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!
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.
MC Recommends:
L'Oréal Paris True Match Roller Perfecting Makeup SPF 25 in Cool, $14.95
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Jem Mitchell
2. Sporty Sheer
"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.
MC Recommends: YSL Gloss Volupté in Tangy Orange #7, $30
