It’s Flag Day! Yay! What is Flag Day? No idea. I suppose we’re celebrating the flag. Yay flag! Great job.

To really show that flag your respect and admiration, today is a great day for red lips. I’m sure you’ve heard of the mysterious ‘perfect red’ that exists for everyone? Well, it’s true. Red is a neutral color, as in it can fit into any color scheme. However, some are warmer (have more brown/orange) and some are cooler (have more blue). I’d like to define your perfect red as not only a color that complements your tones, but also as whatever you like best.

For some it’s obvious that they are cooler or warmer based on their skin, eye, and hair tones. If you have blond hair and blue eyes, you will go for a cool blue red. If you have olive skin and brown eyes, you will go for a warm red.  If your coloring isn’t as clear-cut, you’ll have to try on a few and look at what happens to your skin and eyes. Does your skin become a dull pale in comparison, or softly glow? Very dark skin can pull off either because of that gorgeous high-contrast of the skin color.

Here are some tips on applying red lips. Make sure your lips are exfoliated and hydrated before you start.

For a soft look: Use a lip brush and slowly apply the color starting from the inside and making your way to the edges.

For a precise look: Line the lips top and bottom with red lip liner. Fill in the lips with the liner. You can use this as your complete color, or add a lipstick over top. Use any tiny flat-edged brush to apply concealer along the outer rim of the lips.

Proper blotting: Take a tissue and place it over your lips, pressing a touch as though your lips are stamping the tissue. If you have excess product in your inside rim, open your mouth and close it on a touch of tissue.

Personally, I dig the matte vintage red, but a touch of gloss can sex up the look. Use a clear gloss on the center of the lower lip. Having a fully glossed red lip is a bit…. Messy.

Warm Red:

Cool Red: