BEAUTY CLASSICS: R IS FOR RED

Throughout history, the world’s most beautiful women have sported this striking colour, made up of many different gradients and tones, for a multitude of purposes. World famous Marilyn Monroe rocked the blood red lipstick which has become an iconic trademark in makeup and her brash artistic statement has given birth to the likes of Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Madonna lip liasons. 

Looking back on history and up to the present day, Japanese Geisha’s have always traditionally worn red lipstick which is a bold feature and represents the passion and virginal blood of a woman. Coco Chanel pioneered the wearing of lipstick for the chic by sporting and introducing to her brand a pinky red in 1924 entitled ‘Premier Rouge’. Evelyn Lauder (mother-in law of Estee Lauder) started the makeup range with a red lipstick and Bobbi Brown launched her brand in the early 90’s with 10 lipsticks, of which the 10th shade entitled’ red’ is a brown based earth red. These days every good brand seems to be offering us a scarlet hue, every model from Naomi to Miss Moss has had a stab at wearing red, but for the average Joanne choosing a suitable red lipstick can be both tricky and frightening. With all the choice from blue tone red, pink based red, orange based red, brown based red, lip tints, taints and sheer tone where is a girl to start- ah?!

Here are some things to consider:

1.  If you are even going to think about wearing a red lipstick please keep the eye makeup simple. No more than two earth tone eye shadows (greens, brown, beige, gold) and no fancy Amy Winehouse  eyeliner- you don’t want to look like a slapper!
2. Start off with a red lip gloss or lip tint and see if the shoe ( I mean, lip colour) fits. 
3. If you are going to a job interview and want to power dress go for a brown based or plum red, something with a bit of depth, which will translate- serious, not slut!
4. If you are bold and want to go full throttle with the hyper reds- visit M.A.C, Dior and Chanel for a consultation. 
5. Dependent on your lip shape and lip volume, you should always use a lip liner. (if you have small lips use a light brown or a red lip liner and if you have full lips, use a matching lip liner to match the lipstick you have     brought). 

When you are wearing red lipstick, definitely do NOT:

• Wear red, blue or pink eye shadows- you will look like a 70’s throwback chief!
• Drink from a cup- use a straw, red does have the tendency to get EVERYWHERE if no precautions are   taken. 
• Wear red or brown blusher- you could end up looking like Krusty the clown from The Simpson’s.
• Kiss people! You may have to air-kiss whilst pouting the town red.
• Forget to blot! And then always finish with clear gloss.

Whether you are red with rage or coveted by the maroon shades of success, red is a colour best worn with confidence and a clean, one dimensional (no countour) foundation with little or no eye makeup to give it it’s full attention.


 

WORDS: CLARE ‘SPIKES’ ELUKA 
ILLUSTRATION: POLLY PHILP

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