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4 Major Dos & Don’ts For Wearing Red Lipstick

At the Couture Fashion Week Fall 2017 shows. Photographed by Valentina Frugiuele for Vogue Arabia

Red lipstick is the long-standing signature of universally flattering glamour. It is the beauty go-to for people who want to make a statement. What’s more, according to NY Times Magazine wearing red lipstick will help you get promoted at work. And Chanel also conducted research that proved that red lipstick can have an anti-ageing affect on facial features. Sold.

Not only does it have scientific evidence backing its worth, red lipstick is also one of the timeless beauty trends that is ever-present every fashion month.

Vogue Arabia deconstructs the dos and don’ts of how to apply red lipstick now, and get it right every time. Not a smudge in sight.

how to apply red lipstick

Valentino Spring 2017. Indigital

DO Use a Base Layer for Staying Power

The bold red lip has encountered a series of revivals lately, and in unexpected ways. International make-up artist Pat McGrath lend her signature touch to the red lipstick on the spring 2017 runway at Valentino. McGrath created a muted, matte red lip using a dab of foundation on the lips before applying the lipstick. A dusting of translucent powder gave the color staying power for the hours leading up to the models walking the runway.

how to apply red lipstick

Mother of Pearl Spring 2017. Indigital

DON’T Overlook the Smudged Trend

As seen at the Mother of Pearl spring 2017 show at New York Fashion Week, lipstick was exaggeratedly smudged. The just-been-kissed look offset the preppy collection perfectly. In real life, this has the potential to appear unkempt, but the principle is inspiring. Take a red matte red lipstick, apply the color liberally and smudge it into your upper and lower lips to soften it. Relax if there’s a little bleed from the outline, and neaten up with a touch of foundation.

Gigi Hadid at Giambattista Valli Spring 2017. Indigital

DO Apply Lip Liner When Going Bold

Dolce & Gabbana’s spring ’17 look was in keeping with the brand’s feisty Med spiritedness. Naturally, rich red lipstick was key to completing the collection. Follow this step-by-step to build up a strong red lip look without smudges or hesitation: moisture the lips so that they are not dry, dab some foundation and a dusting of powder on your lips to prep them for color. Carefully outline the lips using a matching liner pencil, being careful to accentuate the cupid’s bow. Fill in the color in sections over the lip, and finish with a final swipe across the bottom to build it up. Getting a tissue, blot the lips to remove access, and then reapply the final finishing layer. Voilà! Marilyn Monroe-like lipstick with mileage.

how to apply red lipstick

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2017. Indigital

DON’T Do Dark Reds, Try Brights

Val Garland styled the make-up look for Giambattista Valli’s spring 2017 offering with barely there eyes (low-key lashing of mascara, and a soft pink shadow over the lids), a contour of blusher made complete with a statement red lip. “I want the lipstick to feel quite young, you know, not too lady,” Garland told US Vogue backstage. Go for a shade of red that lifts your skin tone and has a rich tone.

Scroll down to shop the Vogue Arabia lipstick edit:

how to apply red lipstick

Lipstick Queen, Silver Screen Lipstick in Have Paris, US $37  SAR/AED

how to apply red lipstick

Chanel, Rouge Allure Lip Color in Gabrielle, £26  US $  SAR/AED 112

how to apply red lipstick

Tom Ford Beauty, Lips and Boys in Alejandro 38, US $29  SAR/AED 90

how to apply red lipstick

Nars, Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, US $20  SAR/AED 63

how to apply red lipstick

Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Pur Couture The Mats 203, £US $32  SAR/AED 120

Are you a red lipstick aficionado? Let us know via Twitter @VogueArabia.

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