Lauren, IMO you look great with red lipstick. WendyB, I found this neon orange called “Coral Queen” – it’s as good as red, both go well with my white hair. Nothing worse on an older woman than brown, raw liver-coloured lipstick.
browns seem to suit me well due to my skin tone, however it’s the reds that are giving me a pain. i can’t seem to find the right shade. OH how it makes me weep!
I’m with mhdbass – I like a slick of purple lipstick every now and again. I love the look of red lipstick on other people but find it really hard to carry it off myself 🙁
Totally agree, red lipstick is amazing. I dabble in pinks and nudes and even clear gloss from time to time, but nothing makes me feel as good as red. I will say, not all reds are equal. MAC Cockney is my all time favourite shade.
Remember Bobbi Brown brownish lipsticks from the ’90s? I wore those religiously, including my favorite “Redwood.” Found two in my makeup drawer last year and, weird smell notwithstanding, tried them on again. WHAT THE HELL WERE WE THINKING? Geezus, red looks better than brown.
oh you have some nerve. ahhaha. just kidding. i am in a shit mood, but i’ll temper my comment so that i don’t frighten you away.
i LOVE red lips. they look fab. but my lips are kind of BIG, and if i wear red lips all eyes go TO MY LIPS. i guess that is a good thing? but i am kind of shy, so i usually just wear a light gloss. tmi. jesus, i am boring myself.
anywhoo, red lips are hot. as long as the lipstick is applied properly, is the right shade, doesn’t look pasty, isn’t leeching, and isn’t on the teeth!
I’ve made the little”pack” or maybe better called a pocket size wrap that can contain up to 3 lip products. It’s made of leather and elastic bands, with small mirror and helps a lot with maintaining the red pout. Wearing red lipstick requires high level of discipline and this wrap just makes it a one-hand-motion, because the elastics keep the lid of the tube safe …
I have e-mail of somebody in MAC headquarters, but for some reason, I’m stupid….
I have been on a search for the perfect red for myself, and so far am not having much luck. My lips get terribly dry quickly and easily, so they tend to peel/flake. I have a tube of NARS Fire Down Below which I like and is a great color, but is too matte and contributes to dry flaky lips. I then bought a tube of Make Up For Ever in Hollywood Red, which is great in that it’s hydrating, but the color is too bright for me. Sigh. Any suggestions for my particular predicaments?
Agreed on MAC Russian Red (Robert Smith’s lipstick of choice), L’Oreal British Red is a great cheap option, and I’m a fan of nude-colored lipstick with fake eyelashes. Pink never does it. Black is fabulous but never looks appropriate. If only the crazy dark and light blues, oranges, and greens of the 90s and 60s would come back!
kt, we have a cosmetics line in Canada called “Joe Fresh” (also a clothing line) sold in Loblows, a grocery chain. They have a red-tinted lip balm in Pomegranate; it has enough colour to actually stay on but it doesn’t look too “painted”. Great stuff for dry lips and I buy it whenever I see it. It’s usually sold out. At $8 CDN it’s a steal – where do you live? Anywhere near Canadian border? Or should I send it to you as a Christmas present?
Looks like I should go and check MAC’s counter – last time I bought Russian Red, but that was ages ago…
SW- I love the reds in the photos that you’ve included here, and love the matte look, just wish my lips would cooperate!! I’ve tried to put a little chapstick underneath to see if that would help any, but the lipstick ends up applying unevenly and just looks like crap.
Cricket9- Thanks so much for the suggestion! I live in the US, so unfortunately it’s not accessible to me. But it sounds like a great inexpensive product, and something that I could use daily. I’ve been using something that sounds similar, a gloss that is red tinted. It’s Christian Dior, called Caramel Apple. It’s pricey for gloss and everyday use, so I use it sparingly. What I’m really searching for is a lipstick that has staying power and looks matte (but isn’t actually super dry). It’s becoming an expensive challenge, haha. Also, you are too sweet for offering to send me some!
