How To Choose the Right Red Lipstick?

I love the beauty world because it makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – the colours, the textures, the aromas… I also love the fact that you can transform yourself in a matter of seconds with just the help of a (red) lipstick.

Actually, now that I think about it I’ve always had something about lipsticks. When I was little I used to play with my mum’s lipsticks and I would always choose the prettiest and boldest colours to ruin. When I was a teenager I used to spend my allowance on lipsticks and glosses rather than anything else. Back then I loved experimenting with my makeup looks and learning new tricks. I started using makeup as a way to express myself (the wacky hairstyles and questionable fashion choices aside). I used to run around town with a bare face, glittery mascara, high-shine lip gloss and my trusty bootcut jeans and DC sneakers combo. I was feelin’ myself. I felt sooo cool – like one of those girls you would see on TLC on MTV.

However, I quickly lost interest in the glittery mascara from Avon and started playing around with colourful lip products. The beauty store next to my school had turned into a small sanctuary, despite the shop lady who was almost always displeased with my presence. If I had a very bad day or I did really well on a test I would buy my self something pretty – most often a lip product. Till this day this hasn’t changed about me – I love spending time in makeup stores. No matter my mood – pissed off, depressed, happy, I will buy a beauty product. It serves as a reward or as an antidepressant.

I strongly believe that a lipstick can do wonders with a woman’s mood and self-esteem. And most of all – I believe in red lipstick! It’s easy to work with and adds an instant fabulous effect, especially when it’s worn in more unexpected and casual ways! That is why you shouldn’t be afraid of bold colours. Rock them even when it’s 8 am, just like I do!

How to choose the right shade of red lipstick for your skin tone?

There is this general rule that you should think about your skin undertones when choosing your lipsticks and even foundations. Of course, there is always an exception to any rule. However, If this is your first time trying on a bold lipstick it’s a good starting point.

• If your skin has more of yellow or olive undertones its best to choose warmer reds.
• If your skin has a cooler undertone (think pink, red, bluish) it’s best to choose blue reds.
• If you are one of the lucky ones and have a neutral undertone you can wear any colour under the Sun.

How to determine your skin undertone?

Now that you know what colours to look for it’s time to determine your undertones. It’s actually pretty easy to do.

1. Check your veins
This is the oldest trick in the books – look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they look bluer you have cool undertones. If they look a bit greenish you have warm undertones.

2. White or ivory
What flatters you the most? It is white or is it off-white? Think about what makes your skin appear brighter and which of the two colours washes you out. If white looks good on you-you most probably have cool undertones, and if ivory is your colour you most probably have warm undertones.

3. Jewelry
If the first two methods seem to be confusing you try this one – put on silver and gold jewellery on (on at the same time) and determine which one looks best on you and lights up your skin Usually silver works best on people with cool undertones and gold looks better on warm undertones.

My little secrets

1. The universal red
If you are still not sure what undertones you have and what red lipstick to choose I suggest you go with MAC’s Ruby Woo. It’s the perfect red and works with almost any skin colour. Give it a go and let me know what you think!

2. Choose a blue red
Even though I mentioned that cool and blue reds look best on people with cooler undertones, that doesn’t mean you can’t test them out! On the contrary! Red lipsticks with blue undertones make your teeth look brighter and whiter which is always a plus. Also, they add a strong pop of colour to a warmer face.

3. Always use a lip brush
When you are putting on a bold colour use a lip brush to fill in your lips and always line them with a pencil beforehand.

4. Exfoliate and don’t forget to moisturize
Apply a tiny bit of lip balm to your lips prior to putting on a matte lipstick. This way it will go on smoothly without tugging and it won’t dry out your lips. Don’t worry – it won’t make it look sheer and glossy.  If you want to prevent the colour from bleeding and creasing make sure you reapply lip balm throughout the day.

These are some of my holy-grail red lipsticks which I wear almost all the time

 

 

 

 

 

Clarins Joli Rouge – Royal Plum
A glossy everyday red, perfect for any occasion. The formula is very hydrating and creamy. The colour goes on smoothly and you can build it up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clinique Pop – Rebel Pop
Another easy-to-apply red lipstick. This one also has an amazing and hydrating formula and is so easy to work with. Because the colour is a bit sheer it’s a great starter red.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAC – D for Danger
Raspberry red perfect for Summer. What more can I say? MAC know what they’re doing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAC – Sin
This is a new edition to my collection. I’m in love with this blue-red colour. It makes my smile extremely bright. As any other matte lipstick it is a bit of a bitch to put on but it has an amazing lasting power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAC – Diva
This was my first MAC lipstick and I’m still in love with it. It the perfect red for my taste and I wear it constantly. I don’t think I will ever get bored with this colour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourjois Rouge Velvet 11
I usually don’t go for Bourjois lipsticks (foundations, concealers and powders – now that’s another story) but I was so curious to test the Rouge Velvet series. The lipstick has a nice velvety/matte formula. It doesn’t dry out my lips and has a decent staying power. The only thing that bugs me is the cap – it’s very difficult to open… No sure if it’s only mine.
Also, I think the bullet is a bit smaller in comparison to other lipsticks. Again- is it just me?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urban Decay Mega Matt – 714
What can I say about Urban Decay? The colour range is amazing, the formula is great even though it’s a bit drying and the lasting power is pretty great (between 4 and 6 hours).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a favourite lipstick colour?
Do you love to wear bold colours or prefer nudes and more muted tones?
Love to know!

xo, Yana