Article by BR Natalie
The Rolling Stones, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, True Blood. All have used iconic close ups of a red pout to get their message across - red lips are dangerous. Red lips are hot. Red lips are sexy.
Red lips are also the colour of the Femme Fatale - there's something about a red lipstick that makes women feel bold and daring. Red lipstick has been around for centuries. In the middle ages women would make lip rouge out of sheep fat and mashed red roots. Queen Elizabeth became a red lip advocate in the 1500s, a time when people believe lipstick to be magical and have the ability to ward off death. In the 18th Century opinions on lipstick was divided across the world - in England it was illegal for an unmarried woman to wear lipstick, whereas in America women were known to carry and suck on lemons through the day, to encourage their lips to redden.
Thankfully not only do we live in a time when red lipstick is readily available, the choice is almost infinite. So in our pro-red-lip society, how does a girl choose the best shade for her?
Skin tones
Golden or yellowy undertones are warm. Blue and pink undertones are cool. About 80% of women are cool, but a quick 'wrist check' will clear it up. If your veins look blue, you're cool, if they look green you're warm.
It's commonly thought that paler girls must be cool and dark skin must be warm. This isn't the case - You can be fair skinned and warm and you can be dark skinned and cool. If you're struggling to work out your undertones, book a consult at a reputable makeup counter, or ask your beauty therapist.
Complexions
Fair Skin
- Blue based deep cherry reds work with pink undertones to make lips stand out.
- Cranberries are a great option for warming up fairer skin tones, without being too goth.
- Wine shades contain violet which helps prevent fair skin tones from looking washed out.
Medium complexions
- Orange reds with slight blue undertones work well with warm complexions.
- Pinot Noir/Blackberry shades are the statement lip for a gal with a medium complexion. Red based but mainly purple hues will create a striking look.
Dark Complexions
- Orange really stands out against darker skin, offering a bold, fun look. You need confidence to rock this look.
- Maroon offers a complimentary depth of colour to a simple makeup look. Keep your eyes simple and frame your face with great brow game.
- Raspberry reds are fun and flirty, and look delicious with a slick of gloss on top.
Hair Colour
Blonde with cool tones - Go for plum, rose, or reds with blue undertones.
Blonde with warm tones - Go for coral, orange or copper reds.
Dark hair with cool tones - Go for cherry, plums and merlots.
Dark hair with warm tones - Go for browny reds and golden or orange reds.
Red hair with cool tones - Go for blue reds and wines.
Red hair with warm tones - Go for lighter and brighter oranges.
So there you have it, our quick guide to choosing the right red lipstick for you. If you're still a little miffed look at the shade name for hints and compare it to our list. But don't be afraid to break the rules - if you love it, rock it!
Red lips are iconic. The Rolling Stones, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, True Blood. All have used iconic close ups of a red pout to get their message across.
Like red nails, red lips are also the colour of the Femme Fatale - there's something about a red lipstick that makes women feel bold and daring. Give the girl the right shade of red lipstick and she can conquer the world. (Ok we know that quote is about shoes but you get the point!)
And like we discovered yesterday with nail polish, red lipstick has been around for centuries. In the middle ages women would make lip rouge out of sheep fat and mashed red roots. Queen Elizabeth became a red lip advocate in the 1500s, a time when people believe lipstick to be magical and have the ability to ward off death.
In the 18th Century opinions on lipstick was divided across the world - in England it was illegal for an unmarried woman to wear lipstick, whereas in America women were known to carry and suck on lemons through the day, to encourage their lips to redden.
Our favourite tidbit about the history of red lipstick comes from the most prudish of prudes - the Victorians. Lipstick became socially unacceptable for all but ladies of the night, meaning to achieve 'naturally' red lips women would kiss rosy crepe paper, bite their own lips and create tinted lip salves. Women also secretly traded recipes and made lip rouge with their friends in underground lip rouge societies. (Hands up who'd be part of that club?!)
Thankfully not only do we live in a time when red lipstick is available - we're also encouraged to rock the look. Even if the hunt for the perfect red lipstick is almost as elusive as the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans.
I overall suit darker reds and not orangey reds. But I can wear a bright red as well. The red for my skin and the red for my hair do slightly conflict though.