Well.ca / blog

It takes guts to sport a bright crimson pucker but in this month’s Allure magazine Poppy King, creator and CEO of Lipstick Queen lipsticks, gave expert tips on how to pull off the trend with confidence. (See Allure’s November issue, page 90 for the full article)

1. Find your perfect red: There’s no hard and fast rule for what shade you should wear but as a general rule cool blue-based reds are most flattering on fair-skinned gals, while warmer orange or gold based reds work best for darker skin.

2. Richer is better: The prettiest reds are opaque, not overly matte, with a slight sheen. If you’re looking for lasting colour pick a darker shade as the pigments make it less necessary to apply often.

3. Be prepared: Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away dead cells then apply a touch of moisturizing lip balm before applying the red.

4. Slick it on: Apply the lipstick directly from the tube (don’t use a lip brush- it will be too sheer). Start at the center of your pout and move outward. Blot once with a tissue, then apply another layer if desired.

5. Make it modern: Be subtle with the rest of your makeup. Wear mascara, a hint of eyeliner and a rosy blush.

6. Keep it casual: The less formal your clothes, the better red lipstick looks. Skip the crimson pucker at weddings and try it instead with a white tank and jeans.

Shades to try:

Cover Girl Continuous Lipstick in Really Red

Loreal Paris Colour Juice Stick in Cherry Freeze

Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lip Colour in Non-Stop Cherry