Red Lip Magic
Unveiling the Glamorous Secrets Behind a Signature Look!
As a little girl, I couldn’t resist the allure of my mother's makeup drawer. Sneaking into it like a secret agent on a mission, I'd seize my favourite red copper lipstick, its brown packaging holding promises of transformation. With precision worthy of a surgeon, I'd apply it witnessing the changes in my eye colour, the effect on my olive skin, and feeling invincible, confident, and undeniably chic. Strutting around in her towering brown leather snake stilettos, I felt I was unstoppable – a pint-sized force to be reckoned with!
Fast forward to today, and my obsession with red lipstick has only grown. With over 18 shades in my arsenal, each with its own texture and undertone, it's safe to say I'm a red lip aficionado. So, it's only fitting that I kick off my first blog with a topic as iconic as the red lip.
Why Red?
Because it's more than just a colour – it's a symbol of allure, power, and rebellion that has transcended centuries. Yet, despite its timeless appeal, many of women including my clients still shy away from it, plagued by doubts of "Does it suit me?" or "Can I pull it off?" As Audrey Hepburn famously said, "There is a shade of red for every woman," and I am here to help you find yours.
Let's take a glamorous stroll through HISTORY, shall we? From ancient civilisations mixing lip paints with crushed beetles (yuk!) to the bold red lips of World War II-era women asserting their femininity and a voice in society, red lipstick has always been a symbol of strength and defiance. It's no wonder it remains a staple in every makeup kit to this day.
But enough about history – let's talk PSYCHOLOGY. Red lipstick isn't just a cosmetic; it's a confidence booster, a magic wand that can instantly elevate your mood and make you feel like a million bucks. With just a swipe, you're commanding attention and exuding sensuality – who wouldn't feel empowered?
Now, onto the fun part:Choosing your perfect colour.
With a spectrum as vast as the rainbow, there's a red out there for every skin tone and personality. Technically red is a warm colour; shades of red include: crimson, imperial red, maroon, barn red, scarlet, tomato, fire brick, coral, orange red. ….hence categorised in cool reds, neutral reds and warm reds. To simplify let us talk about two of them - the ‘Warm’ and the ‘Cool’ lipsticks. ‘Warm’ lipsticks are usually more orangey, brown and brick red, while ‘Cool’ lipsticks are usually combination of red and blue, with a touch of green, so the pinks, cherry, wine and burgundy berry.
So, for you my gorgeous, how to decide on a colour?
Want a red lip that looks understatedly chic? Then go with a red lipstick that has the same undertone as your skin:
Fair-skinned beauty you will rock a cool red berry shade with blue undertones; Nars Dragon Red, MAC in Ruby Woo and Russian Red, Fenty Beauty’s the MVP, Nars Inappropriate Red, Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips ,Chanel Luminous Intense, Gucci Goldie Red, Lancôme Bisoubisou and Caprice du Rouge, Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Hermes 64 Rouge Casaque
Slaying fiery oranges and copper lips you are a golden bronzed/olive skin goddess: Maybelline Red for me, MAC in Lady Danger, Rare Beauty Inspires, Bare Minerals in Intuition, My personal fav, Chili by MAC, Dior 999, Charlotte Tilbury in Limitless Lucky Kiss in Red Wishes, Lancôme in 505 Attrape Coeur, and 196 French Touch. Another MAC summer fav Quite the Standout.
For you deep-toned beauties, the sky is a limit from light true cherry-red to deep berry. Depending on how much drama you want to create! I love the Cocoa Bold Lipstick Too Faced, MAC Ruby Woo or Ri Ri Roo (Rhianna ‘s Fav), Lancôme in 130 Peu Contre Peu, L’Oreal Rouge St Germain and Fenty Stunna Lip Colour.
If darling you’re looking to turn heads and make your lips the talk of the town? It is finding that red lipstick that pops like champagne on New Year's Eve!
If you have eyes as mesmerising as emeralds or hazelnuts, go for the gusto with true cherry-reds or deep berry hues – they'll have those peepers sparkling brighter than a disco ball!
And for those with eyes as blue and cool as an arctic breeze, think cooler than cool, opt for orange coral or copper tones that will make those blues and greys sing like a Grammy-winning diva.
Trust me, with the right red, you will have people stopping in their tracks just to catch a glimpse of your glam-tastic ensemble!
For you free spirited ladies who don't like to follow rules, you may wear any red you want, regardless of your undertones and eye colour and for a more pure tone give YSL 09 Red Enigma, Stila’s Shade Beso or MAC E for effortless a try!
Do not even get me started on finishes – from creamy mattes to glossy sheers, the possibilities are endless!
But waitApplying red lipstick isn’t just a slap-and-go affair.
Precision is key, darling! Exfoliate, line, fill, blot and repeat until you've achieved that flawless pout worthy of a Hollywood starlet. And if you're feeling extra fancy, a dab of gloss in the centre will have you oozing femme fatale vibes in no time.
Now let’s talk styling.
As Dita Von Teese wisely said, "Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God into people." Whether you're rocking a little black dress or your comfiest jeans and tee, a swipe of red lipstick adds instant glamour and sophistication. It's the ultimate accessory that never goes out of style. Ah, the age-old question: how to slay with a red lip without stealing the entire show? Well, fear not, my glam squad, for I have the answers!
For a look that screams "I woke up like this... fabulous," pair your crimson pout with a winged eyeliner sharp enough to cut through the drama and a blush so subtle, it's practically whispering "I'm here, but I'm not here to play games." Perfect for those formal soirées where you want to make an entrance that says, "I'm classy, I'm sassy, and I'm ready to conquer the dance floor!"
But let's not forget those days when you want to keep it low-key, darlings. Picture this: your red lips stealing the spotlight while the rest of your makeup plays the supporting role – like a well-trained ensemble cast. Keep it minimal, keep it effortless, and watch as heads turn and jaws drop wherever you go. It's the kind of effortless glamour that says, "I didn't wake up like this, but I’m sure as heck look like I did!"
Speaking of style, a shout out to iconic women who've made red lips their signature look throughout history. From Cleopatra to Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Dietrich, Edith Piaff, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth I&II, Marlyn Monroe, Madonna, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Emma Stone, Ditta Von Teese, Gwen Stefani, Margot Robbie, Kerry Washington. These fierce femmes have proven that red lipstick isn't just a trend… It’s a Legacy.
Remember: Be as BOLD as your lips. Red lipstick isn't just make up – it's a statement, a declaration of your unapologetic fabulousness. So, go ahead, embrace the power of red, and let your inner goddess shine!
Credits: Wikipedia, Huff post, Glamour Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Who What Wear, National Museum of Australia, Beauty Unhyped