I just have to say, that it’s all you folks here that seriously help me feel like there’s still hope for humanity! Thank you SW for bringing us together, I think it’s safe to say we’re all grateful for it and for you.
kt- I randomly have this Clarins ( I say randomly because I never use this brand) shade of red that is pretty and super moisturizing!! I don’t remember the name but I’m sure if you go to the counter you can pick the red you like.
kt – Okay, here’s an idea: NARS makes lipstick in a fat crayon that goes on Matte but silky, not drying. “Devil GIrl” is an intense bright red. “Cruella” is a darker but less intense red with more blue…very flattering. I have both because I’m nuts. They aren’t cheap but they are great!
My red lipstick is my favorite accessory, sometimes moreso than a harness! And since I keep forgetting to respond when you ask me the brand, I exclusively wear “Fire Down Below” by NARS.
I’ve got a strange sort of yellowish cast to my otherwise cool complexion and have yet to peg the perfect red lipstick…this is inspiring. I think I’ll take down these suggestions and try a bunch at the MAC downtown.
Thank you all!! ShoeGirl, I’ll definitely check out the Clarins when I get a chance. And SW, those NARS crayons sound like they’re what I need. I also remember you mentioning a lipstick by a brand called Besame, how do you like that one?
I NEED a good red lipstick. But I’ve been through a bunch lately, and haven’t been able to find a good one! I’m pale but yellowish, and unfortunately inherited my father’s yellow donkey teeth, and most real red lipstick makes me look a thousand years old.
MAC Ruby Woo – no, a thousand times no. Looked all right in fluorescents in The Bay, like shit outside. Used in theatre piece, gave to girl who was my scene partner – looked fab on her. L’Oreal Wine Something – okay, not really the kind of oomph I want, but colour suits me. MAC Diva, MAC Ladybug – like them both, the Ladybug is probably a bit bright for me, but the sheerness lets me get away with it – regular wear of both revealed that I am in fact allergic to MAC lipsticks. Rash round mouth, lip skin peeled off, GROSS.
There’s a NARS counter at The Bay too. I should check it out – see if they actually get any of the good stuff in Canuckistan (I read about a great-sounding Shiseido on the interwebs, but nope, we don’t got that here) but all these twenty and thirty-dollar lipsticks I can’t wear are really adding up!
kt, check out Julie Hewett’s lipstick in Coco Noir. And if you’re willing to drop some bucks, Ellis Faas makes an amazing lipstick called “Ellis Red” in 3 different formulas.
Absofuckinglutely
Yeah, yeah, unless it’s red-orangey.
Amen to red.
I love love love red lipstick, but alas it doesn’t suit me…
Yesss! Red lipstick all the way! Mac’s Ruby Woo is the bomb!
… on a life-long quest for a really blue red ….
Words to live by.
I LOVE wearing red lipstick and think it looks great, but my family and friends don’t agree. Photos: http://bit.ly/aOvowK, http://bit.ly/c5JggJ
I’ve been wearing brownish-pink lately. Maybe I’ll take out the red again!
I used to all the time but it doesn’t suit me so much any more or am I being dull! x
Love the inclusion of some Anish Kapoor – that exhibition was probably the most exciting thing I’ve ever seen in a gallery.
And I’ve got to say that I do occasionally go over to the dark side for some deep purple lipstick when I’m feeling moody and gothy…
i hope to be one of those old ladies with crazy long white hair that us never seen without her red lipstick. i have a pretty good start, now ….
I swear, I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday. Lips just look so much better when stained red!
Seriously I can’t leave the house without red lipstick. It completes me. I love it so much that my pinup girl tattoo has red lips too.
Hell to the yeah.
YEAH!!! Though I admit I’ve been experimenting with neon orange lately. It still makes a statement… but my everyday look will always be red.
That is a good question.
Lauren, IMO you look great with red lipstick. WendyB, I found this neon orange called “Coral Queen” – it’s as good as red, both go well with my white hair. Nothing worse on an older woman than brown, raw liver-coloured lipstick.
