How to Get the Perfect Red Lip

Red lips are classic for the holidays. They're sexy, glam, festive and go with any outfit. You can't go wrong.  Today for Day 8 of Blogmas, I'm sharing how to get the perfect red lip! You can use this method for any lip color really but this is how I do my red and dark colored lipstick. It lasts all day and looks stunning. And it uses products you probably already have in your makeup collection! So let's get to it!
Also please excuse the lighting shift and some of the photos not being in focus. :/ My camera is so old that it doesn't have a remote feature so I have to set up my camera, set it to a 10 second timer and then press the shutter and hope it turns out focused. But bear with me as I try and get the hang of it! 

What You Need: 
Tooth brush or lip exfoliant scrub 
Heavy duty lip balm or chapstick
Concealer or lip liner
Lipstick of your choice
Translucent powder
Highlighter 
Lip gloss (optional)

Step 1: Exfoliate

You want your lips super smooth so that the lipstick doesn't crack, feather or look uneven. Use a toothbrush or lip scrub to slough off all the dead skin to reveal smooth lips. Drinking water and taking fish oil will also help with not only smooth and hydrated lips but skin too. 

Step 2: Hydrate

Apply a heavy duty chapstick or lip balm to your lips while you do the rest of your makeup/hair. The longer you can let it sit on your lips the better it will be. 

Step 3: Conceal 

Taking your concealer apply some to your lips. This will fill in the natural lines in your lips and give a nice canvas for the lipstick to stick to. It will also make sure the color is really nice and deep. You could also use a lip liner instead. Either will do the job. 

Step 4: Add Color

Either using the lipstick bullet or a lipbrush (I prefer the brush as it applies more precisely), apply the lipstick to your lips. If you want you can apply with the bullet and then take a lip brush to clean up the edges and fill in the spots the bullet can't reach. The perfect holiday red is from the L'Oreal celebrity collection in Blake Lively's Red. It's the most stunning shade of red that is bold, classic and makes your teeth appear whiter, a winning combo!

Step 5: Powder

Yes, powder your lips. This will help set the lipstick and mattify it. If you're going for a glossy look still do this step as we are going to apply a second layer and gloss. Use a translucent and with your finger or a brush apply it to the lipstick.  

Step 6: Reapply

Apply another layer of lipstick to your powdered lips. 

Step 7: Highlight

Either using a highlighter or a light concealer, highlight your cupids bow and the bottom of your lips. You can also clean up the outline with a Q-tip or a small concealer brush to really define the lips. My favorite highlight is Benefit Costmetic's Watts Up. 

Step 8: Gloss (optional)

I'm not a lip gloss girl but if you are now's the time to apply it. 

Once either highlighted or glossed that's it! You've achieved the perfect red lip for the holidays! Like I said this method could be used with a variety of lip colors. The color is bold and it will stay well into your evening of drinking, eating and dancing. 

If you're looking for the perfect holiday makeup check out the tutorial my friend Sarah created for the blog! It's got shimmery eyes, big lashes and of course, a red lip. Perfect for a holiday party with your beau or a night out with the girls! 
And as you can tell or saw from my Snapchat (@samanthagoble) a few days ago I got a haircut! Yes I chopped off almost 12 inches of hair. I'm still adjusting to it, as it's much, much, much shorter than I wanted. (I was going for a long bob and she got a little scissor/layer happy) I don't love it but I don't hate it either, it's growing on me. If you have short hair and have any style tips I would GREATLY appreciate them! :) 
How do you wear red lips? Have a holy grail red lipstick? Leave me a comment sharing! 
Merry Christmas everyone!