The Secret to Perfect Red Lips
Red lips are always a showstopper, commanding attention with every swipe. To achieve a flawless application, precision is key—any small mistake canstand out. However, by following expert tips and techniques, you canmaster the art of red lips and create a look that’s nothing short of magazine-worthy.
Lip Preparation
Just like facial skin, your lips need proper care and hydration. Bright lipstick can highlight imperfections, making it essential to properly prepare your lips beforehand.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliating your lips removes dryness and flakiness, revealing a smooth and even surface for lipstick. Use a gentle lip
scrub, such as MAC Lip Scrubtious, to slough off dead skin and create a clean canvas. Gently massage in circular motions for a few seconds, then rinse off.
2. Moisturizing: After exfoliation, it’s crucial to hydrate your lips.Apply a nourishing lip mask, like the LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask, and leave it on for a few minutes. This will lock in moisture, soften your lips, and ensure your lipstick applies smoothly without settling into cracks.
3. Smoothing Away Excess: To ensure your lip color stays put, blotyour lips gently with a tissue to remove any excess product or residue from the lip mask. This step helps create a clean base for your lip color, preventing it from slipping or feathering throughout the day.
Creating the Perfect Lip Contour
A precise lip contour is essential for flawless, neat lip makeup. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect shape:
1. Neutralize the Lip Color: Start by using a makeup sponge with a small amount of foundation to gently neutralize your natural lip color. This creates a smooth, even base that helps your lipstick stand out and stay in place.
2. Choose the Right Lip Pencil: Opt for a well-sharpened lip pencil in a wooden casing, as it offers better control for precise application.
3. Outline the Upper Lip: Begin by defining the Cupid’s bow on the upper lip, then mark the center of the lower lip. These points serve as
your guide for a symmetrical contour.
4. Connect the Corners: Draw lines from the corners of your mouth towards the center of your lips, blending the contour for a natural yet
defined shape.
5. Enhance the Shape (Optional): If you wish to make your lips appear fuller, gently extend the contour just beyond your natural lip line by no more than 2mm, ensuring a subtle and balanced enhancement.
6. Add Volume: For a more voluminous look, use a lip liner that’s slightly darker than your lipstick. Blend the liner inward using a brush
to create depth and dimension.
By following these steps, you’ll create a clean, defined lip contour that
enhances your natural lip shape and adds a polished finish to your makeup.
The Finishing Touch
1. Error Correction: If needed, take a flat brush and a bit of concealer or foundation to carefully refine the edges of your lip contour. This will perfect the shape and ensure a clean, sharp finish.
2. Applying Lipstick: Once your contour is set, fill in your lips with your chosen lipstick—such as the bold, vibrant Chanel Rouge Allure in Passion. The creamy formula will glide on smoothly, adding rich color that lasts all day.
Now, your lips are not just ready—they’re poised to make a statement! Bold, sensual, and undeniably captivating, your flawless pout is the ultimate finishing touch to a show-stopping look. Let your lips speak volumes!
ABOUT KATYA

Katya Rich is a renowned makeup artist, hairstylist, and founder of Rich Beauty Studio in San Francisco. Known for
enhancing natural beauty with precision, Katya creates everything from subtle elegance to bold, dramatic looks. Her work has been featured in top fashion magazines and major events like New York, LA, and SF Fashion Weeks, Miss International California 2022, and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2021. A licensed cosmetologist, Katya is committed to delivering personalized, luxurious beauty experiences for each client.
For more, visit katyarich.com or follow
@katya.rich.makeup on Instagram.