Singer Gwen Stefani’s signature makeup look has always featured bright red lipstick. “I love red lipstick so much because it feels like such a classic, but it’s still so personal,” she told one beauty magazine, and she’s absolutely right. Lipstick is fun, glamorous and so unique to every woman who puts it on. Lipstick allows you to appear more attractive, more put together and more confident. To achieve the perfect look, here are our favorite professional tips:

1. Lip liner
Some women enjoy using a lip liner before they apply their lipstick, but it’s really not necessary. Today’s amazing lipstick formulas rarely bleed, according to most makeup artists. Of course, if you want to emphasize your Cupid’s bow or try to add symmetry to an uneven pair of lips, then go ahead and line. Choose a lip liner that matches the color of your lips and not your lipstick.

2. Where to start applying
This simple step can help you create the ideal pucker by beginning your application in the center of your lips. Then, start blending the shade out toward the corners of your mouth. With this easy technique, you won’t over-apply the product.

3. Complement your lips
Here’s a fabulous tip no matter what color your eyes are. For instance, if you have brown eyes, deep reds or purples will look incredible because they are cool, blue-toned lip shades. If you have light eyes like blue or green, apply warm orange-reds or coral lip colors to make your eyes stand out.

4. For a long-lasting pucker
A lip stain can be your cosmetic BFF when it comes to a lip shade that lives on and on. Wearing a lip stain can give you up to 18 hours of stay-ability because of its special water or gel base.

5. Voluptuous lips
Lipstick can make your lips appear fuller by priming them first with foundation or concealer. You can also buy lip plumping lipstick or lip gloss varieties that contain volume-boosting hyaluronic acid or collagen. A lip gloss that adds subtle volume is an inexpensive quick-fix,

6. Make it matte 
Matte lipstick is a favorite of many women because it can create a flawless deep shade effect and long-lasting look. One of the best ways to wear matte lipstick is with ample hydration first. Apply a moisturizing base like Aquaphor to combat any dryness. Let the lip moisturizer soak in completely before putting your lipstick on.

7. Lip TLC
Our lips are naturally dry and made of delicate tissue. That is why lip balm at night is key. Also, skin care experts recommend using a gentle lip scrub a couple of times a week to keep your pucker soft, smooth and supple. Mix together a little white sugar and honey to make a scrub. and apply it to your lips. Take an extra toothbrush and massage the scrub for a minute or so.

8. Play it safe
Lipstick can come in all kinds of formulas, but some of the ingredients in them can include lead, parabens and aluminum. You can always choose lipstick made with beeswax, natural oils, mineral or vegetable pigments or cocoa butter, for example.