Before continuing, this hub is specifically designed for women of color because many of the make-up tips I've encountered do not offer alternate colors that will produce the same results on darker women. One size does not fit all.

One of my most frustrating cosmetic searches was the hunt for the perfect red lipstick and flattering application techniques! I finally I found the lipstick at Walmart and experimented before finding the perfect application technique. What is the mystery color you ask? It's Maybelline's new Color Sensational lipstick in "Red Revival" and the technique is below. See my photo for results and if this works for you, please post yours.

The Only Rule Is: Use full robust reds, because they show-up better.

NOTE: Before you begin, you will need the following:

1. Foundation
2. A lip pencil that either matches your natural lip color or is 1 shade darker. I use NYX Slim pencil in Dark Brown or Espresso. (Most tips recommend a red lipliner, but I've found that red liner don't produce the results I desire.)
   
3. Red lipstick.
   
4. An opal or gold tinted lipgloss.
5. Small & thin angled brush.
   
6. Optional: lipstick brush.
   

Step 1: Apply foundation on your face and apply a thin layer on your lips. If you apply to much the use a paper towel and blot off the excess.

Step 2: Line your lips with lipliner. Do not "fill-in" your lips or you will darken the red and decrease it's boldness.

Step 3: Using your lipstick brush, apply red lipstick. Start application at your lipline and blend into the center of your mouth.

Step 4: Once you've applied lipstick to your satisfaction, apply a little bit of gloss to the center of your bottom lip and blend out toward the corner of your lips and down toward your bottom lip line. You only want enough to slightly lighten the red on the inner part of your lip, this adds depth to the color.

Step 5: Clean your lipline by applying a small bit foundation to the angled brush and touching up lipstick that has strayed outside the lipline.