Makeup: Stop! In the name of red lips!

By Vera Tov

Vera is a certified makeup artist based in New York. A graduate of a protégées Make Up Designory school (MUD). Vera has all of the necessary skills and tools to create an unique and fresh look for any occasion. Vera’s ability to realize the client's vision, re-create a look from a photograph or film, or develop a unique look, camouflaging imperfections while enhancing the natural beauty is truly unsurpassed.

In Vera's words: 

My makeup had been confiscated on more than one occasion in High School. How could the teachers not understand the fact that a mirror compact was an extension of my arm, and eyeliner – a wand, without which I felt powerless. Silly, of course, I know. Well, I was a teenager then, and now…I feel the same exact way now!

In the Name of Red Lips!

You may have heard that every woman should own a well-fitting black dress and a red lipstick.  However, classic red lips can be as tricky to pull off as fighting a red light ticket. The truth is, every woman can wear some type of red on her lips.  Still, several factors contribute to what will work best for you.  

Some guidelines and suggestions:

• It helps to know your skin undertone.  While doing some research, I’ve come across many articles that talk about skin undertone being the determining factor in choosing red lipstick.  In fact, the general rule is that if you have a fair/rosy complexion, you should choose blue-based reds (no, they’re not actually blue!) and if you have yellow undertones, orange-based/warm reds will suit you better.  What I’ve learned is that you can do the exact opposite to create a more dramatic/unexpected effect.

Top – orange-based/warm red

Bottom – blue-based/cool red

  

• Think texture. Some of the textures include matte (no shine), creamy (some shine), and sheer (usually quite shiny).  If you already own a matte lipstick, you can add some shine to it by patting on some gloss on top.  Conversely, to mattify a creamy lipstick, blot your lips with a plain tissue (not the soft kind). You can even pat a little powder over the lips.
• Banish bleeding.  Bleeding of the lipstick that is.  While we talk, laugh, or eat, lipsticks try to creep out through the tiny lines around our lips. Lip liner helps prevent that when applied before the lipstick.  I actually prefer lining lips with a light neutral lip liner instead of red.
• Don’t fear – go sheer! Sheer lipsticks and colored glosses aren’t as pigmented as creamy and matte ones. Therefore, they’re neither as intense nor long-lasting. They are great for those who want to wear the classic color without the drama. You may need to keep it with you to reapply as the color fades.  If you already have a bright red lipstick that you’re not comfortable wearing, there is a great trick you might like: rub some  lipstick on your finger, then apply it all over your lips, staining them.  Don’t worry about trying to get a crisp line; the edges should be soft. Then apply some gloss, lip balm, or even just some Vaseline.  The effect is headturningly (not a word, according to MicrosoftWord) gorgeous, in a more natural, nonthreatening way.
• Stunningly simple.  If you choose to make your red lipstick the focal point, keep the rest of the makeup more natural.  As seen on many runways during this spring's Fashion Week, models wearing red lipstick seemed to be almost free of eye makeup.  I recommend the following simple steps (Steps 1 and 2 are optional): 1) Apply a matte eyeshadow closest to your own skin color all over the lids, up to the eyebrows, 2) Define the creases and the bottom lash line with a shadow slightly darker than your skin color, 3) Define your upper lash line with a black or brown eyeliner, and 4) Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes
  • • 

Products you may like:

MAC's Ruby Woo Matte Lipstick

Recommended by makeup artists as one that complements every complexion

(I do not own this lipstick, therefore cannot comment)

L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss, Rebel Red 315
This can be applied very sheer or layered to look more dramatic.  It has excellent staying power for a gloss.  What I like to do is apply one layer, then blot my lips with a tissue, then apply another layer.