There is something about red. In Chinese traditions, red is good luck. Some who believe in the “evil eye”, also believe red wards off evil. My love of red lipstick goes back to my earliest makeup days. It has outlasted fashion trends and many/various relationships. I was always in love with a red lip and to this day, it’s still my secret super power. I mean, it doesn’t give me the ability to fly or kill Deviants (shout out to my fellow MCU fans), but it gives me oomph. There is a certain attitude that comes with red lipstick that’s a little bit “I know my lips look sexy – don’t be jelly” and a little bit “f*ck you for looking”. I can’t explain it. Red lipstick is all you need to lift your look and spirits sometimes.
Finding the perfect red is not easy either but when you do, the angels sing. That perfect shade that suits your skin tone, and matches both what you’re wearing and the other makeup you’ve applied. I generally mix a little of this and that from a variety of shades of red and textures (matte, satin, gloss, etc) for the best layering.
Tips to keep in mind:
- A matte, long-wearing lipstick is probably the best bet for mask wearing. These pose the least chance for smearing.
- Don’t forget a lip liner and colour the whole lip in with it. This will add to the longevity of how long your lipstick wears.
- You can wear red lipstick at any time of the day and for any event. The idea that red lipstick is only for formal events, is ridiculous and antiquated. Same goes for the idea that you shouldn’t wear red lipstick after a certain age as we wrote in makeup tips to keep mature skin glowing.
- Balance your makeup and accessories. You don’t want a heavy, dark eye, with red lips,and a lot of jewellery. It’s too many things that are, individually, fabulous. You gotta balance the fabulous.
Some of my favourite red lipstick
- MAC in Russian Red
- MAC in Ruby Woo
- Givenchy in Le Rouge
- YSL PUR Couture in 1 Le Rouge
- Tom Ford in Scarlet Rouge
- Tata Harper Vitamin-Infused Cream Blush (can be used on lips too) in Naughty
- Fenty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored – perfect universal red
- Rouge Dior in 999
- Kylie Cosmetics Bite Me
- Kylie Cosmetics Mary Jo
- PAT Mcgrath LABS Mattetrance in Vendetta
- Smashbox Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in Bawse
Gone but not Forgotten…
- Jay Manuel Beauty Red lipstick.
Icons who wore/wear red lipstick Best
Ahhh Marilyn. Nobody perfected the three L’s (lashes, liner, and lips), like Marilyn and on her lips was always red lipstick. Regardless if she was in a gown or blue jeans, she had the perfect red on her lips.
Sophia’s beautiful olive skin was complemented by a heavy top eyeliner and perfect red lip which just oozed sexy strength.
Billie knew glamour. Diamonds, furs, satins, silks, long gloves, a gardenia in her hair, and red lipstick were all a part of her style. So much glamour and yet (unbelievably) even more talent.
Andra Day is a beauty girl that loves a bold lip and it looks gorgeous on her. When asked what three beauty items you absolutely must have with you at all times, she replied, “Definitely a bandana to tie my hair up. Otherwise, I’d have to comb it and that would be a nightmare! I also need to keep eye liner and a red lipstick.” She just gets it all right all the time.
Taylor has been wearing red lipstick since she hit the music scene and hasn’t looked back. She claimed MAC’s Ruby Woo was her favourite at one time and said she felt red lipstick made her face look better. Some wonder if Harry Styles’ song Two Ghosts is a nod to Taylor with the opening lyrics “Same lips red, same eyes blue. Same white shirt, couple more tattoos. But it’s not you and it’s not me.”
Gwen’s platinum hair and red lipstick has always been a part of what defined this fashion icon’s style since she hit the scene as the lead singer of No Doubt. She still likes to keep it old school too with Revlon’s Cherries in The Snow. Hey – if it ain’t broke…
Rihanna is such a fashion icon. Not only is she incredibly talented but she is so gorgeous and part of her perfect style is a classic red lip. She has gone on to introduce some amazing reds (see above) in her cosmetics line. She even has a song called Red Lipstick 😊
Ditta encapsulates pinup gorgeousness and loves a red lip. She once said, “Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God into people.” What more is there to say or add? That pretty much sums it up.
Do you like wearing red lipstick? How does it make you feel when you wear it? Which brand/shade is your favourite? Who does red lipstick remind you of? Let us know in the comments below.
Peace and love my beauties