Binky's Valentine's Kisses

How To Do Classic Red Lips

Mwah, mwah! I’m sending out big kisses to all lovers, dreamers and passionate people the world over. It’s Valentine’s Day – the most romantic day of the year, and an occasion when it’s crucial to look your best. After all, you never know who might turn up at your door, ready to whisk you off on a hot Valentine’s date!

Of course, nothing says Valentine’s Day like a perfect scarlet pout, since red is the colour of love, lust and passion, and lips are made for kissing! But this isn’t a once-a-year look. The ruby-red pout is a classic make-up look – timeless, ageless and effortlessly sexy. It’s a look that’s well worth perfecting, as once you’ve cracked it, you’ll use it for years to come.

First things first – find your ideal red. This might sound obvious, but it’s crucially important. Red lipsticks range from pink-based cherry shades, via fruity corals and titians, on to cooler bluey blood reds, and ending up at deep, dark maroons. Your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone will all impact on the way a red looks on you, which is why I thoroughly recommend hitting the shops for a proper trying on session.

Once you’ve found your dream Valentine’s crimson – I’ve chose a luscious cherry shade – it’s time to perfect your lipstick technique…

How To Do Classic Red Lip Makeup

Step 1: Clean Canvas

It goes without saying that this look is all about the lips – heavy eyes or blotchy skin will only distract from your kissable pout. So start by evening out your complexion. Blend Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation across your face, then apply Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer to camouflage any blemishes, shadows or redness.

Step 2: Red Alert


Begin your pout by drawing along your lip line with a lip pencil that’s as close to your lipstick colours as you can get. Once you have a perfect outline, fill in the colour using the same lip pencil – this will create a rich, strong base colour. Now carefully blend your lipstick over the top, applying it with a lip brush to achieve a really professional finish. I’ve opted for the Clarins Rouge Eclat lipstick in Passion Red. Blot the colour using a tissue.

Step 3: Staying Power


Dust a tiny amount of Daniel Sandler Invisible Veil Powder over the lips to fix the colour in place. Then brush on a second coat of lipstick, blot, and apply one final time.

Step 4: Gloss Coat


Finally, dab a top coat of Nuxe Nutri Protecting Lip Balm in Charismatic Red onto your lips. This will keep your pout feeling lush, hydrated and glossy as lip pencil and blotted lipstick can leave your lips feeling a little dry.

Step 5: Lighten Up 


Finally, finish your face with a touch of Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector across your cheekbones, for a subtle touch of shimmer.

Voila! Irresistibly kissable lips. Happy Valentine’s everyone. Here’s hoping Cupid makes all your romantic dreams come true, and if not, here’s a big smacker from Binky!

xxxx