Have you been wondering if you should take the plunge and do a bold red lippie? Or maybe you have yet to take the plunge because you are just not sure it would suit you? Or maybe you bought a red lipstick yet do not wear it because something just doesn’t look quite right? Well, I have a few thoughts on the subject of red lipstick. To be honest, It is not my favourite look. I recognize that you may or may not agree with me and that’s ok! The goal of my blog is to provide my thoughts on trends, inspire you to see trends from another angle, and other considerations to help you look your very best.
So why not red?
Red lipstick is just one of those things that is not easy to pull off. In my opinion, red lipstick can be too severe and the opposite of youthful. I would say it does look nice on some (for example this main post picture is a nice red that suits her), however, does not suit everyone. And to be honest, it actually truly suits only the chosen few. For the minority of you where red lipstick truly suits you, I commend you and continue to wear it loud and proud. If you are wondering whether you are one of the chosen few that it suits, below are a few considerations to help you determine such. If you are still unsure, I would say that because there are umpteen other lipstick shades, it would probably be best to choose an alternative colour.
Is red for you?
- If you are a younger person under age 35, red lipstick can be doable.
- If you are over 35, it is my opinion to skip over red lipstick. I do not mean to offend anyone, and certainly do not want to be insensitive, however, because red lipstick is a bold choice, it can be aging and not the most flattering.
- If you want to do red lipstick, choose a colour that is a cherry red, pink red or a burgundy red. Avoid an orange red or flat red that is less flattering on skin tones.
- If you have say medium to fuller lips, you can wear a bold colour such as red.
- If your lips are smaller or on the thinner side, a bold colour like red will emphasize a thinner lip making them appear thinner.
- If your lips are naturally dry or often chapped, a red lipstick will emphasize a dry lip.
- Red lipstick is high maintenance. You will have to check the mirror frequently to ensure it hasn’t faded in the wrong areas, gone over your lip line, on your teeth or smudged outside your lip line. So unless you want to fuss with a lipstick all night, this is not for you.
I believe the red lipstick trend was probably reborn among Hollywood stars, which is mostly where our trends emerge. However, even with beautiful stars, actors, models etc, it is still not the most flattering look there is on the planet. I am always surprised when I see yet another red lipstick on the red carpet. And in most cases, in addition to a stark red lip, all of their hair is pulled back completely off their face in a tight, tight bun! Why, why why? This is such a severe and not youthful look, I do not understand. Honestly, when I see that combo, I think to myself, is that really the most flattering look you can give a woman? Wouldn’t it be much more flattering to have a beautiful, glossy soft lip colour and hair that frames the face and is feminine? But I digress…
If you are unsure whether a red lip suits you and you feel like you need further investigation, obtain a second opinion. Put on red lipstick and take a selfie and see what you think of the pic. Or show a friend or significant other and ask them what they think of how it looks. Then, put on your favourite shade of lipstick, that is not red, and take a selfie or again show your friend this colour. Compare the two pics or ask your friend or your significant other what colour they find to be more flattering. I am guessing the preference will not be the red lipstick. This may help you make a decision. It could be that red lipstick is liked more among women themselves on themselves.
Final thoughts
I am not saying that red lipstick is a complete and utter no-no for everyone, I am saying that even though it is a trend, it may or may not work for you or be the most flattering. For an editorial look in a photo shoot, I am totally fine with a statement red lip. For everyday life, it is not my recommendation. I will say that if you have tried a red lipstick, I commend you for trying a trend and being open and looking for ways to transform your look! It is always good to try new trends because if you stay still, you will never be current. You know, that is quite profound, I should TM that saying, you heard it here first 🙂
All the best and until next time…
