How to Wear Red Lipstick Like a Champ!

Red lips are the quintessential sexy look, but getting it just right can be tricky. I should know--I've made my share of lipstick blunders. Whether you're just in the mood to have fun with your look, or you're going somewhere formal, red lipstick can make any outfit look extremely sexy and classy. I promise you that no matter what your skintone is, there's a perfect red lipstick out there for you!

Here are some of my current faves (pictured above):
    Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon ($28.00)
    Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in F-Bomb ($22.00)
    Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge ($20.00)
    Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in Neo-Noir ($30.00)

Since I'm basically a lip product expert (I think owning over 200 lippies is proof of that), I've learned a few tips along the way. Here are a few simple steps to getting the perfect red lips:

Don't play up your eyes.
Pair red lipstick with the lightest possible eye makeup.  A little mascara and beige shadow will do just fine. It's very important to only draw attention to one area of your face, because if you go crazy with bold eyes and bold lips, chances are you'll look like a clown. Just let your lips take center stage.

Coordinate your look.
Dot a little smudge of the lipstick on the apples of your cheeks, then blend it with your fingers. It'll really pull your look together.

Be precise.
Take the time to apply your lipstick.  Whether you use a lip brush, or just apply it from the tube, take your time. Remember: Practice makes perfect!

Prevent bleeding.
No one wants to see red lipstick anywhere outside the lines of your lips themselves. To avoid this, apply a little concealer around the border of your mouth.

Avoid getting lipstick on your teeth.
This is the worst, and I've definitely done this plenty of times myself. After applying, put your finger in your mouth, purse your lips around it, then slowly pull it out to remove excess color.

Good luck, ladies!

How to Find the PERFECT Black Heels

Possibly the most popular shoes in the world, the black pump is simply something that all ladies need to own. Honestly, if you only purchase one pair of shoes in your lifetime, this should be it.

The thing about black heels is that they go with practically every outfit possible. You can pair  them with an LBD (Little Black Dress) for some extra class, or even throw them on with some dark-washed jeans and a cute top for a daytime, non-fancy occasion.

Regardless of the cost, you'll find that you will be wearing them time and time again. Think of it this way: how much money would it cost per wear? Since you'll be wearing them a lot, a pair of $300 heels would end up costing you a couple bucks each time you wear them over the course of a year! (That's a nice little trick I learned to give myself an excuse to spend ridiculous amounts of cash...it works for expensive dresses too!)

Now, for the important part--finding the perfect shoe.

Here are the key points:

Check the Materials
Matte leather not only looks the most classic, and stands the test of time, but it's also breathable. Go for leather uppers and cushioned soles that will mold perfectly to your foot.

Inspect the Quality
Make sure to take the time to examine the stitching, the attachment of the heel to the rest of the shoe, and whether or not the uppers are fully glued to the soles. Well-made pairs won't have any gaps.

Get the Right Coverage
Choose pumps that don't dip too low in the front and show tons of "toe cleavage." It just looks trashy and weird. You want the line to hit just above where your toes end. This will ensure a leg-lengthening look.

Consider the Heel
Keep the height around three inches. Personally, I even go for two inches a lot of the time due to the constant running around that I'm always doing. Three inches is perfectly acceptable, and comfortable to wear for at least a few hours. And don't go for a stacked heel. Skinnier ones are much more versatile.

Don't go too Pointy
The narrower the tip gets, the more of a pinch your tootsies will feel! You want to pick something that has a bit of a slightly rounded shape. It'll end up being much more comfortable, yet still look incredibly polished.

Find a Simple Style
Try to avoid trendy embellishments, embossing, platforms or anything else that goes in and out of style. Though trends can be fun, these particular heels are meant to stand the test of time!

Follow these tips and you'll be sure to find your very own pair of perfectly pretty pumps!

Personally, I'm OBSESSED with the pictured Teddie Pumps from Coach ($198.00). They've got everything a good black heel needs and more! If you're looking for a cheaper option, Payless has some adorable black heels--their Karmen Pumps are fabulous and are under $30.

Happy shopping!