I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine.

I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine.

      (Image credit: Sephora; Nordstrom) The Lineup is a monthly feature offering an inside look at the beauty selections of the industry's most coveted experts and trendsetters. Prepare for a glimpse behind the curtain at the essential products that keep their lives running smoothly. A red lip is quintessential for Denise Vasi. Browse her Instagram or check out Maed's website, and you'll see: no one wears a shade of red quite like the model, actress, and founder of a beauty brand. I would bet Vasi herself would agree, as she states that no look is finished without a touch of lip color. "Lips are such an expressive part of who we are, and enhancing them instantly shifts my entire vibe," she explains to Who What Wear.

      However, enhancing requires more than just skillful application. Proper skin preparation is crucial for achieving a stunning red lip—a lesson Vasi discovered early on during her modeling and acting career. "If you put lipstick on dry, flaky lips, even the best product won't go on evenly or last as it should," she notes. (Vasi knows all about maintaining long-lasting lip color, having spent countless long days on set since joining Ford Models at just 12 years old.) Your lips are skin, delicate skin at that, so it's essential to treat them with the same care as your entire face. You wouldn’t apply any makeup without ensuring a clean, hydrated base, would you? Similarly, a routine of exfoliation, treatment, and moisturization is essential before even considering lipstick.

      "Historically, lips felt like an afterthought in beauty," Vasi shares. "The focus was on aesthetics rather than care. Although the category has expanded, my vision has always been to create something more holistic—a complete system that treats lips with the same regard as skincare." And thus, Maed—her sophisticated lip care and color line—was established. The brand centers on ritual, featuring an exfoliating lip scrub, a silky lip serum, and, of course, richly pigmented lip colors, including tinted balms and a universally flattering matte liquid lipstick. The formulas are both nourishing and luxurious, and perhaps that's why the collection has quickly become a best-seller at Sephora since its launch in August.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Denise Vasi) Vasi's highly desired liquid lipstick was designed to suit every skin tone. However, when it comes to finding your perfect signature shade, the red lip enthusiast has a few important tips. "Always test the color in natural light to see how it interacts with your skin. The applicator is also crucial because precision is vital when using red lipstick," she advises. "The formula matters too. Look for one that’s comfortable and won’t dry or chap your lips." As mentioned, exfoliating beforehand ensures a smooth, even finish—but be cautious of popular time-saving hacks. "The most common mistake I see, one that makes me cringe, is people using a toothbrush on their lips," Vasi states. "Everyone should stop sharing this 'tip' immediately. It’s harmful to your lips. A toothbrush can create tiny micro-tears that disrupt the lip barrier. Even if you don’t see or feel damage, it can lead to increased dryness, irritation, and eventually chapped lips." (If you often rely on the toothbrush method, consider this a wake-up call.) A gentle scrub is your best option, and you can find Vasi's personal recommendation below, along with 19 of her additional beauty essentials.

      **banu**

      Sulfur Spot Treatment

      "Apply a thick layer and let it work overnight. I love that it visibly reduces pimples, calms redness, and eases discomfort without excessively drying or irritating the skin like many spot treatments do."

      **Highbrow Hippie**

      Root Replenish Active Growth Serum

      "This serum, developed by celebrity colorist Kadi Lee—who styles some of Hollywood’s most iconic women—is worth every penny! I enjoy massaging it into my scalp and edges a few times weekly. If you need extra hydration and support for growth, this is the investment to make."

      **"This is the one product I keep everywhere—in my car, purse, makeup bag, bathroom vanity, and nightstand. I apply it in the morning, under lipstick during the day, and use it as an overnight mask. Powered by our Maed BioActive Complex, it doesn’t just sit on the surface; it actively restores and supports the lip barrier. The luxurious gold metal applicator adds a special touch."**

      **OUI the People**

      Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss Oil

      "My post-shower ritual always includes this lightweight body gloss. I apply it while my skin is still damp, and it absorbs instantly without feeling greasy."

      **MAED**

      Reset Hydrating Line-Filling Lip Serum Treatment

      "This is the product everyone in beauty raves about. I use it before balm or color; it functions like a facial serum

I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine. I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine.

Other articles

These 25 New Zara Discoveries Are Expected to Sell Out Before October 1. These 25 New Zara Discoveries Are Expected to Sell Out Before October 1. Browse the selection. Jessica Alba, Julianne Moore, and other icons feature in Movado's new campaign—We're absolutely admiring it all… Jessica Alba, Julianne Moore, and other icons feature in Movado's new campaign—We're absolutely admiring it all… Opulent Swiss artistry. When all you're certain of is that you don't want to wear black shoes, opt for the color Victoria Beckham recently chose. When all you're certain of is that you don't want to wear black shoes, opt for the color Victoria Beckham recently chose. Effortlessly stylish outfits. After two weeks in Italy, I'm convinced I must adopt the shoe trend that every stylish woman in Milan and Rome was sporting. After two weeks in Italy, I'm convinced I must adopt the shoe trend that every stylish woman in Milan and Rome was sporting. Forget about ballet flats. I Desire to Have an Irresistible Scent—These 13 Fragrances Make Me Aroma Like a Luxurious French Bakery. I Desire to Have an Irresistible Scent—These 13 Fragrances Make Me Aroma Like a Luxurious French Bakery. A "small sugary delight" in the form of a fragrance. Everyone in the fashion world is eager to get their hands on these Miu Miu loafers—here’s the reason behind their high demand. Everyone in the fashion world is eager to get their hands on these Miu Miu loafers—here’s the reason behind their high demand. Allow me to clarify.

I’ve been using red lipstick incorrectly for 15 years—a model and actress has completely transformed my routine.

"I've been into red lipstick for longer than I can remember."