How to apply red lipstick

Polyvore

For the longest time I wasn't sure if the washed-out nude and pale pink lipstick trends were ever going to die down (thanks Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj!). However, it seems that bright lip colors are making a comeback and finally we can all look glowy and alive again! I'm loving pinks and corals but my favorite lip color right now is bright red look-at-me lips. Is it daring? Yes. Is it impossible to pull off? Definitely not! Once you find the perfect shade of red and apply it ever so precisely, you are going to look in the mirror, see how lit up your face looks and wonder why you waited so long to try out red lipstick! Here are a few helpful steps to achieve perfect red lips.

-Step 1: Select your perfect red lipstick in a shade that flatters your skin tone based on the undertones of your skin. If you have warm undertones, then warm red shades such as an orangey red will suit your warm skin. If you have cool undertones, a blue toned red will flatter your complexion the best.

-Step 2: Moisturize your lips by applying a lip balm and give it time to sink into your lips. When you are ready to apply your lipstick, blot away any excess balm with a tissue.

-Step 3: Neutralize your natural lip color by applying a light layer of concealer or foundation onto your lips. Blot and top that off with a super thin layer of translucent powder. This step will not only make the color of the red lipstick pop, but will also prevent the red lipstick from bleeding into the fine lines around your mouth.

-Step 4: Define your lip shape by lining your lips with a red lipliner. Start from the middle of your lips and line outwards along your natural lip line. Keep the line thin and precise. Then fill in the rest of your lips with the lipliner which will act as a base for the lipstick and make it last longer.

-Step 5: Apply your red lipstick! Use a lip brush for an exact application and take your time. Remember that with red lipstick, precision is key!

-Step 6: Clean up the edges of your lips with a q-tip and blot your lips with a tissue.

-Step 7 (Optional): Line the outside of your lips with reverse lipliner (which is essentially a skin-toned concealer pencil). If you don’t have a reverse lipliner, you can take a small amount of foundation or concealer and carefully apply a thin layer around your lips to fix any mistakes and highlight the shape of your lips. Blend well so you don't see any harsh foundation or concealer lines.

-Step 8 (Optional): Layer on some red or clear lipgloss for a modern touch.

Bonus Tips! 

• Keep your eye makeup simple since you are playing up your lips.
• Deep, dark shades of red will make your lips look smaller than bright reds. 
• Cool toned reds will make your teeth appear whiter. 
• If red lipstick intimidates you, try wearing it around your house first. Once you get used to seeing yourself with it on, it won't be so scary to wear it out in public! 

Fall 2011 Nail Polish Trends

     Summer has already come to an end and I must say it flew by. After a bit traveling and a spur of the moment move from California to Guam, life is finally settling down for me. After quite a long hiatus, I am back and here to stay. And what better way to transition into the Fall than to introduce you all to the trendiest Fall nail polish colors of 2011? 

Army Green: This shade of green is a great color to try this Fall. I prefer the creamy shades but metallic and iridescent shades can be found as well.

Copper: This orange rust color is perfect for Fall. It reminds me of the color of falling leaves. 

Teal: I am in love with this jewel-toned teal. No Fall outfit could possibly be bland with a pop of this beautiful shade. 

Mauve: Rather than the lavenders that we saw last season, Fall will be all about mauve when it comes to purple.

Burgundy: This deep wine shade will take any outfit's sophistication level up a notch. I prefer this iridescent shade to avoid looking dated.

Dark Brown: Dark brown is an alternative to black if you like wearing dark nail polish shades this time of year. 

  

Slate: Gray has been around for the past few seasons and isn't going anywhere just yet. This Fall try out this darker version of the color.

Sapphire Blue: This deep ocean blue is another alternative to black if you like dark colored polishes in the Fall.