Finding the right red lipstick

The holiday period is fast-approaching and you know what that means... parties, parties and more parties! It's the time of year everyone always asks me what beauty must-have they need in their makeup bag. My answer? Red lipstick. Just like the little black dress is a wardrobe classic, a swipe of red lipstick is all you need to always look chic and glamorous. However, no one shade of red lipstick will suit every woman, which is why I've created a how-to guide to finding the right red for your skin tone this holiday season.

FAIR SKIN (Cara Delevingne & Taylor Swift)

Red lippies with an orange hue work best on fair complexions. The hint of orange brightens up your entire look without washing you out. If you want to make things flirty and playful, finish with a gloss like my Luminous Lip Veil Scarlet Fever. The shine and additional sparkle is perfect for parties.

MEDIUM SKIN (Jennifer Lopez & Miranda Kerr) Women with sun-kissed or olive skin tones should reach for a fiery shade -- instead of a reddish brown or a berry -- to suit their warmer complexions. Make a statement! Try a shade with an on-trend, matte finish for a real punch of color.



DEEP SKIN (Kerry Washington & Naomi Campbell) Opt for reds with burgundy and maroon undertones. Dark reds make for a romantic finish to your holiday look! Step it up a notch by lining your lips last with a plummy brown lip liner, like my Lip Pencil Hot Mocha. Blend well to create an ombre effect to your pout. Important note! When you're trying out a brand new lippie, you need to give yourself time to adjust to the color. Sit with it on for a few minutes before making a final decision. You might have reservations at first, but after a few minutes, you may just have found your new fave color!

Once you've found your perfect shade of red, it's time to ensure your lippie lasts through the hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Make sure your lips are properly hydrated by applying a lip balm (like my Auto Pilot Overnight Lip Balm) to them the night before. This helps your lip color last and blends seamlessly. Next, apply your red lip and follow with a lip liner. Lining lips last helps keep the color from feathering and defines their natural shape. And finally, when you're just about to head out the door, swipe a cotton tip through the center of your mouth. This will keep any lipstick from transferring onto your teeth.