Want to look sexier this holiday season—in thirty seconds flat? Crank up the heat and slick on a coat of bold crimson! Nothing draws attention quicker to your pretty face than daring, powerful, elegant classic red lipstick. But before you take a deep breath and release the rock star within, here are some tips for how to wear lipstick!

How to Wear Lipstick: Choose the right shade for you skin tone.

True reds work best on a pale face, while olive skin calls for brown-reds or mahogany shades. If you've got warm skin with golden undertones, go for an orangey or brownish-red. If your skin is cool with pink or bluish undertones, try a pinkish or purplish red.

How to Wear Lipstick: Trust your instincts. 

We are often drawn to the colors that look best on us. Trust the shades you are first attracted to. Try it on your lips, not your hands. And keep the rest of your makeup subtle. You don't want your eyes to compete for attention. Give yourself time to get used to it!

How to Wear Lipstick: Get a lip pencil in a similar shade.

And use it to fill in both your lips completely, giving your lipstick extra staying power. Keep to the natural line of your lips—trying to make them look fuller will just end up making them look fake.

How to Wear Lipstick: Use a lip brush. 

Red doesn't forgive mistakes easily. A lip brush allows you to apply color more precisely.

How to Wear Lipstick: Blot. 

Separate a tissue into two layers and use one to blot your lips and remove excess lipstick. Still holding the tissue to your lips, brush loose face powder over it. A fine dusting will go through the tissue and set your color.

How to Wear Lipstick: Decide on a shine level.

Glossy or matte? Moister looks more modern, but matte stays on longer. Experiment 'til you find what's right for you.

How to Wear Lipstick: If you don't have a mirror.

Use a fingertip on the non-lipstick-wielding hand as a guide and position the tip of the lipstick on the center of your mouth's bow. Draw half a heart from the bow to the edge of the mouth. Trace the top line of your lip with your fingertip to avoid wobbles. Use the same fingertip to mark the center of your lower lip and use it as your guide. Don't rub your lips together—it'll smear the color.

How to Wear Lipstick: Be brave. 

If the tube of red lipstick you chose isn't exactly right, mix in a little mauve. The pretty fuchsia you create might be exactly what you were looking for. Experiment by adding a little brown if the red is a bit too bright for you.

How to Wear Lipstick: Paint your nails the same color! 

Go for more red! It's that time of the year, after all!