Lips Like Sugar

If silly stigmas hold you back from embracing the recent red lipstick craze, then we suggest looking at things differently. Don't think vixen; think vintage. At least that's how the editors of Allure like to approach red lips.

"It's very old Hollywood glamour," said Patricia Tortolani, Allure senior editor. "The new red is kind of a new take on a classic look."

Reason being, the finish is different. From the runways to the cosmetic counters, the newest shades favor a glossy sheen. (You can pick up one of Tortolani's favorites, Cover Girl True Shine in Valentine Shine, at your nearest grocery store. For an old favorite on the matte front, head to a MAC counter for Madonna's red preference: Russian Red.)

If the modern spin still has you claiming you're just not a red lips kind of girl, we suspect that's because you still haven't found the shade that suits you. The velvet look Gwen Stefani, also a Russian Red fan, likes to rock won't work for everyone. Likewise, neither will the berry red Rihanna leans toward. But, rest assured. There is a shade perfect for you. "I know there is because we test them all here at Allure," Tortolani said.

Like most makeup hues, the rule comes down to skin tone. If you have cooler undertones, a blue-based red will flatter you. If your skin shows warmer tones you should look for a red with a gold or orange base. A good way to weed out most of the colors that won't work is to scope out a celebrity whose skin matches your own. If they look dynamite in a tomato red, so will you.

Once you have that part down, consider the application as this will determine the overall perception of your new, red lips. If you've adopted the glossy trend, Tortolani recommends carrying it with you at all times. Reapplications will be necessary. And, with a glossy texture you don't necessarily need a mirror.

For those staying loyal to the matte look, first take into account the shade of your natural lip tone. If you already have a strong, reddish tint, use a primer to start. "(Primer) takes down the color of your lip so you can see the true color of the lipstick," Tortolani said.

Next, you'll want to line and fill the entire lip with a pencil that matches your lipstick. This will prevent bleeding and fading. Finally, glide on your new red shade, rub your lips together and blot.

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.