Perfect Red Lipstick

Perfect Red Lipstick
When it comes to festive make-up, you could go traditionally in one of two directions: either sparkle, sparkle Blackpool ballroom on the Strictly Come Dancing final night, or a ruddy and Rudolph-inspired complexion, though in a not-too-literal-kind-of-way.
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Elizabeth McMeekin

Neither sounds particularly appealing.

Yet there's something about the joy of Christmas Day – all that yummy food, the presents and the general good cheer – that makes me want to dress up a little. I'm not talking full-on party dress, heels and a face full of heavy make-up, just something smart to mark the big day – a slick of red lipstick to be exact.

I can't think of anything more festive than crimson-red lips: it's a simple way to add Christmas cheer to any look. Paired with your normal day make-up, whatever that is, red lips instantly make you look dressed-up and ready for the party.No other colour gives that instant look of glamour and mystery.

A well-crafted mouth of red lipstick worn with the deceptively simple ‘little black dress’ is always an alluring combination.
How to Apply Red Lipstick But the question is “How do you find that perfect shade of red lipstick?”

Unfortunately, there are some who look tragic with violent red lips.

In the privacy of your own home, grab your digital camera and take some shots of yourself wearing your favourite red. A red lip is one of the most classic and visually stunning things you can do to your face (well, makeup-wise), and it’s perfect for the holidays. But the perfect red is hard to get right–and apply. From the color getting all over everything (your teeth, your glass, whoever you’re kissing) to choosing the right red for your coloring, it’s just one big pain in the ass. After sticking firmly to neutrals and the occasional fuchsia for years, I’ve recently been experimenting with reds and decided that some professional help was required.

Enter Tim Quinn, who is Giorgio Armani Beauty’s celeb makeup guru. He trained with Pat McGrath and has worked with the likes of Gwen Stefani (arguably the patron saint of red lipstick) and Victoria Beckham. His handiwork and words of wisdom have been featured in countless glossies, and I was lucky to snag him for a quick tutorial. Read on for advice on how to apply red lipstick, how to get it to stay on, and how to choose a flattering shade, just in time for all those holiday parties.

Tim’s Red Lips Tips:
-I like to apply lip liner all over–accent the outer edge well–and I prefer to use a nude pencil so as to not be too-too!!!

-Apply lipstick using a lip brush for more control and precise application. A touch of gloss adds a special shine. I like to blend the gloss with the lipstick for a more sheer effect.