How to Rock the Perfect Red Lip for the Holiday Season
It’s the most beautiful time of the year and the perfect season to rock a bold red lip! The holidays are full of sparkle, celebration, and countless opportunities to dress up your makeup. A striking red lip is not only festive but timeless, adding an instant boost of confidence and glam. But achieving that flawless, long-lasting red pout requires a few tricks. Ready to master it? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Choosing Your Ideal Red Shade
Finding a shade that complements your skin tone is the key to a stunning red lip. Here’s a simple guide:
For Cool Undertones: Look for reds with blue or berry undertones. These shades will make your complexion glow, and your teeth appear whiter.
For Warm Undertones: Reach for reds with orange or brick tones. Think fiery shades that bring warmth to your skin.
For Neutral Undertones: You’re in luck! Blue- and orange-based reds will suit you, so feel free to experiment.
If you’re shopping for a new red, try swatching a few options on your wrist or lips and viewing them in natural light to see how they really look.
Step 2: Prep for a Smooth, Flawless Finish
A red lip highlights everything—so prepping your lips is a must!
Exfoliate Your Lips: Flaky lips are a big no-no for bold lipstick. Use a gentle lip scrub to slough away dead skin. You can even DIY one with a bit of sugar and honey.
Moisturize: Hydrated lips are the foundation of a great lip look. Apply a nourishing lip balm, letting it fully absorb before applying your lipstick.
Prime: To prevent your lipstick from feathering, apply foundation or concealer around your lipline as a primer.
Step 3: Lip Liner is Your Secret Weapon
Lip liner not only defines your lips but also prevents your lipstick from bleeding. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Choose Your Liner: You can use a red liner that matches your lipstick, a clear lip liner for a universal, invisible barrier, or a nude liner that complements your natural lip color.
Outline Your Lips: Start by lining your cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip, then connect the lines from the corners to complete the shape.
Fill in Your Lips: Shading your entire lip with the liner acts as a base and extends the wear time of your lipstick. It also ensures an even color payoff.
Step 4: Apply Your Red Lipstick Like a Pro
Now for the main event—applying your red lipstick.
Use a Lip Brush for Precision: A lip brush gives you better control and allows you to apply the color precisely around the edges.
Layer and Blot: For a genuinely long-lasting finish, apply a layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply a second layer. This locks in the color and makes it more resistant to smudging or fading.
Set It: If you’re wearing a matte or satin finish, you can set your lipstick by placing a tissue over your lips and lightly dusting translucent powder over the tissue. It’s a simple trick that keeps everything in place!
Step 5: Prevent Feathering and Bleeding
Red lipstick is notorious for migrating outside the lip line, but you can stop this from happening:
Use Concealer Around Your Lips: A thin layer of concealer around the edges of your mouth creates a barrier and sharpens your lip look.
Try a Clear Lip Liner: If you’re worried about feathering, a clear, wax-based liner will keep your lipstick in place without altering the color.
Avoid Gloss: Glossy finishes are fun but tend to move around more. If you love the shine, apply gloss just in the center of your lips.
Step 6: Making Your Red Lip Last All Night
The last thing you want is to keep reapplying your lipstick at every holiday party. To keep it vibrant:
Go for a Long-Wear Formula: Matte or liquid lipsticks generally have more staying power than cream formulas. Be prepared for some touch-ups if you’re using a satin or cream lipstick.
Avoid Greasy Foods: Oils can break down the pigment, so be cautious during meals.
Keep Your Lipstick Handy: Even with all these precautions, carrying your lipstick for quick touch-ups is a good idea. A compact mirror and some concealer can also be lifesavers.
My Top Favorite Reds for the Holiday Season*
To help you find your new holiday favorite, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite red lip products available at Ulta Beauty that look stunning, feel comfortable, and stay put.
Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip Color in Wicked: $12.99. This bold, long-lasting blue-toned red stays vibrant all night.
SBX Rated Flash FX Metallic Lipstick in Firecracker: $22.00 – A dazzling metallic red perfect for holiday parties.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Cinematic Red: $35.00 – A warm, old-Hollywood red with a soft-matte finish.
Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in Red Velvet: $35.00—This is a true red that delivers a velvety matte finish.
Fenty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain in Strawberry Sangria: $28.00 – This juicy red lip stain stays fresh and feels hydrating.
NYX Butter Gloss in Peppermint Swirl: $6.00 – A fun, festive red gloss with a hint of peppermint.
Pound Cake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet: $24.00 – A rich, smooth red that delivers intense pigment and comfort.
A red lip is about confidence and celebrating your unique beauty. Don’t be afraid to go bold this holiday season—wear your red lip proudly, and let it light up every room you walk into!
PS If you rock a red lip this holiday season, share it with #TheBeautyScoopRed on TikTok and Instagram.
* Disclaimer: I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you via trusted partners and affiliate links in this post. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time posted.