I’ve seen some people apply a very light layer of loose powder on their nose before applying foundation.

Some people use a mascara primer, you could try that. For reference though, Essence lash princess runs and transfers like charcoal (I assume you’re using the green one because that’s the most popular), might be worth trying a tubing or waterproof.

The NYX Bare With Me serum concealer is meant to be a dupe for the Kosas, I’m using it right now and it’s lovely.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk becomes 503rd Pinky Mauve Nude

Depends, I think Rare is more hydrating but Fenty is shinier and some also have heat or cryo plumping if you like that. I’m not a lip gloss person myself so it’s up to you

Brown and blue are complimentary and work great together - as someone who’s also worn and loves navy blue formal wear, my go-to look is often a bold blue smoky eye and a nude brown lip, like MAC Velvet Teddy or Whirl.

Then again, I’m an eyes person more than a lip person - if you want to wear the red lip then do the opposite to me i.e have a bold lip and keep the eyes muted and neutral with brown eyeshadow.

Wouldn’t go for Joy, that’s an orange apricot colour that looks better on warmer skin tones. Grateful is a neutral red that can work on everyone but it’s so bright that you need to be real careful with it.

I second what the other commenters are saying and go for Hope, it’s a pretty mauve-ish pink. The shade Bliss is also really popular, it’s a pale peachy pink, but it’s also in the matte formula so it’s harder to blend.

As for lip gloss, Nearly Neutral is a pretty safe shade, I’d go for that.

Can’t say I’ve been a big Maybelline fan. So many of their products are considered icons but everything I’ve tried from them has just been “meh” to me

CT is way way overpriced - even if some of her products are good and people really like them, you’re paying exorbitant amounts for fancy gold packaging, not quality - ELF has been duping everything she does and better

Gold eyeshadow would compliment the red really well without being too heavy on the eyes - with a bright red lip you generally want to go easier on the eyes so as not to overwhelm the whole face. Highlighter and red blush are a must, though use a light hand for the blush.

Revolution makes good setting sprays, I love their Sport Fix