Robe: Monograms, Markings & More (c/o)
I love a good red lip, but I wasn’t always that way. After 15 years of dance recital and dance team competition makeup, I was convinced that red lipstick was a look best left on stage. I went to the MAC counter on a whim one day and decided it was time to buy my first real (aka not Love my Lips) red lipstick. The lady there was so helpful… she didn’t do my lips for me, but instead, took the time to teach me how to do my own lips. So in today’s post, I’ll be passing those tips along to you!
[1.] You need the right products.
My favorite red lipstick is, hands down, MAC Russian Red. (If you don’t want to invest $16 into your lipstick, try this or this instead. I’ve tried both brands and highly recommend them!) But the most important part of a great red lip? Lipliner. It truly does make your look. I use MAC Kiss Me Quick, and I love it because it applies easily, sharpens easily, and perfectly matches my Russian Red lipstick.
[2.] Slap it on.
When the makeup artist told me to slap my lipstick on, I thought I was going to cry. I’m very much a “color inside of the lines” type of gal. As you can see in the photo below, I mostly focused on getting the color towards the center of my lips. The edges can be touched up with the liner.
[3.] Line your lips.
Before going to the MAC Counter, I had no idea that my lips weren’t pigmented properly. I don’t have pigmentation around the top edges of my lips, and it’s a teeny bit noticeable on my bottom lip. Because of this, lip liner is where I focus a lot of my time.
I start with the top lip. I start in the center, by the “cupid’s bow” in my lips, then make feathery little strokes. When I’m finished with the right side, I go back to the center and make the same little strokes for the left side. The picture below shows what my lips look like with only the top lined.
I do the same with my bottom lip – start in the center and work my way out. When I’ve finished lining my lips, I use the lip liner to color in any spots around the creases of my lips that aren’t blending properly.
Voila! Lipliner is done 🙂
[4.] Clean up the edges.
No matter how hard I try, sometimes I get a little too excited when “slapping it on” or get a little too shaky when lining my lips. I use a cotton swab to help remove smudges. If I feel like I’ve made a really bad line, I smooth some foundation around my lips.
[5.] Smile because you did it!
I’d love to know – what’s your favorite lipstick? Will you use these tips?
Happy Friday!
Shop more of my favorites below:
Great guide! I love a good lipstick but I've never surprisingly given liner a real shot – will have to check out Mac's Russian Red!Pick Your Beau
Going to buy a lip liner NOW!xoxMorg
I actually love this because when I try to put on red lipstick (or lipstick of any kind) it ends up all over my face and on my teeth. Seriously, it's awful. I have a bunch of gorgeous unused lipsticks, and clearly what i've been needing this whole time is a lip liner! Thank you for the tips!xox, Maya Bethmylifeasmaya.com
Seriously beautiful! I have Diva by MAC, but I definitely want a more classic red. Next time I will totally check out Russian Red! Thanks for the tips!xx.Brittanylifelikeatwentysomething.blogspot.com
Very nice red.. it looks amazing on you.Kay of Pure & Complexwww.purecomplex.com
So lovely! I don't use a lip liner, but I like the idea of how you are using it. I think I'm gonna have to give it a try! My favorite reds for my skin are Josie Maran "Spirited Red" and Bare Minerals "Call The Shots".Thank you fro sharing, and have a wonderful weekend!!xox. A Peachy Sonder
These are great guides! I am so guilty of not using lip liners, what can I say, I am lazy. LOL! I have Ruby Woo but have yet to try Russian Red but I really like how it looks on you.Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Interesting! I'm used to using the lip liner first and only sometimes after applying the lipstick if necessary – I like having that base for my lipstick to go on top of, since lip liner wears off less easily. And I hear you about the dance days – I remember we always just went with what was cheapest at the drug store because it inevitably was lost, stolen, smooshed, melted, or smelled funky way too soon and we were constantly replacing it, but that led to really unflattering shades and horrible formulas. I always recommend getting a good lipstick to my students – the eyeshadows can be whatever, as long as their eyes are widened and darkened, but the lips make a difference!SarahSweet Spontaneity
I really like your tip on using a lipliner! Will try this the next time xxSarahhttps://everydayconcepts.wordpress.com/
You look flawless! I'm going to have to try this red…it's the perfect tone! Not too orange, not too pink :)xoxo, SSThe Southern Stylista
Great tips! Love the color! Happy weekend!http://fabuloustorture.blogspot.com
Love this! Great tutorial and explanation. MAC is the best. My favorite red is Ruby Woo! xo Naomi in Wonderland
Cute robe! I love MAC lip colors – must check it out!xoxoKaleyMy Closet Life Blog
I think every girl needs the perfect red lipstick now and then!
That lipstick looks great on you! Your makeup is spot on!xx Bash | Bash Says Hey | bloglovin'
I've never actually tried lining my lips before now! Also, your monogrammed robe is so perfect, I love it in black – it looks so luxurious!! :)Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Great tips, thank you for sharing! 🙂 I tend to be quite loyal to lipsticks! The one I have now is the one I purchased from my makeup artist after she did a trial run for my wedding day makeup – nice and natural, but a hint of colour. I really like it, plan to stick with it for a long time! :)Away From The Blue
I always love a good red lip and love the Nars lipsticks and Mac <3 lovely post xxwww.krystelcouture.com
I always love a good red lip and love the Nars lipsticks and Mac <3 lovely post xxwww.krystelcouture.com
Gorgeous! I wouldn't mind spending the money if I knew I wouldn't lose it. I always stick them in my pockets or purses and then lose them 🙁 -♥- Rachel (For the Birds)
Gorgeous! I wouldn't mind spending the money if I knew I wouldn't lose it. I always stick them in my pockets or purses and then lose them 🙁 -♥- Rachel (For the Birds)
Great tips!Made in Mauve // Bloglovin
Great lip color, I've recently fell in love with red and I'm not going back! MAC makes some very pretty shades!www.dressed2dnines.com
I need to go buy lipliner now!! I didn't realize it made such a difference!Tinawww.justatinabit.com
Always love a good red lip! xoKiaraTobruckave Blog
I love a good red lip! And im hoping to get Mac Russian red soon! Cannot wait! XxxAnisha ♥ All You Need Is Red Lipstick
great post! Russian red is one of my favorite colors!kelseybang.com
Great tips. Red lipsticks look great on you. xxhttp://ninasstyleblog.blogspot.com
I haven't bought a red lipstick yet. It is such a hard colour to choose right. I might go to a counter myself though and see!Elleosophy
This lip color is so great! Thank you so much for these tips! Very helpful!EvaThe Rococo Style
It does create a perfect lip! Thanks for sharing these tips. I love MAC's lipsticks.http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Too cute!! Love a great red lip! Thanks for the tips!xo Erinwww.winkandatwirl.com
These are such great tips! Thank you so much for sharing!!xoxoAmy | Pastel N Pink