Need A Lipstick This Festive Season? Here Are 10 Classic Reds That Never Go Out Of Style
The red lipstick is such a powerful tool, boosting confidence and attractiveness
Not feeling too great about yourself today? Grab a red lipstick. Sounds like a cliche? Maybe, but the mood-boosting power of a colourful lip is well documented to increase feelings of power, confidence, and attractiveness.
Alright, if the red lipstick is such a powerful tool for our psyche, how should we choose the best red lipstick suitable for us? According to Chanel makeup artist Victoria Baron, pulling a classic red lipstick off comes down to two simple things. One, your lips need to be in good shape (smooth and well-hydrated). Two, the shade of red should speak to you.
"It's about confidence, so embrace what you love," she says, adding that she has her personal favourites too – in particular, Chanel red lipsticks in Impérial.
Love a multi-tasking red lipstick that's nourishing for your lips while you look good? Try YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Shine in Rouge Tuxedo ($43.99). This intensive formula comes with a formula of 65 per cent macadamia oils, pomegranate extracts, and other hydrating ingredients. Expect a high shine finish that transfers to your cups and glasses – so do carry it around in your handbag or purse while you're out!
If you're a matte lipstick kind of girl, go for Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Mrs Kisses ($52). Even though it looks somewhat like a nude shade in the picture (yes, it's a perfect nude shade for olive skin tones), the Mrs Kisses shade should pop as a bright, orangey red upon application if you have fairer skin tones. Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution lipsticks are popular for its creamy, easy-to-glide on texture. However, expect the formula to transfer to your glasses, cups, and date (oops!).
Love yourself intense colours and a sleek, all-black case? You'll like the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana ($46). This all-time classic formula comes in a creamy, satin finish along with vibrant and highly-pigmented colours. However, this formula tends to crease on drier lips. So, do prepare your lips with a regular sugar lip scrub and a moisturising lip balm prior to use.
Calling luxury lovers, here's your thing. The Gucci Beauty Rouge à Lèvres Satin in No More Orchids ($53) is an experience on its own starting from the beautifully carved lipstick case. The satin finish glides on pretty easily, and leaves you feeling like you're wearing a lip balm. However, if you're used to highly-pigmented lipstick such as NARS or M.A.C., do note that this lipstick is lighter on the pigments.
Here's another classic matte lipstick, the Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lip Colour in Rebel Rose ($48). Bobbi Brown's matte lippie formula has been consistently praised for its rich creamy texture and easy application. While most users found this long-lasting formula comfortable to use, some users recommended a lip balm underneath to prevent drying and caking.
In the market for something more interesting? Try the gel formula Sisley Le Photo Rouge in Rose Shanghai ($52) which the brand describes as "balm-like". The main properties of this lipstick? Intense hydration from Sisley's Hydrobooster Complex (hyaluronic acid mixed with other ingredients), camellia, and jojoba oils.
Yet another lip balm plus lipstick hybrid, the Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colour in Blondie Pink ($42) is primarily made of Castor Seed Oil (moisturising), vitamin E, vitamin C, beeswax, and colour pigments. The finish? Satin matte. And the brand promises it's long-staying.
How about a chilli red lipstick that's pure red? Try the matte Too Faced Peach Kiss Moisture Matte Long Wear Lipstick in Breakfast Club ($34) that's been continually praised for its highly pigmented and pure, classic red.
Guerlain Rouge G Customisable Lipstick Refill in N214 ($49) was designed to be a four-in-one lipstick, merging the lip primer, plumper, liner and lipstick. The key benefit is hydration, which makes the pigments lesser than you would expect. However, the weighty bullet case and tapered tip makes application a breeze. Do note that you'll need to buy a matching Guerlain Rouge G case for this.
Still can't decide? Here's an all-rounder that checks all the boxes. The Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Matte in 402 ($36) is one of those holy grail lipsticks that boasts great colour payoff, creamy texture that's easy to glide and apply, long-lasting longevity, and a heavy magnetic case.
Text: Bauer Syndication