How To Make Your Holiday Red Lip Last All Night

As holiday soirees begin to clutter our calendar, we can’t help but dream of the perfect red lip. There’s something about a red pout that screams holiday and party, so it makes sense that it’s the go-to lip of the season. But how do you wear your red so that it stays on your lips — and not on Santa’s?

“To make your lipstick last throughout all of the holiday kisses, the simplest thing you can do is use lip stain or long-wearing lipstick such Nars Audacious Lipstick ($32), Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain ($34), or Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain ($10),” explains celebrity makeup artist Hinako, who has worked with Leighton Meester, Katie Findlay, and Judy Greer. “For added staying power, blot the excess color with a tissue, then apply another layer of the same stain/lipstick.” Hinako continues: “Now, if you want to use regular lipstick, here is an application trick: Use a similar color lip liner to your chosen lipstick to shape and completely fill your lips. Then, apply your lipstick and blot the excess color with a tissue. Next, apply translucent face powder over your lips then apply another final layer of lipstick. It’s a lot of steps but it’s worth it!”

Having trouble choosing your ideal red hue? Hinako suggests “dark berry and deep reds for this holiday season,” but we’re partial to a classic crimson shade. Whichever red you choose, just make sure you wear it… and wear it well!

Holiday Reds To Try (all with serious staying power):
Nars Audacious Lipstick ($32) in Charlotte (oxblood burgundy), Jeanne (cherry red), Rita (scarlet red)
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain ($34) in Rouge Laque (cherry red)
Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain ($10) in Stockholm Chic (brick red), New Your Scene (deep red), Parisian Passion (berry red)
MAC Heirloom Mix Lipstick ($18) in Salon Rouge (classic red)
Dolce & Gabbana The Lipstick Classic Cream Lipstick ($33) in Scarlet (deep red)

*photo from The Wall Group; makeup by Hinako.