Puckering up and leaving red lipstick kisses on napkins, collars and love notes has long been a way for women to express their endearing affections.
Red lipstick kisses can take Cupid's bow for a whirl. What man doesn't like to see lipstick kisses left especially for them? From the shape, to the color and the intensity of your pout, your innocent lipstick kiss is sending signals and messages so strong you may need a kiss decoder to decipher all their hidden meanings. Both a romantic and subtle gesture, kisses are sultry and provocative with just a touch of sexy sweetness.

Red Lipstick Kisses: Why We Pucker Up

Often there are times we'd like to give a smooch and simply can't. Whether it is distance or circumstance that keeps us apart, there's no better way to send our love than a sweet and memorable kiss.

Lipstick kisses make us giddy, feel good, and remind us that we can show our affections even when we're apart. Red lips are the classic permanent kiss mark. Left for a Valentine, an anniversary, or a secret crush, red lips send passion without the need of physical contact. If you're flirting and want to test the romantic waters, send a lipstick kiss his way and wait for his blushing response.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Perhaps no love letter would be complete without signature lips that seemingly send their sweet love from lips to paper. A common flirtatious gesture, red lipstick kisses reveal much about a woman. You better believe men are evaluating those lips. Whether you are courting a man or sending well wishes home, before you pucker up and make your permanent red kiss mark, make sure you're lipstick kiss savvy. To leave the perfect set of smackers, you're going to need a few helpful hints in order to master the technique with kissable ease:

Start with freshly applied red lipstick.
Stick forefinger into mouth, wrap lips around, and slowly pull out, this will keep inner lips clean and red lipstick off teeth.
Pucker up and smack your lips onto a fresh sheet of paper.
Hold lips in kissing position for a count of five seconds.
Immediately pull lips away.
Set paper down to dry, avoid smudging.
Spritz your love letter with your favorite perfume: sign, seal and deliver.
Lip Kiss Shapes

The classic lipstick kiss mark will always be a set of puckered lips in full-on kissing position, but that doesn't mean you have to limit your kisses to this classic mark, get creative and try different kiss shapes for fun and whimsy.

Open your mouth in a circle shape to leave a gentle angel's kiss.
Purse lips tightly together and leave multiple zealous kisses.
Open wide and press lips tightly to leave a passionate, risqué kiss .
Tip: Turn the lips outward as much as possible while leaving lipstick kisses to create an always desirable fuller lip.

When to Leave Lipstick Kisses

Lipstick kisses are appropriate for many romantic occasions and for a number of different recipients. Lipstick kisses can be innocent and sweet or racy and fun. Next time you want to send a little love in someone's direction, pucker up your pout and kiss away on the following:

Love letters
Lunch bags
Collars
Envelopes
Photographs
Napkins
Gift wrap
Mirrors
Back of the hand
Necks
Pillowcases
Kissable Shades of Red

There are plenty of red lipstick shades that are perfect for lipstick kisses. However, it may take some serious trial and error to find a shade that makes him melt. Bright siren reds send a come hither vibe, while a deep rich red is provocative and sexy. No matter the color selection, it's best you always consider a long wearing or an ultra moisturizing formula to keep unsightly cracks at bay. Pick a shade that suits your passion, and send some love his way! S.W.A.K.!