All you need to know about mastering one of the biggest beauty trends for weddings ďż˝ the red lip. by Karen Birney
The red lip conjures up images of vintage buxom starlets of the golden age. It was one of the beauty buzz words at London and New York fashion weeks, with Hollywood starlets also adorning the blazing red shade at recent awards shows.
Whether it’s fuchsia or scarlet, berry or orange, lips are the focal point for spring and summer 2012 weddings. Bright and bold shades radiates fresh glamour and infinite elegance and that’s not all we’re crazy about. Textures varied from wet to cream to matte, complimented by a smoky eye or a minimal look depending on your style.
Red lips can add luxury and style to wedding make-up too, the thing to remember is that this look is all about confidence. Wear a red lip with muted make-up, a fresh dewy foundation with a light sweep of liquid eyeliner is key. Make sure to try different shades to find which suits you best, the red lip is different for everyone despite what you may hear about skin tone and hair colour.
To take some of the hassle out of finding your perfect product, we’ve tried seven of the most popular reds on the market.
1. Avon 24k Gold
If you’ve never done a red lip before and want to ease into the trend, then this is the stick for you. Avon’s 24k Ruby in Gold contains real flecks of gold, creating a sparkling lip, perfect for pictures. On the pinker side of red, and a notably light shade, this looks great with a brown/mauve smoky eye. Staying power: 3/5
2. Clarins, Joli Rouge in Clarins Red
A noticeably deep colour with just one layer, Joli Rouge is about moisture and shine. The nice touch with this stick is that is has a fruity fragrance and flavour, although this makes it difficult to refrain from licking it off you lips once applied! Clarins Red is a deep, berry shade, a shade preferred by darker haired women. Staying power: 3.5/5
3. La Roche Posay Novalip in 191
La Roche Posay’s Novalip contains micro exfoliating particles to care for the lip and keep it smooth and moisturized. Tested on sensitive lips, La Roche Posay’s Novalip is all about care. Sadly they seem to have sacrificed staying power and colour intensity. It might require several layers to look its best. Staying power: 2.5/5
4. MAC, Lady Danger
The Beauty of MAC is that you always know what you’re getting. Lady Danger. If the name of the lipstick doesn’t speak to you then move on. A stunning shade of orangey-red, the crux of this stick is the texture -a fabulous matte that shouldn’t work, but really does. We haven’t put it down since we got it, although with staying power like this we don’t really need to keep picking it up. Staying power: 4.5/5
5. Max Factor, Colour Collections in Intensely Red
Intensely Red is Max Factor’s stab at the classic red lip colour and it seems they hit the mark. An intense colour in one application, Intensely Red is a silky texture. Max Factor have several shades of red in their Intense Colour range so we would recommend testing a few of them to see which shade suits your skin tone the best. Staying power: 3.5/5
6. Bobbi Brown Lip Colour, Scarlet 27
More of a brown than red, Bobbi Brown’s Scarlet 27 is a silky stick with intense colour. The warning here is Approach with Caution. Not for the pasty skinned, this is a stick that needs attention. Be careful not to OD on the eyes with this for fear of looking a bit over-the-hill.Staying power: 3.5/5
7. Art Deco Perfect Colour Lipstick 03 Poppy Red
Art Deco’s Perfect Colour Lipstick saturates the lip with colour and shine. Another brand that has got the classic red down to a tee with their Poppy Red, Art Deco have also created a lasting lip colour with ultimate silky shine. Staying power: 4/5
Tips for Red Lips by Max Factor Make-Up Artist, Kate Conkey
- Your red lips will be the focus of your face so make sure the rest of your look isn’t competing with it. Too much eye make-up and blusher will make you look like a clown. Mascara and a touch of eyeliner will keep the glamour without overpowering your look.
- Always use a lip-liner to create definition and shape and prevent lipstick bleed. There is no better way to get a precise look.
- If your lips are thin, lighter shades of red will be more flattering, while fuller lips can take deeper, darker reds. Don’t forget to smile when you are testing out a new shade. Some red shades will make your teeth look yellow so choose carefully.
- You can also blend your lipsticks to create the perfect shade for you or try filling in your lips with lip-liner for a perfect lipstick base. Red lipstick is applied with a lip brush so the shape is very precise and strong. Red mistakes are harder to hide so you need to be exact in your application!
- Red lips are not for shrinking violets, so prepare to get noticed. If you aren’t comfortable with all out red, red tinted gloss is a good way to ease you in to this look.
Main Image by Justin and Mary Marantz
Related Content:
Like this?
Comments
Have something to say about this article? Leave a comment!