How To Apply A Perfect Red Lip

Nothing makes a statement quite like a red lip, and there's no better time for this classic makeup look to shine than December.

And while we're usually advocates for nude lipsticks when planning on eating and drinking (it's Christmas after all) you can still get away with a fade and flake-resistant bold, as long as you employ the right application technique.

Watch the video above to see Lara Srokowski, Director of Artistry for Lancôme Australia, share her best tips or follow our easy how-to below...

Prep your lips

Ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated is a crucial step for lip colour that lasts. If you're experiencing any flakiness, try a scrub like this one from Lush, or even just some gentle buffing with a toothbrush will do the trick. Follow with a hydrating balm or lip priming product, such as Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm.

Line lips with a red lip liner

For a crisp edge that also acts as a barrier for bleeding, apply a lip liner in a similar shade or slightly darker than the lipstick you're using. Keep your mouth relaxed to ensure an accurate outline.

bh loves: Mary Kay Lip Liner in 'Red' and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in 'Kiss 'N' Tell' ($35, charlottetilbury.com/au)

Fill in your lips with the same red lip liner

Once you're finished with the outline, use the same liner to fill in the lips too. This will help to increase the longevity of your overall lip colour.

Apply red lipstick

And now you're finally ready for lipstick. For an extra polished finish, apply with a lip brush. To ensure you don't get any on your teeth, pop your pointer finger inside pursed lips, and then pull out to catch any unnecessary colour.

Use a concealer brush and concealer to tidy up around your lips for a flawless finish

This step can also help to define the cupid's bow. And if you don't want to stop there, add a dusting of highlighter too.

Here are a few of our members favourite red lipsticks:

Australis Velourlips in NY-CEE

“I bought the Australis Velourlips in NY-CEE, which is a classic red. It glides on easily, is very pigmented, dries to a matte finish pretty quickly, and is extremely long-lasting (no touch-ups needed!). -bh member Tiffany128

Read Australis Velourlips reviews...

Rimmel London Kate Moss Matte Finish Lipstick in 111

“I brought the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in the shade #111 which is a classic true matte red shade - one that I think every woman should have in her collection. The formula of this lipstick is creamy and smooth, it glides over my lips with ease without any tugging or difficulty.” - bh member aleksandra

Read Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick reviews...

essence Longlasting Lipstick in 02

“The essence Longlasting Lipstick was smooth in application, didn't smudge and had a really beautiful colour. The only complaint I have is that it did tend to wear off after two-three hours.” - bh member EMaddden

Read essence Longlasting Lipstick reviews…

Maybelline Colour Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in Red Essential

“Love, love, love this velvet lip pencil! After buying the red one 'Red Essential', I went back the next day and bought four more while they were still on sale! They are extremely pigmented and buttery on the lips. They last all day and there is no need for a lip liner with them.” - bh member ElissaG

Read Maybelline Colour Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil reviews…

M.A.C Lipstick in Russian Red

“I've used the matte lipsticks in MAC's collection, and I love how pigmented they are. They can be a little drying - so if you have dry lips you'll need to exfoliate/apply lip balm first. One swipe is all I need with these lipsticks, and if you blot them, they'll last ages. I can wear them for hours and even though the colour may fade a little - it's still there! They have a lovely range of colours and one of my favourites would have to be Russian Red.” - bh member jennkitty

Read M.A.C Lipstick reviews…

Main image: @nikki_makeup

Did you find the tips in this video helpful? What’s your favourite red lipstick?

125 Member Comments

Am1851 3 Jan 2020 7:03 AM

I used to wear red lipstick but I also found it really dried my lips no matter how I primed them.

To really look good with red lips you must also have flawless skin and make up (my opinion only).

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Peach perfect 2 Jan 2020 6:42 AM

Great tips

Elunia 1 Jan 2020 3:39 PM

I used to be scared of bold colours. Now I like them but you need to apply it properly for it to last.

maggieball 30 Dec 2019 3:46 PM

Red doesn’t work so well on me, but I love the look of it on other people.

JL 27 Dec 2019 11:17 PM

I don't wear Red lippy. Something my Mum told me always stuck with me, "only a woman with loose morals wears red lipstick!" LOL!

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Belindarella 26 Dec 2019 1:32 PM

I did it. I wore my Gwen red lipstick on Christmas Day. I also had gold and red nails! Butter red nail polish really matched my lips! My Nan appreciated it :)

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Angage 26 Dec 2019 8:08 AM

I like this kind of lips only special occasions.

Ellyloves 25 Dec 2019 2:35 PM

I only do one step, that is applying lipstick

skincare junkie 24 Dec 2019 9:42 PM

I am super terrible in maintaining my lips, so would usually avoid bright colours

Peach perfect 2 Jan 2020 6:43 AM

Same here SJ Now I just try to scrub my lips with face ;P

Sally10 24 Dec 2019 11:29 AM

I've never been able to find the 'right' red for me, and I've tried lots :(

Susmat 24 Dec 2019 11:26 AM

Red is not a good look on me

Shop A Everyday 24 Dec 2019 10:58 AM

Only on the very rare occasion

bettina44 24 Dec 2019 12:23 AM

Love this, I never thought to colour my entire lips with lip liner because I have a pretty long lasting lip cream in nyx.

Beautybabe140194 23 Dec 2019 4:47 PM

Great tips. I line with either red lip liner or invisible one. I love Jeffree Star red lipsticks like shade Wifey.

talk-a-lot 23 Dec 2019 2:01 PM

I would love to wear red lipstick, unfortunately it does not suit me.

Chicklet 23 Dec 2019 11:47 AM

I can’t do red lipstick, but it certainly looks Christmassy!

Okatko 23 Dec 2019 8:23 AM

I don’t have all that time to apply red lippy or any other colour for that matter. And in a one bathroom house I’d be constantly interrupted and most likely bumped with a big red streak across my face.

Meedee 23 Dec 2019 6:47 AM

Im happy to wear any and all colours but at the moment im into pinks Red shades will make a come back with me in time though :)

katrina176 22 Dec 2019 10:55 PM

The models red lips look great. Some good tips. I hardly ever wear red lippy , bit too much for me.

Ellelily 22 Dec 2019 8:24 PM

I love seeing someone who has done a beautiful red lip, like my hairdresser she looks great. So I’m so glad that I am a person who would never wear a colour like this one, I am to old and I have not got full enough lips.

darasparkle 22 Dec 2019 7:26 PM

I love red lipstick, but I don't wear often at work (as too bold), but I do wear on casual Fridays at work and then when I go out.

I always feel like I am channeling Snow White when I wear red. The Russian Red has me intrigued :D

Gilded 25 Dec 2019 5:03 PM

You look like Snow White with or without red lip. You even have the same hair pretty much. :-)

darasparkle 26 Dec 2019 11:40 AM

Thanks gorgeous!! I really should be her for Halloween one year would be so easy :)

Gilded 22 Dec 2019 6:21 PM

I rarely wear bright colours but recently I wore a red lip and I got told that it looked like my lips were bleeding lol so I cleansed it off.

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