Red lip color can be scary territory to enter into, but do not fear, I am here to give a few pointers and guidelines that can help every woman take the intimidation factor out of the “Crimson Kisser.”

Makeup in itself is an art form.  It is a medium for self expression.  I will not give “rules” for wearing a red lip, however, I will give some suggestions on how to make the color a little more “approachable.”  You’ll be confident when wearing it.

Let’s begin.

Never draw on a dirty canvas.  Imagine your face as your canvas.  You are creating a masterpiece and wouldn’t start with a dirty canvas, right?  Well, the same goes for applying makeup.  Now, when I say dirty I am not speaking literally.  I am sure no one would attempt to apply makeup to a face that is unclean…or at least they shouldn’t.  What I mean is that our complexions are naturally uneven and the uneveness is emphasized even more when using a bright or bold color.

Even out your skin tone. This is one of the first things that needs to be done when wearing a bold lip color.  Do this by applying the best foundation for your lifestyle and skin type.  When your skin is flawless your color will automatically look professionally applied.

Start with a lip tint or stain. Lip tints and stains are a great way to incorporate a bolder color without it being too overpowering.  The colors can be sheer or dry matte and tend to mimic a “minor” bee stung or bitten lip.   This option will also not need to be touched up or reapplied as often because it is a very soft version of the bold lip option.

Let the lip be the focus point. Red lips demand attention and hate sharing the spotlight.  Yes, I know you finally mastered the smoky eye, and your Jo Lo Glow can stop traffic, but a red lip likes to travel alone!   Try pairing this lip with a neutral eye, heavy mascara and a contoured but not colorful cheek.

Wear your red with confidence. When wearing a red lip you have to mentally own it.  If you are unsure about it, that will show all over your face.  Make sure you own the lip color; don’t let the lip color own you.

Think Miranda Priestly….you determine the trend.

Step one of finding true love began with a few false starts.  I had to have my fill of a few bad relationships first.  My first unhealthy relationship consisted of eating what I wanted, exercising and having the nerve to be disappointed when I didn’t get what I wanted.   It was a very toxic mix, a glass of delusion and foolishness on the rocks on a daily basis.  You can’t get plastered on junk food,  even with exercise and expect miracles.  I was looking for a miracle.  Every seven days I stepped on that scale expecting to drop four pounds only to realize I had gained two.

Step two was having the courage to ask myself what is love.  What does love of self mean to me?  I believe it means taking care of yourself from within.  When you take the time to nurture your body from within with healthy foods and nutrients your body rewards you with energy.  That energy is then used up by moving more and exercising the body with the activities you enjoy.  Before you know it that frown has been turned upside down and a smile is looking back at you.

Your mind is the first thing you have to get under control.  It is your hub.  It processes your ideas; it tells you how to execute your life moment to moment.  When you become one with yourself and calm your mind from all the noise around you the message is clear.  I need love.  I deserve love.  I deserve to love the woman that I am. I’m entitled to make her the best that she can be.  These things aren’t extras in life they are a vital part it.  Too often we lead our lives in a way that makes taking care of ourselves optional.  The care of you should never be negotiated away.

When you put yourself back on your own priority list, the love of self will grow leaps and bounds.  You will then wish you could take back every moment you ever glanced in that mirror critical of the curves you have.  You will want to wrap your arms around yourself and give the love and admiration you have deserved all along. Don’t wallow in the bad, learn from it.  Be good to yourself and the love of self will follow.

We can’t all be cover girls…not even the cover girls.  Don’t compare yourself to others; nothing good can come of it.  A positive outlook never hurt anybody but a negative attitude has left many in the dust feeling nothing but disgust.  So stay positive and you will be on the road to loving yourself before you know it.