Red Lipstick - My Fearless Ally

Jul 22

Photography by Frankie Coletto | July 2020

Hello Friend,

This week’s journal took me on a research venture where I learned all about one of my favorite accessory, a bold red lip. Oh, how I love a red lip! It is one of the most chic items I add to any outfit. That and a pair of pearls but we can talk about pearls another time.

Did you know that lipstick was not popularized until the early 20th century? Even then, red lips were often associated with morally dubious women: impolite, sexually amoral, even heretical. Brands like Elizabeth Arden began to popularize the bold lip during World War II by introducing politically charged advertisements for colors such as "Victory Red," persuading women to embrace beauty upkeep as part of their civic duty. Soon after Revlon introduced its iconic "Fire and Ice" advertising campaign in 1952, which has become known as one of the most effective ads in cosmetic history. We then began to see women like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor rocking the bold red lip and it became even more desirable. A pair of cherry red lips looks just as chic today as it did hundreds of years ago. Fortunately, it is also a lot less likely to contain toxic ingredients.

I have found that a red lip elevates most, if not, all my outfits. It is even “Work from Home” and “Zoom” friendly. I will detail below some styling tips, my favorite shades, and more. I also enlisted the help from one of my best friends and a published beauty influencer, Jenny Borrego to discuss tips and trick on applying and executing the best bold lip.

XX,

Heidi Coletto

Tips and Tricks ft. Jenny Borrego

I had such a blast getting together with my beautiful lifetime friend, Jenny and discussing different tips for a great bold lip. We finally narrowed it down to 3.

Tip 1 - Lip Liner

Tip 2 - Loose Powder

Tip 3 - Draw out your cupid’s bow

Watch the video to learn why these are her top 3 tips for achieving the best bold lip and to also watch us putting them to the test! Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

My 3 Favorite Shades:

Christian Dior - Rouge Dior - Shade 999

Bobbi Brown - Parisian Red

MAC - Russian Red

Styling Tips:

I love to pair a red lip with various styles. I would suggest trying these three outfits and seeing which you prefer. Remember to pick a shade of red you feel the most comfortable with. It does not have to be bright or too dark.

Casual:
- White t-shirt, dainty gold jewelry, high-rise cigarette jeans, high mules
- Cowl neck camisole, high-waisted/ripped denim shorts, ballet flats or your favorite pair of white sneakers
Work:
- Black blazer, black chinos, black camisole, a bright shoes to match that bold lip
- Oversized button up, tapered pants, pumps, stacked necklaces
Date Night:
- Slip dress, leather jacket, strappy sandals
- Blazer, satin shorts, lace bralette, and your favorite heels

“If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.”

— Coco Chanel

How to Find the Best Red for Your Skin tone

The following is a good rule of thumb as detailed by Byrdie:

Brick red: warm, toned skin. [Try Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Burnt Red, $25]
Orange red: blue eyes, brown eyes and deep, warm skin tones [Try MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger, $19]
Blue red: green eyes, cool toned skin [ Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red, $35]
Neutral postbox red: everyone! [Try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, $7]