“She has a way with words, red lipstick, and making an entrance” -Kate Spade
I’ve been calling myself the self-proclaimed “Queen of the Red Lip” longer than I can remember. I recall one National Wear Red Day I forgot to wear a red top so hoped I had a red lipstick in my purse by chance and found 6! I have a red lippie for every occasion and mood; glossy ones, frosted ones, satin ones, matte ones. People would always ask me what lip I’m wearing, and it would irk me to no end that they would instantly assume it came from a black tube. No shade to the Ruby Woo lovers out there, I believe it may look great on everyone, I just don't want the lip everyone has. The day has finally come, and I am sharing my fav red lippies. Unfortunately, I had to narrow it down to 5.
Going back to a lip color looking great on everyone; I will not be focusing on things like undertones. I don't want those who are new to bold lip colors to get any further intimidated by reading "blue reds are for those with cool undertones.." and things of that nature. If you see, like it, buy it, wear it, and slay it sis!!
Disclaimer: These are in no particular order. Also, I wear the same red lip liner with every red lip. It's just a cheap drugstore pencil, the brand is Jordana in the color Sedona Red. I've used that same pencil for years and its so cheap I just stock up. It started at around 99 cents, I think it's now up to $2.99. I'll occasionally use a cranberry pencil for an ombre lip, but its rare.
1. Maybelline Color Elixir Lip Color- Signature Scarlet
I got my first tube of Maybelline's Color Elixir as a birthday present from old coworkers (told ya'll I was a red lip wearer hunty) and since then I've been hooked. Matte lippies are another one of those things that everyone is rocking so I try to be a little different. The shine on this is sickening. It's highly pigmented but has a "gloss" consistency. This lippie is not sticky and lasts for hours, keeping your lips moisturized which is very important.
2. MAC Cosmetics - Como la Flor (Selena Collection)
Let me just say I was one of those people who went to the mall at the crack of damn dawn, no....no I beat dawn, in order to get this collection. First and last time I will stand in a Disney World-like line for makeup. But I digress, the red in this collection is so pretty and the finish itself was enough for me. It's one of their "Amplified" lippies so it goes on nice and smooth. It's a bit of a darker red, great for those who don't want a "pow" in your face red. I know.....I know.....this is limited edition and sold out a long time ago. You can still find it places like Ebay and pay extra(I've been one of those people who buy extras and sell, sorry) or try this dupe by Milani-Red Label.
3. MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color- Dance With Me
Yes, another MAC. They released these Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colors and I was intrigued. I had tried so many matte liquids, and I mean ALOT and I hated 85% of them. But something told me if anyone was going to get the matte liquid lippie right, it's gotta be MAC. They did not disappoint. This is another deeper red shade. They do have 2 other reds that are brighter. It applies more like a cream than a liquid and once it completely dries down you are good to go for the day. It does not move! You may have a little dryness after 4 hours, but a little dab of some lip balm and you're good.
4. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick – Gazpacho
Gazpacho is the true blue red on the list. If I were to put these in a particular order, Bite Beauty's Amuse Bouche would definitely be #1 or #2. I love free things. These lippies aren't necessarily expensive but they aren't cheap, just depends on your definitions. They are sold for $26 but I got 3 full-size tubes for free from Influenster. I like to be particular about what is placed on my skin, especially my face. A soon as you start to swipe the smooth and creamy lipstick on your lips you can smell the natural ingredients used, like a tube of fruits and berries, made with 12 edible oils. Just look at it! That color is gorg!!
5. Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid – Rebel Red
Another freebie sent to me by Influenster for reviewing purposes. I was sent Rebel Red and a beautiful nude. Maybelline's Color Sensational Vivid Mattes are another matte liquid that feels nice and creamy. Rebel Red is a bright red with hints of orange. It doesn't dry to a full matte. You could blot or apply a light dusting of translucent powder if you needed a more matte look. I personally love the semi-matte look that this lip color gives. It lasts for hours without that drying and cracking of other matte liquids.
There you have it! My favs! Shocked at the number of MAC lippies included? Are any of your favs listed? I hope this helps someone take that leap and finally give a bold, red lip a try this summer. It's time!! Which one are you gonna grab??