From InStyle.com:
Daily Beauty Tip: Perfect Red Lipstick
At her L.A.M.B. show at New York Fashion Week, Gwen Stefani sported her signature platinum strands and shiny red lips. If you want to try crimson, but are afraid of it looking messy the second you leave the house, prep by exfoliating your lips and topping them with balm. Let the balm absorb for five minutes before applying the lip formula—it prevents feathering and provides a smooth base for the lipstick to adhere too. And always apply red shades just inside your natural lip line. The color is bold enough without exaggerating the shape of your mouth.