Cricket9 – Oh god, don’t even mention brown lipstick, I need to pretend it doesn’t exist.
Nadia – Wouldn’t we be screwed if they discontinued Ruby Woo??
mhdbass – It must have been so thrilling! Very jealous.
Lauren – Oh they don’t know anything. It looks great on you.
MAC Russian Red is my favourite red lipstick.
MC – I have two tubes of Russian Red – one for my handbag. A necessity.
I have something like 65 tubes of lipstick, 61 of them are red.
Well I am wearing red lips RIGHT NOW! The Mac Villains collection has an amazing Cruella DeVille Red. Love it.
Ne-hao from China, Sister. <3
Oh and E- try NARS’s Dragon Girl. It’s my favorite.
TheShoeGirl – I LOVE Dragon Girl! Too lazy to sharpen it though. p.s. We need you here for Blogger Fashion Challenge, when are you back?
browns seem to suit me well due to my skin tone, however it’s the reds that are giving me a pain. i can’t seem to find the right shade. OH how it makes me weep!
Ooh I just bought that Cruella Deville lipstick and wore it on my birthday Celine! (Shoegirl)
Well said, and needs no further elaboration.
I’m with mhdbass – I like a slick of purple lipstick every now and again. I love the look of red lipstick on other people but find it really hard to carry it off myself 🙁
Totally agree, red lipstick is amazing. I dabble in pinks and nudes and even clear gloss from time to time, but nothing makes me feel as good as red. I will say, not all reds are equal. MAC Cockney is my all time favourite shade.
Remember Bobbi Brown brownish lipsticks from the ’90s? I wore those religiously, including my favorite “Redwood.” Found two in my makeup drawer last year and, weird smell notwithstanding, tried them on again. WHAT THE HELL WERE WE THINKING? Geezus, red looks better than brown.
oh you have some nerve. ahhaha. just kidding. i am in a shit mood, but i’ll temper my comment so that i don’t frighten you away.
i LOVE red lips. they look fab. but my lips are kind of BIG, and if i wear red lips all eyes go TO MY LIPS. i guess that is a good thing? but i am kind of shy, so i usually just wear a light gloss. tmi. jesus, i am boring myself.
anywhoo, red lips are hot. as long as the lipstick is applied properly, is the right shade, doesn’t look pasty, isn’t leeching, and isn’t on the teeth!
I’d rather go out naked than not wear red lipstick altho I do occasionally dabble in a pink.
I’ve made the little”pack” or maybe better called a pocket size wrap that can contain up to 3 lip products. It’s made of leather and elastic bands, with small mirror and helps a lot with maintaining the red pout. Wearing red lipstick requires high level of discipline and this wrap just makes it a one-hand-motion, because the elastics keep the lid of the tube safe …
I have e-mail of somebody in MAC headquarters, but for some reason, I’m stupid….
I have been on a search for the perfect red for myself, and so far am not having much luck. My lips get terribly dry quickly and easily, so they tend to peel/flake. I have a tube of NARS Fire Down Below which I like and is a great color, but is too matte and contributes to dry flaky lips. I then bought a tube of Make Up For Ever in Hollywood Red, which is great in that it’s hydrating, but the color is too bright for me. Sigh. Any suggestions for my particular predicaments?
kt – Let me think about this. I’m gonna find you something.
I only wear two lipstick, MAC Russian Red (holler!) and Stiletto which is a matte futuristic purple-amazing on!
Agreed on MAC Russian Red (Robert Smith’s lipstick of choice), L’Oreal British Red is a great cheap option, and I’m a fan of nude-colored lipstick with fake eyelashes. Pink never does it. Black is fabulous but never looks appropriate. If only the crazy dark and light blues, oranges, and greens of the 90s and 60s would come back!
