The classic red lip may never go out of style, but it does need to adjust with the seasons

There’s no denying a full, richly pigmented red pout has stood the test of time—and will for decades to come. But while we all strive to find just the perfect shade of crimson for us, be it more bluish or orange, it’s not actually appropriate to wear the same formula year-round. “I think it is all about texture when transitioning from fall to summer,” says celebrity makeup artist Elizabeth Ulloa and Smart Chic & Beautiful blogger. “For fall, matte tends to look best because of the cold season and fashion—the look is more polished. For summer it’s about feeling fresh and looking bright and breezy. Sheer textures keep the look youthful and not too bold.” Ulloa’s favorite iteration of the red lip in balmy weather is a lip stain (such as Korres Lip Butter in Berry Stain or Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Scarlet) that leaves a just-bitten look behind.

It’s easy to summer-ize the timeless look by choosing the perfect shade, again—as always—for your skin tone. With most women flaunting a tan (faux or real), red-orange vermilion tones are optimally flattering and give the impression of sun-kissed lips. In this season, “I tend to pick reds that are bright and full of shine, like Too Faced lipstick in Drop Dead Red. Lip glosses are great for summer as well—I love the sheer, translucent red colors.” MAC’s limited-edition Hey, Sailor! Lipglass in Send Me Sailing! does the trick.

But as with any season, it’s best when focusing attention on the lip to keep the rest of one’s makeup minimal. “For summer a tinted moisturizer looks great, but if you need more coverage use a concealer first to cover any spots or blemishes. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer will change your life.” When choosing the perfect occasion for a juicy red lipstick (try Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Devil paired with Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur #3), take inspiration from effortless French women—or the French Riviera—who follow a less-is-more motto and wear it to a summer picnic or on a hot date, says Ulloa. “I think a red lip is the ultimate classic look,” she adds. “It represents power and femininity.”