Red lips epitomize class and vintage glamour. Images of sultry screen goddesses like Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner would not be complete without perfectly painted lips.

Red lipstick is a daring color and not for women who don't want to be the center of attention. It must be worn with confidence, and also a little caution. Nothing spells distaster like bright red uneven lips. Reds are also very noticeable when they begin to fade. Applying it correctly is key. It is also important to find the right color for you. You can be as subtle or bold as you want and still be a striking femme fatale. There are many shades to choose from. With the many deep wines, bright retro and burnt bricks, there is a color for everyone! The choice is yours.

The best way to apply red lipstick for the ultimate staying power:

Step 1. Exfoliate lips with a good lip scrub. There are many lip exfoliating scrubs on the market. Plain sugar works well too. Just slick on some lip balm and using your finger, dab some sugar on and rub on your lips to slough off dead and peeling skin.

Step 2. Using a toothbrush, brush the scrub off the lips. This will create circulation and remove the scrub and dead skin. Blot lips with a tissue.

Step 3. Use a moisturizing lip balm. Apply to lips and let soak in for 5 minutes. Blot lips again.

Step 4. Cover lips with concealer. This can be applied with a finger or lip brush. By cancelling out the natural lip color, the lipstick will be true to its color while worn. Blot.

Step 5. Brush some loose face powder on the lips. Not too much as this can be very drying. Powder will grab the color pigments and keep it in place. Dust off excess powder.

Step 6. Use a nude lip liner or liner that is close to the natural lip color and carefully line lips. Start at the center of the lip and line outward. Color the bottom lip with the lip liner completely.

Step 7. Using a lip brush, apply red lipstick. Fully coat the lips, then blot. Apply a second coat and blot.

Step 8. If there is any color outside the lips, use an angled brush and cover mistakes with concealer.

Step 9. Considering what occasion you are sporting your sexy lips for, you can do one of two things. For everyday wear or a more casual atmosphere, dust a little face powder on the lips. Then you can eat, drink and kiss with very minimal lipstick rub off and a classic matte look. For a more sophisticated event, slick on some clear or red lip gloss for shine and ultimate glamour.

There you have it. The perfect red lip with the perfect staying power.