the confessions of a product junkie

Hello, hello fellow Product Junkies!

How do you feel about red lipstick? It can help you achieve a classic look with a modern feel. My opinion can be summed up in two words: I LOVE! Nothing ties a nighttime look together like eye-catching, RED lips.

Don’t be intimidated by the trend. I know it sounds extreme. But I promise you, when they’re done right (which I’ll explain further in this entry), red lips can be just what you need to make your look pop.

When it comes down to it, it’s all about choosing the Perfect Red Lipstick:

Be aware that there are shades of red lipstick out there that are specifically designed to compliment every skin tone. It’s simply a matter of finding ones that are right for you. That’s the tricky part. Allow me to help.

Pale-skinned women should gravitate toward reds with cool, blue undertones. For example, Clinique in Angel Red. Or Dior Replenishing Lip Color in Action Red. My personal favorite (I’m a pale-skinned woman, myself) is Urban Decay’s Revolution. Not only does it have gorgeous packaging, but it’s a fantastic red that looks great on light and olive skin tones.

This is a picture of me wearing Urban Decay’s Revolution on New Years Eve.

And me wearing it a few nights earlier.

Medium-to-dark skinned women can get away with deeper reds that have brown or tawny bases. In other words, warmer reds. For example, Kat Von D’s Painted Love Lipstick in Underage Red, or Vincent Longo Lipstain Lipstick in Belle Etoile.

Jessica Alba’s medium skin looks beautiful with warm, red lips.

Very dark skinned women can pull off pinkish reds, fuchsias and orange-based poppy reds. For example, Dior Red Icon, Benefit Ruby Vibes and Ms. Behavin.

Beyonce’ effortlessly masters the look by wearing a bright red that looks beautiful next to her dark skin.

When choosing the perfect red lipstick, you should also take the size and shape of your lips into account. Ladies with fuller lips can get away with darker, deeper reds. (Just as a dark outfit is slimming, dark lipstick makes your lips appear thinner.)

Angelina Jolie looks striking with her blood red lips. Because her lips are so full, she pulls off this dark color nicely.

Thinner-lipped ladies (like myself) can still rock the trend if we lean toward brighter, more neutral tones.

When it comes down to it, the best way to find the shade for you is to go to your local makeup counter (or Sephora store) and test a bunch of different shades. I found mine by asking a Sephora sales person for assistance and guidance.

Once you’ve found the perfect red lipstick, pair it with subtle face makeup. Go light on your blush and bronzer, to avoid looking like a clown. Also, avoid heavy eye shadows. When I wear red lipstick, I like to wear simple black liner and mascara. Allow your lips to be the part of your face that is making the biggest statement.

Here are a few more celebs who got the look right:

How do you feel about the red lips look? Do you rock it? What’s you’re favorite go-to red lipstick?

XOXO,
Sarah
Your PJ

Note: I purchased this beauty product on my own.