Life & Beauty Weekly: Expert Q+A

I love red lipstick on other people, but I’m afraid it looks too bold on me. How can I make it work? 

Red can be a little scary if you’re not used to bright makeup, but it’s easy to make it more approachable.

One way is to choose red-tinted balm or gloss rather than lipstick. The formulas are less pigmented and give lips a bright but naturally healthy flush. Line lips first in a shade slightly darker than your natural lip color to define their shape. Apply the liner only to the center portion (your cupid’s bow on top and the center third of your bottom lip), then blend it all over lips with your finger. Apply the balm or gloss on top.

If you’re after a more traditional lipstick look, swipe on a coat of clear lip balm, then apply lipstick over it with your finger. The balm mixes with the pigment, diffusing the lipstick’s intensity. When choosing your red, a good rule of thumb is the darker your skin tone, the darker the red. For example, blue-based classic reds tend to complement fair skin best; berry shades look great on medium skin tones; and burgundy, wine and earthy reds suit darker complexions.

By Bethany Karlyn for Life & Beauty Weekly

Red Carpet Lips