26 Dec Rocking Red Lips
Here at Wise Women Montreal, we’re big fans of a bright lip. We love how transformative a colourful lipstick can be. It can intensify your eye colour, define the shape of your mouth, dress up a plain white t-shirt and make you feel just a little sexier.
While we’ve experimented with a lot of colours, we tend to favour the classic red. From Marilyn Monroe to Gwen Stefani, red lips have stood the test of time and continue to exude glamour and sophistication.
There is, however, nothing sexy or sophisticated about feathering, smudgy lips -so we prefer long lasting formulas that are virtually maintenance-free. Here are a few suggestions that we’ve tested and love for their longevity and colour intensity:
- MAC Ruby Woo – This isn’t marketed as a long-wearing lipstick, but its matte formula gives it staying power. It’s a blue-toned red which make it suitable for a variety of skin tones and makes your teeth look whiter.
MAC Ruby Woo
- Make Up Forever Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lipcolor #8 Iconic Red– Madonna used this on her MDNA tour, so if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us. This lipstick does not mess around. If you apply it in the morning, you’ll still be wearing it at bedtime. It’s a two-part system- you apply a couple of coats of colour, wait 30 seconds and then apply the clear top coat which seals in the colour.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge in Iconic Red
- L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor in #337 Refined Ruby– This blue-toned red is another universally flattering choice. It glides on beautifully and is super easy to apply. Moisturizing, long-lasting and budget friendly, you can’t go wrong with this one.
L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge in Refined Ruby
Bold lips are a huge trend that can be rocked by everyone. Just make sure to exfoliate your lips before you apply (use an old soft-bristled toothbrush). For extra longevity, use a thin layer of foundation or concealer on your lips before you apply the colour. We love TARTE Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer as a base for our bold lips.
Swatches- top to bottom: L’Oreal, Make Up For Ever, MAC
Do you have a favourite red lip colour? Let us know what it is!
Marie-France
Posted at 19:49h, 09 SeptemberI would like to try this but I don’t think I could go cold turkey from wearing nothing to R.E.D. This is such a huge change…. Would you have any suggestions on how to do this?
Wise Women Montreal
Posted at 20:29h, 09 SeptemberHi Marie-France! Don’t go from nothing to red – that would be too big a transition. I’d start with a bit of colour. Pink is a good choice and much easier to get used to. A lip stain would be a good place to start. I love Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. Choose a pink hue (try Lovesick and apply lightly) and you’ll get a great tint that doesn’t feel as heavy or conspicuous as a red lipstick. Have fun!