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How to apply red lipstick

1 June 2011

Creating bold red lips can be intimidating, but with our foolproof method you'll be flashing a sexy smile in no time at all.

By Catherine Zachariou

Tip:

A creamy matte lipstick works best with this look, as it is less likely to feather and bleed out. Stay away from blue-based reds as these can be ageing – instead, go for shades with orange undertones.

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Step 1

Prepare your lips by exfoliating them to remove any dry, flaky skin. To do this, rub them with either a damp cloth or soft tooth-brush, or apply a lip exfoliator such as Clarins Extra-Firming Lip & Contour Gentle Exfoliator 20ml R260. Dab on Clarins Extra-Firming Lip & Contour Balm (50ml R370) to moisturise the area.

Step 2

Parting your lips slightly and using just the tip of your chosen red (Bourjois Lipstick in Sweet Kiss 76 R105,95 is a good choice), apply the lipstick onto your lower lip, making sure to stop just before the corners of your mouth. Press your lips together and lightly dab your upper lip with your finger to spread the colour.

Step 3

Using a firm lip brush such as Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place lip liner and brush combo R230, apply colour to the entire lip area. Use lipliner to fill in any gaps of colour, taking care not to apply any outside the lip line, and then blot your lips with a tissue.

Step 4

For the ultimate finishing touch, apply a similar coloured lipgloss (try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Firecracker R99,95) to the middle of your lower lip.

Step 5

Balance strong lip colour by going easy with the rest of your make-up. A subtle dusting of blush such as L’Oreal True Match Blush in Precious Peach R119,95 on the apples of cheeks, blending up towards cheekbones, is all you need.

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