When I think of red lipstick, 4 words come to mind: Bold, Timeless, Glamourous & Game Day! lol During my cheerleading days, red lips were a mandatory staple on game day....they were pretty much apart of our uniform. In fact, we had "lip checks" before walking out of our lockeroom onto the field. Pretty serious business, huh? :) And if you're are anything like me, finding the perfect shade of red can be a pretty difficult task. I think I had a different red for each of the years that I cheered and even then, I cannot say that I ever found one that I truly loved! Back then, it was more of a "need" than a "want". I have always been one who tends to stick to the more natural colors. Lately, however, this has changed! I see more and more women wearing red lipstick and I absolutely L O V E it! Especially when it's done correctly.
The Basics - Finding the right RED for you!
LaToya Anthony, Make-up Artist & Founder of
Makeup Your Mind Hair and Makeup Professionals, says that anyone can wear the perfect red lip and the key is "choosing the right shade of red that compliments my clients complexion". With that said...there are no real 'rules' to finding the right shade. It's really all about what you are comfortable with and what makes you feel absolutely FABULOUS! However, here is a suggestion you may follow when making your selection:
Simply ask yourself this question: Do you look better in gold or silver necklaces?
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| MAC Russian Red |
If you look better in gold, I would suggest trying a warm red lipstick. The warmer reds have orange, peach, or coral tones and generally look better with olive or yellow undertones. Ones to try:
Iconic by Dolce & Gabbana,
Jungle Red by Nars or
Revlon Really Red.
If you are like me and look better in silver, you probably want to lean more towards a cool red. Cool reds have blue tones and compliment those with pinkish or reddish undertones. Side bonus? Blue based reds tend to make your teeth look whiter!! Ones to try:
Sinner by Lipstick Queen,
MAC Ruby Woo (which is my personal fave) or the cult classic
MAC Russian Red (worn by Madonna during her Blonde Ambition Tour in the 90s).
The Application
Step 1: Line your Lips
Unless you can find a red liner that matches your lipstick perfectly, I recommend using a neutral tone lip liner. Otherwise, you will be left with the two-tone effect!
Step 2: Fill in Your Lips
After lining your lips, fill them in completely using the same liner. This will provide a nice base for you lipstick, helping it to stay on longer. When lipstick begins to fade, you will still have the lip liner base underneath. Anthony believes "a good liner allows definition to the lip that can really bring out your lip color of choice"!
Step 3: Apply Your Lipstick
Whether you choose to apply straight from the tube or with a lip brush, apply your lipstick to the top and bottom lip and gently press your lips together lightly to blend. Do not rub your lips together. Rubbing your lips can cause the lipstick to smudge outside of the lip line. Many Make-up Artists will suggest using a lip brush for a more controlled and precise application.
Step 4: Blot Your Lips
Using a tissue, gently press against your lips to remove any excess lipstick. Apply one more coat of lipstick and you're set!
Tips for Wearing Red Lipstick
* When searching for your perfect shade, test the color directly on your lips! Most women try out lipstick on the back of their hands which is often times a different shade than your face.
* Avoid deep reds if you have thin lips. They tend to make lips look smaller.
* Apply red lipstick to a clean & exfoliated canvas. For a gentle exfoliant, try
Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh.
* Using a lip primer can be helpful if color tends to bleed into the cracks of your lips.
* For a clean and professional looking lip line, take a small brush dipped in a small amount of concealer and trace around the outstide edge of your lip line.
* Glossy or Matte? Anthony says, "for the glamour girls, you can finish it off with a nice gloss or simply leave a matte lip for the pin-up girl look". Either way, they both look great!
* To avoid getting lipstick on your teeth, put your finger in your mouth (after applying), gently press your lips around your finger, then slowly pull your finger back out. This will get rid of any excess color and avoid getting lipstick on your teeth!
Lastly, when wearing red lips I prefer to keep my other makeup subtle (especially for everyday red lips). Opting to go light on my eyes, mascara, a soft blush, a well shaped brow area and dust the face with powder. Otherwise, you may risk looking a bit clown-like and we don't want that! ;)
XOXO
~Tiaja
