Sweater:  similar  |  Scarf:  similar  |  Hat:  similar  |  Lipstick:  here
Jeans:  |similar    Boots:  here  |  Necklace: similar 

Rocking a red lip can make a huge statement that's perfect for the holidays but it can also be a little intimidating!  I stayed away from red lips for years because I couldn't find the perfect color, was worried about it getting on my teeth and to be honest, wasn't really sure what in the world I was doing with a lip pencil.  







A few years ago I was determined to wear red lipstick to an event, so I marched myself to the mall and told myself I wouldn't leave without one.  I knew exactly what I didn't want - anything too orange, too pink, or anything I would have to worry about reapplying throughout the night - but I couldn't exactly tell them what I was looking for.  After about an hour and a very patient makeup artist, I walked out with my new perfect red, MAC's Russian Red.

It's a matte red with blue undertones that lasts almost the entire day!  The blue undertone is what makes this color so flattering on a lot of different skin tones but especially on people with fair skin and pink undertones like myself.  Because having a flawless red lip is more than just finding the perfect shade, I thought I would share some tips on how I keep my lips looking great year round! 

My lips are especially prone to getting dry, especially now that we live in a drier climate.  So, step number one to getting the perfect red lip for the holidays, or any day for that matter, is to keep yourself hydrated.  Hydration is key to having great skin and it's easy to forget that your lips are skin, so drink up! 

Along with drinking water throughout the day, I like to keep some sort of lip therapy, whether it be a balm or chapstick on my lips at all times.  Right now, my favorite to wear during the day is Sugar Lip Therapy by Fresh and at night I use Vaseline's lip therapy.  I also love to use Lush's lip scrub a few times a week to really help keep my lips looking healthy! 

Before applying my lipstick, I put a very light layer of lip therapy on and line my lips.  I just follow the outline of my lips and use short light strokes so if I mess up it's not a huge mess to clean up!  I then apply my first layer of lipstick pretty liberally and blot with a tissue.  If I feel like I need a little more pigmentation, I'll put another coat on followed by blotting one more time.  Depending on the look I'm going for, I'll leave the look as a matte lip or if I want a glossy look I'll apply either the Russian Red lip glass to really amplify the color or this for just a sheer gloss. 

I hope this helps you get your lips holiday ready!  Do you have a favorite red lipstick?  I'd love to hear! 

xoxo,
Kathryn