  In this study, we conduct a pilot program aimed at the red supergiant
population of the Magellanic Clouds. We intend to extend the current known
sample to the unexplored low end of the brightness distribution of these stars,
building a more representative dataset with which to extrapolate their
behaviour to other Galactic and extra-galactic environments. We select
candidates using only near infrared photometry, and with medium resolution
multi-object spectroscopy, we perform spectral classification and derive their
line-of-sight velocities, confirming the nature of the candidates and their
membership to the clouds. Around two hundred new RSGs have been detected,
hinting at a yet to be observed large population. Using near and mid infrared
photometry we study the brightness distribution of these stars, the onset of
mass-loss and the effect of dust in their atmospheres. Based on this sample,
new a priori classification criteria are investigated, combining mid and near
infrared photometry to improve the observational efficiency of similar programs
as this.
