Red Lips Made Easy 

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I wish I could be daring enough to wear that Beyoncé red lip color”? Or maybe you thought, “My skin is too dark to wear that red lipstick”.  You are wrong! Red lip color can be worn by all skins types including women of color. Red lipstick is an expression of a bold and vibrant personality. No matter how shy you may seem, everyone has a fire side to them, so why not express it through a fierce red lip color. Let’s be clear, this is not rocket science, but for those of you who feel like it is, here are some helpful tips to help you find the perfect red lip color for you.

 

The first step to take on your journey to fierceness is to pick out at least 4 red lip colors that really speak to you. Because red is such a bright color, try

your red lipstick on with at least foundation, neutral blush, and soft eyes because it can make you appear washed out if you don’t. On the eyes, try the 50’s cat eye look. It is soft and classy, yet extremely glamorous. However, if you are worried about turning your cat eye into a pound puppy eye, NO WORRIES! Simple soft earth tones or metallic gold tones will work just as well. Next jump right in! Apply the color with confidence that you WILL be fierce.    

There are many different types of lipstick textures. For instance, matte lip color is now the new trend. It is chic, neat and deflects the light. Matte lipstick can often be longer-wearing than shinier types of lipstick as well. If you are just getting used to red lipstick this would be the way to go. Even though it is soft, it still gives you the effect that you want from that vibrant color! My favorite matte red lip color is MAC’s Ruby Woo. Matte lipsticks are not recommended on thinner or wrinkled lips, because matte does not contain as many moisturizing ingredients. 

Another type of lipstick is crème. Crème contains a more oils and moisturizers than the matte texture lipstick.  It can make your lips look juicy and luscious! When using a crème lipstick, use a lip liner before applying the lip color. This will help to prevent your lipstick from bleeding into the rest of 
your makeup. Also, if you are hitting the town and want to drink out of a glass/cup while wearing your crème lip color, one trick is to lick the rim before you take a sip and your lipstick will not stick or smear on the glass.  *Keep it discrete though… You don’t want everybody knowing how you stay so flawless through the night.   

If you are a woman that does not have a lot of time to fix and reapply, choose a long-lasting lip color. It will last on your lips up to 6 hours, even if you eat, drink, or….kiss! In general this type of lipstick is dry, so you can use it with a moisturizer. I love using the Beyoncé Red by L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Stars Collection Lipcolour. Also the great thing about this type of lipstick is that you never have to worry about it sticking to your teeth.          
Look at red lipstick as an accessory not only as makeup. Your red lips should be the focal point of your look. Because it is such a bold color it can handle that type of pressure. So find one that stands out to you. Remember - Be bold! Be daring!                                                                             



Do’s and Don’ts: DON’T wear red lipstick with a lot of other bright and vibrant colors. Remember make your lips the focal point of your look. Wear more neutrals or metallic colors. Patterns are fine, but be mindful of the colors that are in the patterns. 
DO wear red lipstick with a fun sequin look! This look is definitely a growing trend. But remember, if you wear something as bold and daring as this, be sure to go easy on the accessories!  

Photographer: Evie Bernard; Models: Keyona Ham, Kia Myles, Sharlesha Domonique, Amina Leila, and Jennifer Magee; Makeup: Only By Evie; Retoucher: Kier Rossi