So we’re not sure if you noticed, but according to many stars on the Oscar’s red carpet this year, nude lips are in. But here at Her Campus, we object! The sun’s started to appear and we’re feeling the spring vibes, so what better time to break out the brighter lip colours? As we all know, any outfit, day or night, can be turned up a few notches with a bold red lip. In the words of Gwyneth Paltrow, “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That or a kick-ass red lipstick”. So go forth and dazzle with our rules of red lips.
1) Honey, what’s your poison?
It’s a little daunting to embark upon finding a red lipstick that feels like “you”, and if you’re unsure spend a little time trying shades out. Remember the colours will look different against the colour of your natural lip than they do on the back of your hand! Take into account your skin tone and any undertones you may have. As a general rule, if you’re a little pink, pick a more orange based shade; if you’ve got yellow undertones then go for a darker shade.
2) The lip liner ultimatum
This is definitely a question of personal preference. If you’re the meticulously neat type, you’ll probably want to apply lip liner first to create the shape of your lips, and then apply your lip colour with a brush.
Otherwise, think casual, “off-duty supermodel” and go straight from the bullet. This is a really cool look, and adds a touch of attitude. You might even want to apply with your finger for a stained effect, which makes your colour a little more buildable.
Don’t feel like you need to find the exact same shade liner, this is a plight we’ve all suffered. However that isn’t to say you can just pick any old colour, just make sure the colours don’t clash or you may end up with a small CoCo the Clown situation on your hands.
3) Don’t overdo it
Did your Mother ever give you the advice “Legs or chest, but NEVER both” (or else risk looking a little less Marilyn Monroe, a little more Jodie Marsh). The same rules apply here: you don’t want your eye makeup to compete with your lips. Red lipstick is, if nothing else, a statement, and you should flaunt it! But go simple on the eyes; maybe try a glamorous flick of eyeliner for a retro touch. Also, stay away from bright pink blush colours, and opt instead for peach or nude flesh tones.
4) I mean, seriously. Do NOT overdo it!
You’re going for a Lauren Conrad, I’m-looking-glamorous-and-casual-without-even-trying finish here. Don’t pack it on like you’re worried somebody’s going to steal it.
5) One last check…
No lipstick on teeth or awkward smudges on your face? No? Good!
6) Don’t be afraid to be bold!
The sun is out, you are young and beautiful, so rock those red lips all the way to your lecture and be confident!
Test: If you’re a newbie to the ruby lipped crowd, you might not want to dive right in with a bona fide lipstick, which can be heavy and difficult to apply accurately if you don’t know what you’re doing. You can try the new Revlon lip balms, which come in either matte or gloss shades, and at only £6.99 from Boots you won’t break the bank. Plus they’re gorgeously supple and moisturising, even the matte colours!
Invest: If you’re already experienced in the ways of the red lip, there’s nothing better than having a trusty friend to invest in. No two shades of red are the same, so when you find yours its best to stick to it. For a bit of a splurge, MAC has an amazing range of shades for you to choose from, and you know you’re worth it.
Photo credits: