A red lip is one of the most classic and visually stunning things you can do to your face (well, makeup-wise), and it’s perfect for the holidays. But the perfect red is hard to get right–and apply. From the color getting all over everything (your teeth, your glass, whoever you’re kissing) to choosing the right red for your coloring, it’s just one big pain in the ass. After sticking firmly to neutrals and the occasional fuchsia for years, I’ve recently been experimenting with reds and decided that some professional help was required.

Enter Tim Quinn, who is Giorgio Armani Beauty’s celeb makeup guru. He trained with Pat McGrath and has worked with the likes of Gwen Stefani (arguably the patron saint of red lipstick) and Victoria Beckham. His handiwork and words of wisdom have been featured in countless glossies, and I was lucky to snag him for a quick tutorial. Read on for advice on how to apply red lipstick, how to get it to stay on, and how to choose a flattering shade, just in time for all those holiday parties.

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