Yay of Nay: Red Lipstick

Yay, I say!  Yay!  I love red lipstick.  (I love a lot of things.)  Anywhoo, I think that red lips are perfectly acceptable on a day to day basis and for a night out.  It's a lip for all seasons.  Red is what women used to wear everyday, but time has changed that.  We have so many options for lip colors, and I think that red is sort pushed into the "dress up" category.  But also, I feel that people fear red lipstick.  They think that they can't pull if off.  This is categorically untrue.  What you need to wear red lipstick is to find the right one for you and wear it with confidence.  You can do it!  And I am going to help you.  Let's take a journey through different shades and finishes of red (that I own), and find something that you feel comfortable with.

(Side note 1: One thing to keep on mind for full on red lips is to make sure your lips are prepped.  If your lips are dry and chapped, then bright or bold colors will just show that off.  Generally, I just wear a good balm and let that sink in a little bit before I apply color.  However, if your lips are scaly, just take a pinch of sugar with a couple of drops of olive oil.  Gently rub your lips with this, and then wipe off with a damp washcloth or paper towel.  Make sure you get all of the little grains cause those suckers stick.  Then put on your trusted balm, and you are ready!)

(Side note 2: I typically wear liner with red lipstick.  Lip liner keeps the lipstick on longer and it helps create a clean line around your mouth.  I didn't wear liner here to show you true colors, so please excuse my super wonky lip shape.  Danke)

MAC Ruby Woo (Retro Matte)

So MAC's Ruby Woo ($16.00) is a pretty well known red in their collection.  It is a blue based red which many people find flattering.  This means that it won't highlight the yellow in your teeth but make them appear brighter.  I think this is a great red but I don't love the formula.  You have to make sure that your lips are in good condition because this stuff won't easily go on dry lips.  I typically pair this with MAC's Cherry Lip liner.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Matte 006 Really Red
(Holy cow that's a long name)

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in Really Red is a much warmer toned red.  There is no blue in this so it's not as flattering as Ruby Woo, but this formula is great.  It's really creamy and glides on like buttah' (as Ms. Streisand would say).  This is the red lipstick I reach for most often for full color, and it's cheap!  Depending on where you get it, it can range from 5 to 8 dollars.  How great is that?  Soooo great.

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor Are You Ready 625
(This one isn't very punny)

My mom gave me this Maybelline lipstick.  It's actually kind of a unique color.  I would say it's a rosy red color.  Does that make sense?  It's a warm red but it's not the same as the Revlon one above.  Also, the formula isn't quite as nice.  The color payoff is great, and it's more if a satin finish so if you don't like a too matte look because that's a bit retro, this is one to try.  I'm actually going to start to wear this more often.  I've neglected it, but I'm going to give it another go.  Yay for rediscovering your own stuff!  This runs around the same price as Revlon.

Hard Candy Visibly Wet shockingly glossy lip pencil Candy Apple
(Seriously, what is with these names?!)

Does anyone remember Hard Candy?  Ah, the nineties.  I remember those days maybe kinda sorta fondly.  Anyway, if you were around then, you might recall the brand Hard Candy as somewhat higher end.  They disappeared for a few years.  The brand was re-released as a more affordable line available at Walmart.  The product range is pretty good, and this particular lip product carries a lot of punch.  It's bright, glossy, and glittery.  It's a triple threat, much like J. Lo.  The formula is pretty nice, but you can feel those pieces of glitter which I find a bit annoying.  Also, because this is glossy, it's not going to have the staying power of the previously mentioned lipsticks.  It's something that you will have to reapply if you don't wear some lip liner under it.  If that doesn't bother you, then I say give this bold lip a try.  You can only buy this in store I believe so I can't give you a price but I'm sure it's reasonable.

Revlon ColorBurst Lacquer Balm 150 Enticing

This is a new favorite of mine.  I think this is a great option for someone that wants to ease into wearing red.  It has nice color, but it's sheer and has a bit of shine.  It feels really good on the lips because it is a balm, but this also means that it isn't as long lasting.  You will have to reapply after you eat, but reapplying is easy.  The new trend in lip products is this type of chubby pencil and every brand from high end to drugstore.  This is a great affordable (about $9) option, and I wear it a lot.

Clinique Almost Lipstick 06 Black Honey
(You still have to pay for it even though it's almost lipstick)

If you are familiar with Clinique, then you are most likely familiar with the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey.  It's one of their most popular colors for good reason.  The color is flattering on many skin tones, and the formula feels very moisturizing.  It's not called a balm but it feels like one.  If you are really gun shy about trying a red lip, this is about as sheer as you can go without being clear.  It gives me just a hint of red.  It's almost as if you aren't really wearing anything.  A "no lipstick" lipstick look, if you will.  It's more expensive than a drugstore brand at $16.00 so keep in mind that it's not that much color for a higher price.  But if you don't mind, then I think it's a great start to your red lipstick journey.

Every make-up brand has some sort of red lipstick.  From Wet n' Wild and NYX to Dior, Chanel, and Illamasqua, it's possible to find the right red for you that won't make your wallet cry or give you something to indulge in.

Our journey has come to an end.  Thank you for keeping your hands and feet inside the car at all time.  And for not using the barf bag.  Thank you for that.  I hope that this encourages you to be brave and wear red.  Be confident and give red lipstick a try.