As the festive season is well and truly upon us and Christmas is just around the corner, the season in which the classic red lip really comes into its own is here and while most may well be more than OK with that, others (like me a few years back) may be looking for some guidance as to how they can join the rogue pout club and get in on the action too. I admit that at first the thought of a bold lip, especially red-toned, is rather daunting and it can be easy to shy away from the whole notion - the thought that 'I'm not the type of person who can pull it off' echoing in your mind. But really, a red lip can suit anybody and everybody with the right know-how and tips and tricks along the way so for today's post I'm gonna attempt to put together a little 5-step action plan for how you can rock a red lip just like the best of 'em. Get your notepads at the ready...
KNOW YOUR PREFERENCES - With this I'm meaning, know what you're after and hopefully what suits you best. Reds can take on a wide, wide variety of personas these days - from true reds to orange-y based ones to rouges that lean more berry and vampy - there really is something for everyone so take the time to discover what it is that applies to you. Then of course it's important to also consider formulation and form itself. Would you prefer a matte red that's more long-lasting and lower maintenance; or a glossier version with more of shine to it that may not survive a massive Christmas Dinner but will most definitely amp things up in the glamour stakes and perhaps feel more comfortable on your pout. And then for form - do you like your lippies the traditional way in the standard bullet shape; or are you up for the lip crayon-type products that almost act as a liner and lip colour all-in-one? If something with a sheenier finish is more up your street then you may want to consider a lipgloss or lacquer. The choice is yours, my friend.
EASE YOURSELF IN - Once you know what you're looking for, then it may well be a good idea to ease yourself in slowly. If you've never done this whole red lip thang before, I'd recommend starting at the entry-level and working upwards as opposed to throwing yourself in at the deep end, an option only likely to end in tears and smudged mascara - never a good look. So if a traditional bullet lippie is your makeup weapon of choice, consider ways in which you can apply it to make it more 'natural' (if you get what I mean) and less of a statement. For this, I'd suggest applying your rogue very controlled and carefully, in a very minimal layer and then it's all about the digits. Use your fingers to dab everything in, softening any harsh lines and making so it almost becomes part of your pout. Of course a tissue would suffice as an alternative, but I always find fingers to be much more customisable as a tool and the warmth behind them really helps too.
IT'S ALL IN THE PREPARATION - Like most things, when it comes to rockin' that red lip it's all about the prep. Not only do the above two points count under this suggestion, but quite literally you want to 'prepare' your lips do ensure that when the time has come for your to don that rogue that everything will run smoothly. Speaking of smoothly - you want to get your lips in tip top shape by giving them a good scrub with your toothbrush or some sugar scrub. Also, particularly if you're opting for a matte formula - a bit of lip balm at the start of your makeup routine is always a good thing. By the time you're ready to apply your lippie, everything would've sunk in, leaving a much more moisturised pout behind and if not - just tissue away the excess. Simples.
KEEP IT MINIMAL - So you've got the actual red lip itself down, but I suppose the next question is - how do I integrate it in with the rest of my makeup? Learning how to adapt and tweak your everyday routine to allow for a bold, red pout to take centre stage is also a key factor in the whole process and for me, is pretty straightforward. When I personally don this type of shade from my lip wardrobe, I like to keep it very minimal with the rest of my slap. A clean, but flawless base; with nicely shaped, full brows and not too much going on with the eyes other than some much-needed definition from some mascara and perhaps a hint of liner. Easy peasy. Like I said, you want the lip to come into its own here - you don't need - in my opinion - too many other factors going on trying to compete with it.
JUST DO IT - And last, but certainly by no means least - just go for it! All of the above steps I guess deal more with the technical side of things; but if you really want to rock a red lip - it's all about the confidence. At the end of the day - whatever steps you take to get ready for donning a lip of the rogue variety, it's not until you love it and are prepared to just roll with it that you can truly rock it and have fun with it. Deep words right there people, deep words...
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