How to apply the perfect red lip this Christmas

Nothing makes a statement quite like a  red lip, and there's no better time for this classic makeup look to shine than December.

And while we're usually advocates for nude lipsticks when planning on eating and drinking (it's Christmas after all) you can still get away with a fade and flake-resistant bold, as long as you employ the right application technique. 

RELATED: 7 reasons your lipstick is flaking and bleeding

RELATED: 10 of the best matte lipsticks by shade

Watch the video above to see Lara Srokowski, Director of Artistry for Lancôme Australia, share her best tips or follow our easy how-to below...

Prep your lips

Ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated is a crucial step for lip colour that lasts. If you're experiencing any flakiness, try a scrub like Karen Murrell Lip Scrub, or even just some gentle buffing with a toothbrush will do the trick. Follow with a hydrating balm or lip priming product, such as Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm.

Line lips with a red lip liner

For a crisp edge that also acts as a barrier for bleeding, apply a lip liner in a similar shade or slightly darker than the lipstick you're using. Keep your mouth relaxed to ensure an accurate outline. 

bh loves: Mavala Switzerland Lip Liner Pencil in 'Mystique Red' and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in 'Kiss 'N' Tell' ($35, charlottetilbury.com/au)

Fill in your lips with the same red lip liner

Once you're finished with the outline, use the same liner to fill in the lips too. This will help to increase the longevity of your overall lip colour.

Apply red lipstick

And now you're finally ready for lipstick. For an extra polished finish, apply with a lip brush. To ensure you don't get any on your teeth, pop your pointer finger inside pursed lips, and then pull out to catch any unnecessary colour. 

Use a concealer brush and concealer to tidy up around your lips for a flawless finish

This step can also help to define the cupid's bow. And if you don't want to stop there, add a dusting of highlighter too. 

Here are a few of our members favourite red lipsticks:

Rimmel London Kate Moss Matte Finish Lipstick in 111

“I brought the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in the shade #111 which is a classic true matte red shade - one that I think every woman should have in her collection. The formula of this lipstick is creamy and smooth, it glides over my lips with ease without any tugging or difficulty.” - bh member aleksandra

Read Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick reviews...

Maybelline Colour Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil in Red Essential

“Love, love, love this velvet lip pencil! After buying the red one 'Red Essential', I went back the next day and bought four more while they were still on sale! They are extremely pigmented and buttery on the lips. They last all day and there is no need for a lip liner with them.” - bh member ElissaG

Read Maybelline Colour Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencil reviews…

M.A.C Lipstick in Russian Red

“I've used the matte lipsticks in MAC's collection, and I love how pigmented they are. They can be a little drying - so if you have dry lips you'll need to exfoliate/apply lip balm first. One swipe is all I need with these lipsticks, and if you blot them, they'll last ages. I can wear them for hours and even though the colour may fade a little - it's still there! They have a lovely range of colours and one of my favourites would have to be Russian Red.” - bh member jennkitty

Read M.A.C Lipstick reviews…

Revlon Super Lustrous™ The Luscious Mattes in Cherries In The Snow 

"Cherries in the Snow is a bold shade! It has a creamy matte finish with a very mild sheen, but not enough to call a satin: I dislike flat, two-dimensional mattes. After eating, it leaves a stain of colour behind. As a bold lippy lover, I hate having patchy lips after a meal. If you're prone to dry lips from matte lipsticks, this one feels creamy & moisturising."

Read Revlon Super Lustrous™ The Luscious Mattes reviews 

bh recommends: Eros Omorphos Red in Classic Red

This cruelty-free lippy should definitely be at the top of your must-try list. Soaked in pigment, Classic Red delivers a rich and intense colour with a matte finish. No need to worry about dryness though, the formula is enriched with vitamin E and apricot seed oil for velvety smooth lips.

Read more about Eros Omorphos Red

*This article has been updated since its original publication.

Main image: @nikki_makeup

Did you find the tips in this video helpful? What’s your favourite red lipstick?