Photography courtesy of Shutterstock.

Make the red lip your new travel beauty staple. It’s classy, sophisticated, on-trend and can be your best accessory, turning that plain LBD into an elegant evening option. The keys to pulling off a red lip, though? It has to be flawless and precise. And it also has to last. We dig up the best tips for creating your ideal red lip with a little help from Jo, Skincare and Makeup Expert at The Body Shop.

Why the Red Lip is Always a Good Idea
“Red lips evoke a sense of passion and strength of character,” explains Jo. “Red lipstick dates back to the times of Cleopatra, the original seductress. It was revived again in the 1940s and 1950s by big-screen Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth.” And it seems that red lips never really go out of style (we can thank celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift for keeping it modern and fresh). And that means no matter where you go (Paris, St. Barth’s, Los Angeles, or Tokyo) and no matter the season, the red lip can be the go-to for any traveller.

Find Your Perfect Shade Of Red
Hunting down the ideal crimson hue is similar to searching for the all-time best double-foam, non-fat latte in the world – it’s a feat that seems nearly impossible. But it isn’t. “Look at your skin tone, your bare lip colour and the colour that your face turns when you blush to determine if you have more pink, orange or yellow undertones in your skin,” says Jo. “This is your indicator for shade variation.” Then follow this guide:

Pink undertones should go with classic red. TRY: The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in Red Siren 101

Orange undertones should opt for a more deep red with a hint of gold and avoid shades of orange. TRY: The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in Enraptured Red 115

Yellow undertones suit warm, deep brick reds. TRY: The Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in Crazy Sexy Crimson 125

For those lucky enough to have a bronze complexion, you will likely look great in all red tones.

Pack the Right Tools
“Because red lipstick is so visible, a clean lip line and a perfect lip is imperative,” Jo insists. Here are her necessities:

• Those with dry lips should prep with a lip scrub to remove any dry skin flakes. Clean off any lip balm or oils from your lips to avoid the lipstick bleeding into fine lines around the mouth.

• Using The Body Shop Lip Line Fixer, draw not on the lip itself but outside it instead, framing the lip line. This wax-based product is invisible to the eye, but it creates a perfect barrier to create a clean, sharp lip line and avoid bleeding.

• Use a freshly sharpened red lip liner to line and fill your lip. This helps your lipstick last longer and the edges stay perfect.

• For best results, use a lip brush to apply your lipstick. Blot with a tissue and then reapply for a stunning look that lasts all day.

• Made a mistake? Use a Q-Tip and some makeup remover to touch up any minor flaws.

• Feel like your lips are too thin? Add a little lip gloss to bring the perception of depth and volume.

Don’t Forget Your Brows
You may think all you need is a swipe of fresh lippy and you’re good to go. But Jo recommends a strong brow to go with your lip. “A strong, dramatic red lipstick works best with a less dramatic eye but don’t forget your eyebrows. Well-defined eyebrows are important to balance the face when wearing a red lip.”

Go From Window Shopping to Dinner Out
One thing that is a must for us when travelling is easily going from day to night in a pinch – both in fashion and beauty. And with a red lip, it’s actually a cinch. “For a perfect day look, try a neutral eye shadow with a classic flick,” suggests Jo. “For night, create a more dramatic eye with a smoky charcoal eye shadow and a black eye shadow to add depth.”

More From Travel & Style
10 Pretty Hand Creams to Travel With
How To Pull Off a Dark Lip
The Biggest Spa Don’ts