TikTok's Red Lips Theory: A Step-by-Step Guide

Forget your brows, your lash extensions, and even your concealer. Red lips are all you need – a no-fail red-carpet classic turned full-blown TikTok obsession that’s here to stay. That’s it. Nothing else! The Red Lips Theory believes in the shade’s power to command attention to your puckers, make your skin look even, and brighten your face.

There’s no shortage of big names proving the Red Lips Theory in real life. Selena Gomez rocked a bold red lip at the 2025 SAG Awards. Fashion designer Jenna Lyons recently appeared on the Today Show in light makeup, letting a bold red lip do all the talking. And at the Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025, vampy reds became the street style crowd’s obvious favorite.

Ready to unlock the full force of this power pout? Check out this guide below.

TikTok influencers have gone bare-faced on video, swiping on red lippies to reveal how it made their faces instantly brighter. They also claim there’s a science to it and cite moments in history and pop culture that prove the effects of wearing this shade. The million-viewed beauty hack banks on the power of a bold, red statement lip – and that alone. Here’s why it works:

• It delivers an optical illusion: The color draws attention to your pout, blurring out everything else. In effect, it makes your skin look even. 
• It commands attention: Per science, red has the longest visible wavelength, which makes it look more concentrated and pigmented than other colors. (Fun fact: It’s why emergency lights and traffic stop signs are red!)
• It’s confidence-boosting: Swiping on Taylor Swift-red lipstick gives your look instant “oomph.” It’s a tried-and-tested trick the popstar has rocked for years – making bold, red lips her signature look.
• It is a color associated with power: In history and culture, red lipstick symbolism equals boldness, self-assurance, power, and timeless glamour.

So, if you want to channel Taylor Swift’s popstar vibe or the beauty TikTokers’ Fiery Lips Energy, here’s a guide.

Wearing red lips with a bare face doesn’t mean you can skip the skin prep! Cleanse your face with POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam for a clearer complexion and a radiant glow. Double cleanse with POND'S Vitamin Micellar Water Brightening Rose to make sure your skin is squeaky-clean before makeup application. Follow with your day serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Since all the attention will be on your lips, try to make your “canvas” as smooth as possible. First, gently exfoliate with a lip scrub. Then, hydrate with a primer or balm. Lastly, apply SPF.

A crucial step in lipstick application is lining your puckers to give them definition and shape. If You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes. Plus, it helps the color stay put.

Choose a shade that closely matches the red lip color you’re going for. If you want a fuller pout, try a slightly darker shade. Then, outline your lips, emphasizing the contour of your cupid’s bow.

Super important: If you want to make an impact, you need to find your shade of red. Of the million lipsticks available on the market, how do you find what looks great on you? Match it with your skin tone. Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Fair skin tone: Try cooler reds like cherry, berry, plum, or rich raspberry. These vibrant shades balance out the peach or pink undertones in your complexion and add a fresh contrast without overpowering your features.
• Medium skin tone: Go for reds with warm tinges in them, like scarlet, tomato, or orange-based hues. These tones enhance the natural warmth on your skin, giving you that lit-from-within glow.
• Deep skin tone: Rich, saturated shades like brick red, burgundy, wine, or ruby will look best on you. Deep tones can enhance your complexion’s natural depth.

Use this as your starting point, but feel free to experiment across shades. A good lipstick match should complement your skin tone and enhance your features. It shouldn’t look too overwhelming or wash you out.  

Once you’ve found your match, swipe it on your puckers, carefully not going beyond the lip liner you’ve just applied. Use a lip brush for more control and precision.

See if it looks good. Is it pantay? Fix uneven areas with your lip liner. Are there a few smudges? Clean up the edges using a concealer. Is there a transfer on your teeth? Blot with a tissue to remove excess pigment.

While the Red Lips Theory may have started as a viral trend, the power of rocking this statement look is forever. It’s a classic beauty power move that never goes out of style – and never fails to deliver impact.