The Step-by-Step Guide to Bold Lips
A woman with a purse full of pale glosses learns how to achieve the perfect red lips.
![Teri Tobias in O magazine Teri Tobias in O magazine](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201002/omag/201002-omag-lips-before-350x263.jpg)
BEFORE
Teri Tobias has a purseful of pale, sheer lip glosses with names like Petal and Blossom. "I'm completely comfortable wearing a vibrant scarf or sweater—but bright lipcolors intimidate me," says the 36-year-old New York City literary agent. "Though they look gorgeous in the tube, they're a completely different color on my lips. I need help figuring out which shade to choose and how to wear it." We asked makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo to ease Teri out of her lipcolor comfort zone…and into a rich, thrilling red.
Learn the expert technique for wearing red lipstick
Learn the expert technique for wearing red lipstick
![Finding the right shade of red lipstick Finding the right shade of red lipstick](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201002/omag/201002-omag-lips-101-350x263.jpg)
SELECT YOUR SHADE
The color of the pads of your fingers is similar to that of your lips, so they give you an accurate picture of how a shade will look on your mouth (and you won't risk ingesting nasty microbes at the department store counter). Swipe a range of colors on your fingertips and see which ones look best. Then hold your favorites close to your mouth to decide which one is most flattering; the right bright shade will make your eyes sparkle and won't bring out redness in your cheeks. For Teri, Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Mulberry ($20; Sephora.com ) was a perfect fit.
![Putting on lip balm Putting on lip balm](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201002/omag/201002-omag-lips-102-350x263.jpg)
PRIME YOUR LIPS WITH A BALM
Without this prep, a bold lipcolor will draw attention to any cracks or flakes. Just a dab will do (too much and your lipstick won't adhere).
![Applying red lipstick Applying red lipstick](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201002/omag/201002-omag-lips-103-350x263.jpg)
APPLY THE COLOR
Whether your lipstick comes in a tube or pot, using a brush to apply it gives precise edges. Start in the middle of your mouth and move out to the corners.
![Bold lipstick Bold lipstick](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/201002/omag/201002-omag-lips-after-350x263.jpg)
AFTER
With bold lips, the rest of your face should stay subdued: Use a pencil to define your brows, apply a couple of coats of mascara, and you're done.
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From the February 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine