Glossed, matte, sheer, or dark, "red is a state of mind," says Val Garland, YSL Makeup's artistic adviser. "Wear it any way you like, but wear it with confidence." Here she dreams up four stunning ideas for reworking a classic.
Jem Mitchell
Glossed, matte, sheer, or dark, "red is a state of mind," says Val Garland, YSL Makeup's artistic adviser. "Wear it any way you like, but wear it with confidence." Here she dreams up four stunning ideas for reworking a classic.How will this look work with your features? Upload your photo to our virtual makeover tool and find out now!
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Jem Mitchell
1. Glam Gloss
"Before glossing up, create a template with a matching lip liner for extra staying power," says Garland. "The high shine will make your lips look instantly fuller — with an amazing 3-D quality."
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Jeffery Westerbrook/Studio D
Glam Gloss
"Always carry a mirror," says Garland. "If you're going to choose a high-maintenance look, be prepared to reapply throughout the day."
MC Recommends: YSL Golden Gloss in Golden Cherry #17, $29
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Jeffery Westerbrook/Studio D
Glam Gloss
If your skin has a lot of red in it, lightly brush your lips with foundation before applying color. This will make your lipline appear more prominent.
"The trick with the stained look is to apply color in the center of the lips and fade it out with a fingertip," explains Garland. "The result looks healthy and real — much like your own lips, only more vibrant."
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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
Sporty Sheer
For a really fresh look, use only tinted moisturizer on your skin and a sweep of cream blush applied high on the cheekbones.
MC Recommends: NYX Cream Blush in Glow, $7
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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
Sporty Sheer
Give skin a luminous finish when wearing matte lipstick to keep the look young.
MC Recommends: Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Linen, $12.99
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Jem Mitchell
3. Matte Polish
Find your most flattering shade. For skin that has golden, bronze, or green (aka warm) undertones, go for orange-based reds. For skin that has pink or beige (aka cool) undertones, stick with blue-based reds.
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Jeffery Westerbrook/Studio D
Matte Polish
Don't pencil beyond your natural lipline — it looks obviously fake and increases color bleeding.
MC Recommends: YSL Rouge Pur in Blazing Red #143, $30
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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
Matte Polish
Pair a high-shine lip with matte-finish skin and neutral eye makeup with subtle shimmer.
MC Recommends: N.Y.C. City Duet Eyeshadow in Manhattan Mist, $2.99
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Jem Mitchell
4. Dark Edge
"For a velvet finish, apply your lipstick straight from the bullet, delicately blot with a tissue, then reapply for extra staying power," advises Garland. "Add a reflective gloss on top to double the drama."
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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
Dark Edge
Avoid a retro look: Instead of black on the eyes, experiment with shades of blue.
MC Recommends:
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow in Lagoon, $1.99
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Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
Dark Edge
To define and shape thin lips, use a liner the same shade as your mouth before applying color.
