8 Red Lipsticks For An Auspicious Start This Chinese New Year
And they can be worn for the rest of the year too
By Smita DeSouza -
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A red lipstick is a mainstay in any woman’s makeup bag, but this bright lipstick shade has special significance come Chinese New Year. An auspicious colour, red is associated with joy, good fortune and prosperity. An easy way to incorporate this lucky colour into your look for Chinese New Year visits is to simply swipe on a red lipstick before you leave the house.
Some of us may want a red lipstick that is matte and long wearing so it doesn’t budge as we indulge in CNY goodies, while others who are not the biggest fans of the colour might want a red lipstick that is sheer and glossy.
Whichever your preference, we’ve selected a range of red lipsticks in different shades and textures, so you’re sure to find out that you would actually want to wear this Chinese New Year and long after.
Lisa Elderidge True Velvet Lip Colour Velvet Ribbon, $45.51 (£27)
A single swipe of this velvety matte lipstick and your lips are coated in a rich, red that suits all skin tones. Those with pigmented lips will appreciate that it covers all discolouration without the need of a lip liner to even out the lips. Comfortable and non-drying, the lipstick stays on long after you’ve inhaled the pineapple tarts and cookies. Definitely a red lipstick that Ah Ma would approve.
Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick in Flame, $48
Some matte lipsticks can accentuate dryness and fine lines on the lips. Not this one. It goes on like a balm, and the blend of oils and waxes melt and transform into a weightless powder. Spherical pigments blur any imperfections so all you see is intense vibrant colour and lush lips. And the orange-red is a nice switch up from the usual classic red lipstick.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick Red Carpet Red, $55
Channel old-world glamour with this ruby red lipstick. Each application offers buildable long-lasting colour thanks to a blend of oils, triglycerides and waxes, while nourishing and hydrating ingredients make the matte formula comfortable to wear. The square, angled tip ensures each swipe is precise and light reflecting pigments ensure lips look plump and healthy.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick 80 Chili Tunique, $60
This lipstick-meets-balm that offers medium coverage is perfect for those who want high shine, with just a hint of red. Infused with 65 percent sensorial oils and pomegranate extract it has an extremely hydrating texture that sinks into the lips and reflects light for a dazzling effect. Swipe and go for sheer coverage or layer on for more vibrant colour.
Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Matte Lipstick No. 36 L’Interdit, $62
The brand’s iconic true red is bright tomato red lipstick that can be sheered out with your finger for a subtle wash of colour or applied directly from the tube for full coverage that still offers a blurred effect. Lips are conditioned and comfortable thanks to 100 percent natural-origin wild mango butter extract making it ideal for long days out visiting.
Guerlain KissKiss Lips Tender Matte Lipstick 940 My Rouge, $65
This cherry red lipstick is exactly the shade of lipstick you need to bring you all the luck when you’re calling a bluff at the poker table or scrutinising your mahjong tiles. Mattifying powders coated in shea butter deliver luminous matte coverage and a cocktail of hyaluronic acid, shea butter and rose petal extract ensure there is no drying or flaking, no matter how long the game lasts.
MAC Cosmetics M.A.C Locked Kiss Ink™ 24HR Lipcolour Extra Chili, $50
Not a fan of true red lipsticks? Try a brick red instead. The ultra refined pigments in this liquid lipstick hug the lips to deliver flexible, full coverage, matte veil of colour. A cocktail of passion fruit oil, coconut oil and shea butter keep lips moisturised and feeling like you're wearing nothing at all—till someone asks what shade of red lipstick you’re wearing.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Velvet Lipstick in Royal Red, $37
This gorgeous red lipstick has everything you’re looking for: intense pigment, feather-light finish, plush matte texture that doesn’t dry the lips and precision application so you can apply it with one hand and holding baby or a plate of bee hoon in the other.