1. Forgetting to Exfoliate Your Lips.
Applying lip colour straight onto lips that haven’t been exfoliated usually results in flaky, crusty lipstick.
The finish will look uneven or patchy, and more than likely, the lipstick won't last. That's when you get that cute unintentional lip liner look.
Try this instead:
Just like you exfoliate your skin for a smooth finish, give your lips a scrub before committing to a bold lip.
A lip scrub like Lanolips Lanostick Lemonaid Scrubba Balm will gently buff off any flaky bits and leave your lips smooth as.
Lip scrubs not your thing? Face Halo Originalwill also do the job.
Run it under some warm water, wring it out and rub over lips. Voila! Smooth, soft lips.
2. Thinking You Don't Need a Lip Primer.
Wanna know how to apply red matte lipstick? Not using a lip balm or lip primer before your lippie ain't it.
Whether you apply a hydrating lip mask a couple of hours before or a dedicated lip primer, make sure your lips are hydrated before you go in with that product.
Because there’s nothing more uncomfortable than wearing a matte red lip (or any lipstick) over dry lips.
I’m applying lip balm just thinking about it.
Try this instead:
For a lip primer, you can't go past M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Lip as the perfect base.
It’s basically a lip balm with a matte finish, so not only does it hydrate your lips, but it won't leave any kind of shine or residue that could compete with your actual lip colour.
Apply a thin layer before your lipstick and watch your colour glide on like a dream!
3. Choosing the Wrong Lipstick Formula For the Occasion.
Do you touch your face a lot? Planning on wearing a red lip to dinner or drinks? Are your lips perpetually dry?
Make sure you pick a red lipstick in a formula to match your lifestyle or event to make life easier.
Try this instead:
Face touchers and foodies will want to steer clear of creamy formulas, because scratching an itch or wiping near your mouth can escalate to smudged red lipstick over your nose and chin real quick.
Go for a smudge proof formula like MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Lipstick instead that sets and can outlast lunch, drinks and a little face itch.
For the peeps with dry lips, why not try a tinted lip balm?
M.A.C COSMETICS Glow Play Lip Balm in That Tickles gives a cute, just-bitten tint to the lips. You can add more colour by applying a lip liner underneath.
4. Not Using a Lip Liner.
Do you need to wear lip liner with every lipstick? No.
But I think it's essential for a clean, crisp, long-lasting red lip look that won't fade or bleed into fine lines around the mouth.
Try this instead:
Starting on freshly-exfoliated and primed lips, take your lip liner and trace your lip line to create a clean border for your lipstick.
Want extra staying power? Fill in your entire lip with the liner before applying your lippie over the top.
A lot of brands make lip liners in the same shade as their signature lipsticks to make matching your lip liner and lipsticks super easy.
For example, M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Ruby Woo is the perfect match for the cult-fave M.A.C Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick lip shade of the same name.
Best Red Lipsticks on Adore Beauty.
Now you know how to apply a red lipstick, let me share with you my top contenders for the best red lipstick.
1. M.A.C Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour.
M.A.C COSMETICS Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in M.A.C Smash is a hydrating, matte lip with a fluffy, lightweight texture.
This product is full pigment and applies so evenly on the lips. The hydrating formula with a blurred finish means hours of comfortable wear.
