Finding the Perfect Red Lipstick

Are you looking to glam it up for a night on the town? Try adding a dash of red to your face for a red carpet-ready look with brassy yet classy lipsticks.

Although there are countless cosmetic companies peddling products to make women look and feel beautiful, there's nothing quite like red lipstick. And, these days, the more red the lips, the better!

If you're used to neutral shades, your first attempt at wearing red can be intimidating. How do you know which red lipstick is right for you?

Unfortunately, it all boils down to two words: trial and error. Grab a friend and hit the makeup counter at the nearest department store to start looking. The makeup experts there can help you find something that you like that will make your lips pop without being overpowering.

Pay attention to the different lipstick hues that are offered. Some cosmetic companies offer lipsticks with orange hues. Other lipsticks hues are darker shades of burgundy. Some may appear to look too bright, like the candy apple red shades that only look appropriate at Halloween. Additionally, you'll have to choose between a gloss, shimmer or matte look. Each will make the red appear slightly different, and either more -- or less -- appropriate for your face.

 

Once you've picked the perfect shade, you'll want to check out the lipstick's staying power. After that first cup of coffee in the morning, will the red lipstick bleed outside your lip liner? Or will it stay firmly intact for quenchable red lips?

If you want your lips to look beautiful and stay that way when you get your red on, you'll notice all lipsticks are not created equal. Some will smudge, others will fade.

To have your red lipstick last for hours on end, try Russian Red by MAC Cosmetics. It will reduce your need to re-apply! When combined with MAC's Spice lip pencil, you'll be good to go for a very long time.

As for other lipsticks to perfect your beautiful look? Clinique's High Impact Color SPF 15 in Red-y to Wear is a true red color containing SPF 15 for sun protection.

Chanel's Rouge Hydrabase Creme in Fire is moisturizing and contains Vitamin E.

With any of these brands, you can't go wrong, but make sure you block out some time to pick just the right shade for your face.