I love the look of a bold red lip (just not on me). It’s classic, elegant, and modern —it looks just as good paired with a white tee and jeans as it does with a little black dress. The new Cool Gloss in Great Red is the Jones Road ode to the classic red lip. It’s a vibrant red with orange undertones. You can wear it sheer or build it up to a bold look. Here are my tips for pulling off a great red lip:

Find Your Shade

On very pale skin, I love a bright pink or blue-red, like The Lip and Cheek Stick in Bright Pink or Cool Gloss in Great Red. For warmer skin tones, try an orange-red like Cool Gloss in Poppy Red. Deep skin tones should look for a brown-red, like mixing The Lip and Cheek Stick in Chocolate Mocha and Great Red. Don’t be afraid to mix your own shade, using two or more of your favorite colors.

Play With Formulas

A modern red lip doesn’t have to mean lipstick and liner. If you want long-lasting wear, a matte finish will be your best bet, but it can also be drying. If you’re using lipstick, apply using a brush and make sure to blot. You can add a red or clear gloss on top to really make it pop. A red gloss also works on it’s own and you can keep it sheer or layer it for more color. A creamy formula, like The Lip and Cheek Stick, will allow you to build up the color to your desired look. Whenever you’re wearing red, make sure you get the color all the way to the inner corner of the mouth and the end of the lips.

Keep Your Makeup Simple

Keep the rest of your look simple and effortless — you don’t need to compete with the red lip. Use The Face Pencils to even out skin, cover dark circles, and correct any redness. For blush, a hint of pink or color blush will give skin a natural flush (try The Lip and Cheek Stick in English Rose). On eyes, try a peach or nude shadow, a thin black line along the top lash line, and a few coats of The Mascara.

Bobbi Note:

If you are truly not a red lipstick girl, opt for short, bright red nails (like Essie Geranium) and keep lips neutral.