Red Lipstick

First off, let me say that red lipstick seems scary to a lot of people, especially those who don't usually wear makeup, but red lipstick looks like you put more effort into your makeup than you actually did! It's fun, sexy and seductive!


Guidelines:
1) If you have warmer (yellow) tones to your skin, pick a red that has a yellow/orange base.
2) If you have cooler (pink) tones to your skin, pick a red that has a bluer base


Guidelines are not necessarily rules that can't be broken. I have a warmer undertone, but I have worn both warmer reds and cooler reds. My best advice would be for you to go to your department store or a cosmetics store, and just try some on. Have fun with it. There are also a lot of different textures to lipsticks in general. You can find a sheerer, creamier red or a matte intense red. I personally love a drier formula because it will last a lot longer and there's less of a chance of it getting on your teeth (yuck!).


As far as eye makeup for red lips. I would say go pretty neutral; browns and golds looks really pretty with red. Even if you decide not to use any shadow, you should line your eyes so there's definition. If you want a dramatic eye makeup without clashing with red lips, I would say apply a mid-tone brown to your crease, do a strong, winged liner and apply lots of mascara (or false lashes if you're comfortable putting them on). If you google red lips, you'll find that most of the people wearing it, will have very low-key eye makeup. Here are some photos of red lips..

Blue-tone red (MAC Russian Red)

gold eyeshadows look great with red lips // warm-toned red  (MAC Ruby Woo L/S)

keeping the eyes neutral to have the full focus on the lips
(MAC Ruby Woo L/S)

lots of lashes and red lips

 neutral shadow, winged liner

As far as clothing goes, I would say avoid red. It can look overdone and dated. But on the bright side, a lot of colors go well with red lips. Nude, white, black, blue, pink... Red lips are a little more glamorous and it's not a t-shirt and sweats kind of makeup. A nice, sleek, classic dress will look best. Here are some photos to give you some ideas.

navy blue

i love the lace on this dress!

TIPS:

1) Apply a little loose powder to your lips before you line them

2) Line your lips with a red lipliner and fill them in. 

3) Apply the red lipstick straight from the tube or with a lip brush. If you're applying it straight from the tube, do not just go over your lips in a sweeping motion (this is how a lot of people apply their lipstick). Instead pat onto your lips  and layer. This will ensure that the lipstick will last a lot longer.

4) Add bronzer to your face. Red lips can make your complexion look lighter than it actually is.