-liner cat eye, or even keep your eyes fully bare with just a touch of mascara.” She also recommends a monochromatic cheek tint with a cat-eye look for something that feels polished and sophisticated, but not over the top.

Ultimately, the best way to wear red lipstick is in whatever way feels right for you, whether that’s a swipe of a creamy lipstick or a multi-step process for a lasts-all-night look. Either way, it’s a bold move, and one worth celebrating.

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