Because some of us have turtle bum lines thanks to teen smoking and poor genes and need a softer more plumpy upppy shade. xx
kt, we have a cosmetics line in Canada called “Joe Fresh” (also a clothing line) sold in Loblows, a grocery chain. They have a red-tinted lip balm in Pomegranate; it has enough colour to actually stay on but it doesn’t look too “painted”. Great stuff for dry lips and I buy it whenever I see it. It’s usually sold out. At $8 CDN it’s a steal – where do you live? Anywhere near Canadian border? Or should I send it to you as a Christmas present?
Looks like I should go and check MAC’s counter – last time I bought Russian Red, but that was ages ago…
SW- I love the reds in the photos that you’ve included here, and love the matte look, just wish my lips would cooperate!! I’ve tried to put a little chapstick underneath to see if that would help any, but the lipstick ends up applying unevenly and just looks like crap.
Cricket9- Thanks so much for the suggestion! I live in the US, so unfortunately it’s not accessible to me. But it sounds like a great inexpensive product, and something that I could use daily. I’ve been using something that sounds similar, a gloss that is red tinted. It’s Christian Dior, called Caramel Apple. It’s pricey for gloss and everyday use, so I use it sparingly. What I’m really searching for is a lipstick that has staying power and looks matte (but isn’t actually super dry). It’s becoming an expensive challenge, haha. Also, you are too sweet for offering to send me some!
I just have to say, that it’s all you folks here that seriously help me feel like there’s still hope for humanity! Thank you SW for bringing us together, I think it’s safe to say we’re all grateful for it and for you.
kt- I randomly have this Clarins ( I say randomly because I never use this brand) shade of red that is pretty and super moisturizing!! I don’t remember the name but I’m sure if you go to the counter you can pick the red you like.
Sister- I’m flying home tomorrow! YIPPEE!
xo
kt – Okay, here’s an idea: NARS makes lipstick in a fat crayon that goes on Matte but silky, not drying. “Devil GIrl” is an intense bright red. “Cruella” is a darker but less intense red with more blue…very flattering. I have both because I’m nuts. They aren’t cheap but they are great!
My red lipstick is my favorite accessory, sometimes moreso than a harness! And since I keep forgetting to respond when you ask me the brand, I exclusively wear “Fire Down Below” by NARS.
I agree!
This post has beautiful, striking photos.
My reds these days are Chanel “Lover” and “Rivoli”, and in the warmer months it’s MAC “Ruby Woo”.
I’ve got a strange sort of yellowish cast to my otherwise cool complexion and have yet to peg the perfect red lipstick…this is inspiring. I think I’ll take down these suggestions and try a bunch at the MAC downtown.
Now a nude lip, I can work. 🙂
Thank you all!! ShoeGirl, I’ll definitely check out the Clarins when I get a chance. And SW, those NARS crayons sound like they’re what I need. I also remember you mentioning a lipstick by a brand called Besame, how do you like that one?
I NEED a good red lipstick. But I’ve been through a bunch lately, and haven’t been able to find a good one! I’m pale but yellowish, and unfortunately inherited my father’s yellow donkey teeth, and most real red lipstick makes me look a thousand years old.
MAC Ruby Woo – no, a thousand times no. Looked all right in fluorescents in The Bay, like shit outside. Used in theatre piece, gave to girl who was my scene partner – looked fab on her. L’Oreal Wine Something – okay, not really the kind of oomph I want, but colour suits me. MAC Diva, MAC Ladybug – like them both, the Ladybug is probably a bit bright for me, but the sheerness lets me get away with it – regular wear of both revealed that I am in fact allergic to MAC lipsticks. Rash round mouth, lip skin peeled off, GROSS.
There’s a NARS counter at The Bay too. I should check it out – see if they actually get any of the good stuff in Canuckistan (I read about a great-sounding Shiseido on the interwebs, but nope, we don’t got that here) but all these twenty and thirty-dollar lipsticks I can’t wear are really adding up!
kt, check out Julie Hewett’s lipstick in Coco Noir. And if you’re willing to drop some bucks, Ellis Faas makes an amazing lipstick called “Ellis Red” in 3 different formulas.
TheBadKate, try Sephora or Murale (if you have them where you live) – they tend to have a better choice.