How to Rock a Red Lip at Work

When you want to dress up your work style, a red lip can really hit the spot. Often this trend is associated with date night or girl’s night out, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few tips, your favourite red hue can be work appropriate.

Here is everything you need to know to rock your red lip at work.

1 – Keep it bright.

Not every skin tone is suited to a cherry red tone. Be sure to select the shade that is best for you, but keep it as light as possible.

Dark undertones of blue or purple are dramatic and perfect for evening, but when it comes to a Tuesday morning they can be a bit much. Instead, opt for a brighter shade that still complements your skin tone.

2 – Don’t skip any application steps.

Before you apply the actual lipstick, there are a few steps you should take to prep. 

First, exfoliate your lips. This will give you a smooth surface to work with. When you cleanse your face in the morning, gently rub a wet facecloth over your lips in small circles. This will buff them and remove any dead skin. Apply a thin coating of a hydrating lip balm.

Second, dab on a tiny bit of primer. Smooth it into your lips to give your lipstick something to hold on to. This will prevent it from rubbing off too quickly during the day. It will also add some moisture.

Third, line those lips! Lip liner prevents the colour from bleeding off your lips. Make sure the colour of the liner matches the shade you are applying. If you don’t have one that matches perfectly, try one that is lighter rather than darker. A lighter colour can be masked with the lipstick, whereas a darker liner will stand out.

Lastly, apply your lipstick. Start with your lower lip. Press your lips together to spread the colour, then carefully fill in the cupid’s bow on your top lip. Don’t forget to blot – this gets rid of any excess colour.

3 – Leave the rest of your makeup simple.

It’s easy to overdo your look when you have an intense lip colour. To prevent your face from looking like you are going to a club, keep the rest of your makeup simple. Adding a smoky eye, lots of bronzer, or a bright blush will overpower the red lip, creating a look that says, “I forgot I was going to work”.

For a classic look, try a thin line of black eyeliner and a few coats of mascara. For those of you who like to mix it up, try a coloured liner like navy blue, forest green, or a deep plum. Just make sure the liner isn’t too thick. 

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