The red lip is an iconic look – but it can also be a little intimidating. Editorial exec Grace loves trying out different red lip looks – she shares her tips and product picks for three of them. There’s one for everyone:
FINDING THE RIGHT FORMULA
I’ve learned that the key to owning a red lip is finding the right formula for you. If I’m after a lightweight, glossy sheen (which I love with a smokey eye), I’ll go for a gloss, but if a bold red lip is the main attraction, I reach for my pigmented matte lipsticks. You can choose which finish and opacity of colour is right for you depending on what works with the rest of your make-up, or how brave you’re feeling!
1. GLOSS
The lip gloss has come a long way since my teenage years – that hair-stuck-to-lips nightmare is now a thing of the past! One of my favourites is Vasanti’s Vitamin E Infused Lipshine, which moisturises lips as well as providing a glossy pout. Red Sea is a pinky-red cranberry shade that goes on pretty sheer, but can be built up and won’t feel cakey or heavy on the lips. The shiny finish is great for perking up a daytime look or complimenting a heavy eye for night time. Super wearable and super easy!
2. PENCILS
Chubby-style lip ‘pencils’ have taken the beauty world by storm in recent years, due to their simple-to-apply approach to colour. Ring Of Fire by LAQA & Co. is a favourite in the office – it’s perfect for when you want to make it look like you’ve made an effort in no time at all. The silky formula feels like a balm, but deposits a buildable warm orangey-red colour. Great for work, or the weekend, with a casual outfit and a touch of cream blusher or bronzer on the cheeks.
3. MATTE
Prep lips with a super rich balm, like Dr. Lipp to help with not-so-attractive flaky patches. Run a decent amount over lips, leave for a minute or two and then roll a cotton bud over to buff away dead skin. Matte lipsticks provide the most ‘wow factor’ but require a little more work to get right. ModelCo’s Party Proof Lipsticks meet you halfway, with nourishing beeswax and aloe to keep lips from majorly drying out.
These matte formulas tend to stay put the longest and offer the highest pigmentation. Red Velvet is an old school glamour kind of red that makes me feel a million bucks on evenings out and is my go-to on those days I need to call in the big guns (read: distract from dark circles or second-day hair). Blotting will ensure your lippy lasts – apply a thin layer then blot and repeat the process. When you’re all done, pop your finger in your mouth and pull out to stop any colour from transferring to your teeth. And you’re good to go. Embrace the rouge, ladies!
Tell us your ‘signature look’ and share your best tips for recreating it! Just comment below.
– Grace
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