Since Valentine’s Day ( the ultimate date-night) is closing in on us, we figured it would be a good idea brush up on the classic red lip.  I don’t know if it’s the color red itself, or confidence of the girl wearing it, but red lips are a marker of sex appeal. Unfortunately, applying red lipstick without the color bleeding onto teeth or looking too clown-like isn’t as easy as it sounds. To recreate the gorgeous red pout flawlessly, follow these key tips, courtesy of make-up artist Jemma Kidd.

This could be you on Valentine's Day*

First things first: Prep your pout.
1. Get those lips smooth and moisturized. No lipstick looks good on chapped lips and some matte lipsticks dry lips even more. Keep lips smooth and moisturized with a balm containing natural oils, such as beeswax, and SPF. If you have chapped lips, apply balm and after a few minutes massage gently with a soft toothbrush or muslin cloth.

Bonus tip: A lip scrub made from sugar and a bit of olive oil mixed together also works wonders for flaky lips. Just rub it on for 1 minute and then rinse for smooth lips.

2. Dab foundation around the lip area and over the lip itself. It will tone down any redness and ensures the line of the lips will be sharp and defined.  A concealer brush or your finger will work for this step.

Line your lips.

3. Use a matching waxy lip liner to prevent any bleed around the lips. Spend time drawing the outline, making sure the lips are completely symmetrical and the bow is even. An uneven top lip shows up with red lipstick more than any other color. Start at the V of the Cupid’s bow and take the liner right into the corners.

4. Fill in the lip with the pencil to hold the lipstick in place and make it last longer. Go over the pencil color with a lip brush, working it into any creases.

Apply your lipstick.

5. Paint on the lipstick using a lip brush for precision, starting in one corner and working inward. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat of the brush for larger areas. Blot with a tissue and apply another coat.

6.  Add a dab of gloss in a clear or slightly lighter shade at the center of the lower lip and press your lips together. High-shine glossy lips create instant glamour, make the lips look fuller, and draw attention to your mouth-a luscious evening look.

Helpful things to remember:

-Red lips spell grown-up glamour and should be worn with confidence.

-Hair color is irrelevant when choosing the right shade of red – it’s skin tone that counts. Pink tones are best suited to cooler “blue reds,” while darker, Mediterranean, and Asian skins are better suited to “orange reds.”

-Deep, plumy reds look fantastic on dark skin, cool blue-based reds suit pink-toned and pale skin, while orange-based reds are less draining on a warmer complexion (but make sure it doesn’t accentuate any redness in your cheeks).

-Red lips will be the focus, so keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

-A red-tinted lip gloss will give a more subtle effect.

-Try not to touch your mouth so you don’t risk smudging the lipstick. Matte finishes are more resistant to smudging than gloss.

Enjoy your perfect red lips, and try not to ruin it smooching this Valentine’s day!!

Photo Credit: Supernaturalbotanicals.com

* Perfect blowout and successful acting career not included.