How to wear a red Lip

I have always loved the sophisticated look of a beautiful red lip.  When I was an actress, I loved playing a 1940s or 50s character and it was always super easy to get into character – just add the red lipstick!  I know, I know, you are afraid of red – you think that you will look like a clown or something even worse!  I have heard it all, but trust  me the right red can make your skin look amazing and your eye color pop.  If you are short on time throw on your red lip, mascara, blush and you look pulled together and confident.  

The red lip was worn by many top actresses at the Golden Globes and many brides are turning to this  classic look and rocking it!(check out my photo gallery). The trend is to have a More stained look,  rather than a perfectly lined, opaque lip.  Red can range from a subtle berry to a kick ass fire engine red.  So no matter what you skin color, there is a great red for you!

The key for a great red is to use more than one color.  I like to have one red that is a deep matte color and a second that is brighter and more moisturizing.. Start by applying a layer of the matte color and press the lips together or press in with your finger to work the color in and stain the lip. Apply color again and blot with tissue a couple of times.  Switch to your second color and repeat the process until you achieve the desired look.  This will add dimension to your lips and makes them look softer and more natural than one matte color.   A red lip pencil can also be used on the lip, but use a color that is softer than your lipstick.

 

Here are some that I use and recommend:

Matte Lipsticks  

Bobbi Brown – Burnt red (orange/red),Redwood (red/brown)
M.A.C. – Retro (brownish red), Dubonnet (orange/ red)
Lipstick Queen - Natural Sinner (brown/red, Berry Sinner (berry), Red Sinner (orange/red)

Sheer lipsticks

Bobbi Brown – Cranberry, Ruby,Plum
M.A.C. Brick- ol-a (pinker red –easy to wear), Spice it up (berry red)
Laura Mercier –Garnet (plum/red)

Lip Pencils -

Nars – Velvet Matte Dolce Vita, Forbidden Red*
Bobbi Brown –Slopes, Brown

*I love these liners! They feel like velvet and you can wear them alone,with gloss or with lipstick.

 There are many drugstore brands which I love, but you can’t try them on in the store.  CVS has a great makeup return policy that lets you return used cosmetics.  Please double check with clerk before purchasing.

You must try on the colors to know the right color.  When you have the right lip color on it should perk  up and brighten your skin color.   Go to a counter and let the sales associate know that you are looking for the right red and you want to try on a bunch of colors. A decent artist should understand and give you a little space, but be there to help you out. For sanitary application, ask for a spray alcohol bottle and a tissue.  Spray the alcohol on the top of the lip stick and then wipe of onto the tissue.  You can apply to your lip directly or with a lip brush.  Go at off peak time for the best experience department store experience (avoid 12-2pm and 5-7pm).

Perfect lip tips!

For dry or flaky lips use a toothbrush (gently) on wet lips to remove flaky skin.  Hydrate lips with a balm and blot of excess before applying color.  Apply color from the middle of your lips and work out.  Clean up a messy lip line use concealer or foundation on a flat brush around the lip area..

 

We love to hear from you – let me know how it goes!

Comments

[Aquarella]

cool post!