Reader Request Week: How to Wear Red Lips

Hi! This week I'm posting YOUR requests, in honor of my 3rd blogiversary. Enjoy!

There's just something so classic about a red lip. But it seems so intimidating to apply or to pull off. Today I'll show you it really is easy to wear a red lip. Just use the steps below:

1--Choose your product.

stains, glosses

Stains--These are the easiest to apply for that just-bitten, natural looking red. These can be dotted on the lips and rubbed in with a finger and the color is buildable. Plus, lip stains can be used for cheeks, too, making them a good value. The staying power depends on how much stain you apply.

lip balm stain, lip butters

Lipgloss and lip balm stains--These are also easy to apply, and can be applied to bare lips or over lipstick. The color payoff depends on the brand.

blue-based red is better for medium/darker skin tones, orange-based is better for fair skin

Lipstick--This is the one I'm focusing on for this post. Red lipstick can be matte or shiny. There are blue-based reds, orange-based, and "true" reds. I say to pick out a couple and see what shade looks best on you. Usually these can be returned to the store with a receipt (check beforehand). In general, blue-based reds are far too intense for fair skin. Orange-based reds tend to pop. I usually wear darker reds (wearing left lipstick as shown).

2--Exfoliate and moisturize
This step is crucial before applying any lipstick. I'm using the $3 lip exfoliator from ELF, but I make my own lip exfoliator. Then apply a lip balm and allow it to soak in for a minute.

3--Apply a base
Wipe off extra lip balm and apply a drop of creamy foundation or concealer. I use this as a "primer" to make sure my lipstick lasts.

4--Use matching lip liner
Outline lips and lightly fill them in with a matching lip liner.

5--Apply lipstick
I don't suggest applying red lipstick like you would Chapstick. Either use a lip brush to apply the color or dab the lipstick onto lips, gently pressing lips and then blending with your pinkie finger. A clear or matching red lip gloss can be applied, if that look is desired.

6--Clean up
Once you have the color how you'd like, it's time to clean up. Using a concealer or "everything" pencil, like this one from Studio Gear Cosmetics, outline outside of the lip to clean it up. This really makes the difference and helps with bleeding lipstick.

7--Blot and set
The easiest way to ruin a red lip is when it travels to teeth. Blotting will help stop this. Also, dust some translucent powder onto a tissue and blot lips with it to set the lipstick.

8--Eyes
With red lips, the rest of your makeup should be minimal (no red blush!!!). However, the eyes need to balance out the red lips. I use lots of mascara and a slight winged liner.

What's your favorite red lip product?

PS: I'm giving away $75 to Sephora, if you'd like to enter.