For a foolproof ‘date night’ look you can’t go wrong with a statement red lippie, which has turned heads since time immemorial. Whether you’re a Marilyn-style bombshell, or Bette Davis vamp, it’s impossible to sport a killer rouge without a little bit of an attitude. Here are our tips on how to pick your perfect partner.
{Prep is key} If you look after your {lips} during the day, the skin should be plump, smooth and perfectly prepped for colour come the evening (not that red should be confined to night-time). Slough away scales with Lanolips’ {Lemonaid Scrubba Balm} which gently buffs dry, chapped lips back to baby-soft best.
And to maintain the moisture levels and shield lips from the environmental onslaught, it’s important to ensure you always have an unctuous balm about your person. fresh’s bestselling {Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy} is packed with conditioning butters and nourishing extracts to optimise fullness and define your lip contour.
{Line up} If you’re going for a bold {lipstick}, creating a crisp silhouette with {lip pencil} will stop the colour ‘bleeding’ and make application easy. And, with artful outlining you can augment your lips slightly – just trace along the upper, outer edge to create the illusion of a fuller pout. {Charlotte Tilbury} {Lip Cheat} in ‘Pillow Talk’ is the bestselling ‘your lips but better’ nude, or try Huda Beauty’s {Lip Contour} which comes in an array of hues to match your chosen lipstick shade.
{Go with your undertone} Those who’re warm tones – think Jessica Alba or Kerry Washington – should opt for a bright, chilli-pepper red with orange undertones to complement their colouring. Charlotte Tilbury’s {Hot Lips} lipstick in ‘Tell Laura’ (inspired by model and writer Laura Bailey) is brimming with colour and light-diffusing pigments for a standout pout.
Or if you’re cool toned – à la Lupita Nyong’o and Anne Hathaway – a flattering blue-hued red like Huda’s {Heartbreaker} will look incred. Not sure of your undertone? Our {guide} will help you figure out which camp you’re in.
{Choose your texture wisely} Those with thinner lips should first prime with a {lip plumper}, followed by a lipstick with a {gloss} or satin finish to create the illusion of increased volume. IT Cosmetics’ {Pillow Lips} in ‘Stellar’ is the epitome of glam, while NYX Professional Makeup’s {Intense Butter Gloss} in ‘Red in Time’ is perfect paired with lamé and chic, slicked-back locks for after-dark drama. And for vintage queens, a matte red lip is always a winner – try NARS’ {Powermatte Lip Pigment} in ‘Starwoman’ which dries to a budge-proof crimson.
{Mix two tones to plump up thinner lips} Just like black kohl eyeliner can make eyes look smaller, so too a dark, flat lip colour can visibly shrink so your lips look a little bit pinched and ‘school marm-ish’ if you’re not naturally blessed with a pillow-esque pair. Our tip? First line with a darker shade (try Hourglass’s {Panoramic Long Wear Lip Pencil} in ‘Icon’), then add a lighter shade with a cream or a high-shine finish in the centre, such as Huda Beauty’s {Demi Matte Cream Lipstick} in ‘Boy Collector’.
{Upgrade your standard red with a foil finish} Foil textures are a great way to bring your killer rouge bang up to date. Natasha Denona’s {Mark Your Lips Metallic Liquid Lipstick} comes in ‘Cyber Cherry’ – a seasonal, ‘sweet wrapper’ shade with a stunning (long-wearing!) foil finish.
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