1.Start with making sure that your lips are well hydrated and not dry and cracked. You can always treat those lips to a mini scrub either with a flannel or a sugar srub. Then pop some balm on and let it soak in.
2. Before applying - always make sure that you have the correct colour foundation on your skin, as the focus of your face will be these beautiful red lips and not the giant pimple on your forehead or the dark rings under your eyes, and if you are wanting to create a fuller lip line then cover your lips with the foundation / councealer and then you can re-draw a beautiful new pout for yourself with a lip liner.
3. Best not to go free hand with your application - I always use a lipliner and an angled lip brush to apply the lipstick. It means that every line is pricise and there is less chance of smudging.
4. Apply 2 coats , in between smudge with a tissue and a dust of powder to help set the colour.
Now I cant scientifically prove to you - but honestly when I wear a red lip - I get treated very differently. I also feel different! I feel instantly confident and under control and all it took was a red lipstick.
Ive also noticed that it doesnt matter what im wearing - one minute jeans and a t.shirt, and then a very smart more corporate look and the same power of the RED LIPSTICK carrys on !
Be brave and give it a go!