Five Tips for the Perfect Red Lip

“Nothing says sexy and powerful more than a red lip,” says celebrity makeup artist Nick Barose Barose, who regularly perfects Lupita N’yongo’s pout for red carpet events. And while reaching for plain nude may feel like the obvious go-to, a red lip is easier to pull off than you think: “It’s actually very versatile because the color is not natural—it’s meant to pop so it flatters everyone.”

1. Compliment Your Skin Tone
For fair complexions (such as Naomi Watts) opt for pinky red, says Barose. While golden skin tones (think J. Lo), try a warm golden red. On medium skin (i.e. Kerry Washington), Barose suggests using a true brick red. Dark skin tones (like Lupita N’yongo) look best with a deep berry red. But in general, a true primary red looks good on every skin tone, notes Barose.

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On Lupita N’yongo: Lancôme Absolu Rouge in Rouge Velour
“It has a shimmery, slightly metallic finish to it, which adds dimension to the red,” says Barose.

2. Change Up The Texture
And it’s more than just nailing the right hue: “Texture matters, too,” he explains. Choose a payoff by the effect you want. “A bold matte can be really dramatic and strong, while a creamy bright red can be glamorous and luxurious,” says Barose. “And a glossy red can look youthful and fun.”

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On Gugu Mbatha-Raw: Dolce & Gabbana Monica Lipstick in Attractive Monica “A sophisticated deep red that look chic and polished,” says Barose.

3. Create A Subtle Stain
To get the benefit of a stunning red without having to worry about it wearing off, getting splotchy or overpowering your makeup, try a stain, says Barose. Simply pat your fingertip on the tip of the lipstick bullet then onto your lips (this lets you pick up the pigment but not get the waxy finish). Then blot with a tissue to really press the color into your lips, he says.

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On Emily Vancamp: Sisley Phyto Liptwist in #6 Cherry “When you opt for a cherry red balm that goes on sheer but with a fun, bright tone, it becomes a very easy to wear red,” says Barose.

4. Add A Hint of Shine
While it will definitely give the ultimate shine, red gloss all over can be messy. That’s why Barose prefers to use a true lipstick then add gloss just in center, “so it’s shiny but not too goopy and won’t feather out into skin,” he says.

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On Hailee Steinfeld: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy lipstick in Envious “A strawberry red that look fresh, youthful and is so easy to wear day or night,” says Barose.

5. Try an Ultra Bright Finish
To make even the boldest of reds to really pop, “apply directly from the tube then always clean up and perfect around edges with a tiny lip brush,” says Barose, who recommends the Chanel angled lip brush.

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On Tessa Thompson: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet #38 La Fascinante “A super matte red lip that is very glam and bold,” says Barose.