Get the Perfect Red Lip

Last night’s Academy Awards inspired us to go glam, so we asked celeb makeup artist Julie Hewett for her red lip tips.

Last night’s Oscars and the stars’ red carpet looks got us dreaming of going glam—or at the very least, finding the perfect red lipstick. Even if we don’t have an occasion to wear floor-sweeping gowns coming up, we can still pump up the drama on date night with a dramatic red lip. So we turned to celebrity makeup artist and red lip expert Julie Hewett about getting this timeless look just right. Read on for her easy red lip tutorial. —Hally Wolhandler

Which reds are popular at the moment?
Bright, coral red lips are big on red carpets. Belle Noir is one of my favorite reds and it really looks great on everyone. While working on the film Hitchcock, I chose Belle Noir for Scarlett Johansson's character Janet Leigh, and she looked stunning. I'm also in love with berry lips right now. My Icon of Beauty “Scarlett” shade is a bright rosy berry hue.

How can I get red carpet-ready, perfect red lips?
1. Prep the lip with a good balm. Try Organic Camellia Balm for luscious lips.
2. Apply the lipstick straight out of the tube, or use a lip brush for a more precise application.
3. Blot lipstick to prevent it from running onto your teeth.
4. Make sure to line your lips with a matching liner.

Any other red lip tips?
Follow your natural lip line. If you have smaller lips, line before application; if you have fuller lips, line after application. Also, be sure to use a matching liner or it could affect the color you are trying to achieve. And don't forget to blot: you don't want to get lipstick on your teeth. And don't pile gloss on top of red lipstick. Instead, just dab a little gloss in the middle of your bottom lip.