There is nothing more timeless and sophisticated than the perfect red lip, but how do you pull off such a statement colour on your wedding day?
There are generally two types of red lipstick wearers in the world - those that do, and those that don't! There are those who wear red on a regular basis and feel empowered when flaunting their favourite flush of rouge; and then there are those who are terrified of anything even vaguely resembling red and could think of nothing worse than sporting a bold lip, let alone on their wedding day. If you sit somewhere in the middle of those two schools of thought, hopefully you will be armed with enough knowledge by the time you've finished this blog post to give it a go and see if you could be a red-lip convert.
"There is the perfect lipstick out there for everyone, no matter your skin tone, hair colour or the size of your pout!"
Red lipstick comes in varying shades – there are orange-reds, blue toned reds, and the reds that lean towards a pinker shade... If you don’t fall in love with the first one you put on, it doesn’t mean a red lip isn’t for you. I’m a strong believer that there is the perfect red lipstick out there for everyone, no matter your skin tone, hair colour or size of your pout!
Finding the right shade for your skin tone
There are 3 types of skin ton category - warm, cool and neutral. If you have ever been professionally matched for your foundation shade you should know which of these three categories you fall into. However, if you are unsure, I have some tips to help.
- Make sure the skin on your face and wrists is clean and free from all makeup, creams and products
- If you have just removed your makeup wait for around 15-20 minutes.
- Using natural light, examine the veins on your wrists:
If your veins are blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone.
If your veins are green, then you have a warm skin tone.
If you cannot tell the difference, it is likely you have a neutral skin tone. If you have an olive complexion, this is even more likely to be the case.
- Using natural light, take yourself to a mirror and hold a white piece of paper to your face. Take note of the colour reflecting onto your face:
If your skin appears pink or has a rosey tint, or even looks slightly blue, then you have a cool skin tone.
If your skin appears yellow in tone or is washed-out beside the paper, you have a warm skin tone.
If your face looks grey or ashen and you likely have an olive complexion, you have a neutral skin tone. Likewise, if you cannot see any pink, yellow, or olive, you have a neutral skin tone.
Now you know your skin undertones, which shades of Red will suit you best? Warm complexions work beautifully with orange-tinted reds; blue-based reds compliment cool complexions; and if you have a neutral undertone, you're one of the lucky ones - most shades of red will work with your skin.
So, you've found the perfect Red, now what?
Prep is key! Your red lip is never going to look flawless on scaly, flaky, dry lips. Ensure your lips are well prepped in the lead up to your big day with ample lip balm applied at regular intervals, daily. On the morning of your Wedding, before your makeup application begins, make sure your makeup artist is prepping your lips for that statement colour by exfoliating any surface dryness or texture either with a lip scrub, or acid exfoliator. Both are just as effective in getting rid of any flakes that could compromise that perfect pout but my go to product has to be NIP+FAB Glycolic Pads. Follow this with a good amount of lip conditioner, a personal favourite of mine is the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream. Let your lip balm work its magic for the duration of your makeup application and your lips should be well nourished and ready to go.
Matte textures do tend to last a lot longer than any other formula, but they aren’t for everyone and no matter how well you prep your lips, once you’ve kissed your groom, had a few glasses of champagne and a canapé or two, you will no doubt need to top up. Make sure you’ve got your chosen shade on hand (often safest with a Bridesmaid) so you can reapply a few extra layers throughout the day.
If I were to only use one Red Lipstick for the rest of my life...
...it would have to be Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in 'Uncensored'. The liquid formula means it applies with ease, allowing you to achieve that sharp lip line – although, I would recommend investing in a good brush for the application, as you have much more control over the amount of product you’re applying. The matte finish is unlike many others on the market and doesn’t feel ‘chalky’ or overly drying, even after applying multiple coats. The staying power is second to none – I’ve had Brides report back saying they had no need to top up, despite wearing it for over 12 hours. And, finally, it really does suit almost everyone (I’ve included the 'almost' here as I’m dubious to say everyone, but I am yet to find someone it looks bad on!).
Image 1: Curious Rose Photography
Image 2: ChloeGH Bridal
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DISCLAIMER - The views expressed on this site are the author’s own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.
I happily recommend products through my blog and this has become a key component of my Blog and Instagram channels. Any recommendation is based on personal experience – or the trusted experience of a tester/colleague – but everyone’s skin is different and something that works for me may not necessarily work for you in the same way. This also applies to allergic reactions. It is impossible to anticipate allergies and therefore I am not liable should any irritation or allergic reaction occur. Please use product recommendations at your own discretion and risk.
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