And the Lip Color of the Season Is...

Be it sheer and sultry or opaque and sexy, it’s official: Ravishing Red is the must-have lip color of the season. Timeless, sophisticated, sometimes erotic, and always alluring, reds are what this season’s most fabulous pouts are lusting for.

The color is calling for you, but before you answer, my darling, read these need-to-know tips on how to wear this powerfully rich shade without it wearing you.  

ACP’s 5 Steps to Flawless Red Lips:

1. Always apply a lip primer or canvas. You can use a product made solely for this purpose, but know that your foundation and/or concealer will work, too. Apply over both lips and set with powder to ensure a flawless application and extended wear. *Did you know? Applying a primer typically allows for your lip color to stick around TWICE as long.

2. Line your lips with a creamy yet sharp pencil, starting from the outer corner and working in toward the center. Don't be so stiff with your hand that you try to be perfect. As an artist, I find this is where I can mess up. You know the shape of your lips, so just let your hand guide you and trust it. Remember that you can always take a wet Q-tip and clean up any smudges. Work your pencil in to the center of your lip, almost covering the entire lip itself—this will add to the depth of the color and will also help keep your lipstick from wearing off, leaving you with that dreaded line. 

3. Apply your lip color with a brush rather than from the tube—this is the key to drop dead lips. You not only get precision, you get more color, too. Take a swipe from your lipstick tube using the brush, then put the cap on and tuck it away for later touch ups. 

4. Dab your favorite gloss onto the center of the lower lip then blend lips together, if you desire a glossy look. My favorite look of the season, though, is more of a matte or rich semi-matte—I find it flattering on most lips.

5. Take a little powder and a brush and swipe around the corners of the lip. This will ensure a seamless look and add longevity to your lip color.

Extra Tips:

—If you are afraid of red, go with (or start with) a sheer shade. Anyone can pull this off and look fabulous.

—Darker shades can age you, so if you want a more youthful look go for a brighter or more neutral hue.

—Pinker skin tones should go with a more berry shade of red; olive skin tones are flattered by a warmer shade of red.

—Remember that it is only makeup and that it washes off. Don't be afraid to be a little daring and try a bolder color.

—And last but not least: Red is simple but requires confidence. I learned from one of my many mentors that makeup is like armor... Well if that is true, honey, red lipstick means full-on war, and as a makeup junkie I say bring it on.

There you have it, my loves. Oscar Wilde once said, "A kiss may ruin a human life." This artist thinks that may be a little harsh... I just want to shake things up and for my clients to look and feel their fabulous best. I think the recipe for that this season is the perfect lip, one that emulates emotion and tempts you take a bite of the rich red...... lipstick.

xoxo

Andrew