I've come around to wearing brighter lip colors in the last couple years, but I tend to stick to my same berry shade. I've always wanted to try wearing red lips and since it's a classic color that looks so pretty on every skin tone and instantly perks up your face. And, with the little sleep I'm getting these days, I sure could use any perking up I can get! 

To figure out what shades and items to try, I turned to my makeup guru, Danielle Walch, who does my hair and makeup for my video shoots. She's always really good at keeping me looking natural, but adding a little extra to make me feel fresh and glowy. Here are some of Danielle's tips about wearing red lips…

When choosing a red lip, there are several options, and you don't necessarily have to apply anything in full concentration to get a beautiful red effect. 

1. Lip Tint—There are lots of great tints out there these days like this Fresh tinted lip balm. They're low maintenance, so you don't have to look in a mirror to put it on, and unlike lipstick, a tint will wear off evenly as the day goes on. Since tints are sheer, they pick up a bit of your natural lip shade making each tint slightly different on whomever wears it.

2. Stain Stick—If you want a little more color, lip stains have a bit more pigment, and are more like a cross between a lip tint and lipstick. Here we used Tarte's fiery stain stick which still accents the natural lip color with a bit more saturation. 

3. Lip Gloss—A gloss can be on the sheer side but offers shine for a more glam effect. This Bite Candy Apple gloss, provides a great, low maintenance way to fancy it up a little. 

4. Lipstick—Now if you really want a bold and true red, lipstick is the way to go. But if you're still feeling a little timid, try this technique instead. Using a very pigmented lipstick—like this Nars Annabelle shade—use a lip brush apply a very sheer amount of lipstick. Then take a cotton swab, a firm eyeshadow brush, or your finger, and carefully, smudge any sharp lines on the edges of your lips. This creates a softer and less dramatic effect, but you still get a nice pop of red.

In the end, there are no set rules for wearing a red lip. Don't be afraid to experiment and try these the baby steps to wearing red lips! I know it's made me more excited about it!

P.S. You can see more from Danielle at Inside Out Beauty and her website right here.

{Photos by Casey Brodley and makeup tips from Danielle Walch for Oh Joy. My top by Loyal Hana.}