Red Lipstick- The Item
Confident, Bold, Sexy, Energetic, Glamorous, Daring, Making a Statement, Passionate, Iconic.
Oh, the power of a
Red Lip.♥
–words by Simone Silverman
-photography Andrew Yee
-makeup Regina Harris
I apply straight from the tube, blot with a tissue, clean up the edges with my finger and any excess I dab on my cheeks as blush. I then do the old trick of sucking on my finger to hope there is no transfer to my teeth. I don’t know if this really helps, but it has become a habit.
“I consider red lipstick
the LBD of makeup.”
Red lippy forever. MWAH!
-Simone xo
Belinda Becker has always loved and worn a red lip. This talented and gorgeous DJ, dancer, and actor says ‘I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so lipstick is my one go-to item. My favorite red right now is Velvet Merlot by Milani.’
“Red lipstick is like my Amex card.
I don’t leave home without it.”
-Belinda Becker
Learn more about Belinda Becker. Click to read our Interview
To pair with this bold lip makeup artist Regina Harris gave Belinda a beautiful modern version of a cat-eye using Maybelline’s Eyestudio- Lasting Drama-Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Lustrous Sapphire –Total Temptation Mascara in Blackest Black and ‘Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer pencil in Dark Brown.
All available: www.maybelline.com
Growing out my hair to its natural silvery shade has inspired me to update the colors I wear, especially in regards to my makeup. Much to my surprise I have become drawn to warmer red lip shades and have even embraced glossier textures. There is something to be said for the brightening effect a gloss brings to the face. Red shiny lips remind me of the forever inspiring Marilyn Monroe. Her red lips were always so sexy. I challenge anyone to find an image of her with a matte red lip.
To pair with the RMS Beauty Lipstick, Regina gave me glowing skin by using RMS Beauty – Buriti Bronzer and the essential glow-getter Living Luminizer. All available: www.rmsbeauty.com
However when I need to feel super confident or make a statement. I always rely on a beautiful bold opaque matte lip to give me strength. There is something just so powerful and grown up. So very tres chic!
To pair with the Laura Mercier Lipstick, Regina gave me lightweight flawless coverage with Laura Mercier -Tinted Moisturizer- Illuminating in Bare Radiance. For the eyes, Matte Eye Shadow in Cashmere & Long Lash Mascara in Black. All available: www.lauramercier.com
I think this image sums up why M.A.C’s Ruby Woo has become Iconic. It suits everyone and its staying power is legendary. I was thrilled to learn it came in a gloss variation shown here on Belinda. I remember buying my first tube in my late 20’s. It’s perfection!
To pair with Ruby Woo, Regina defined our eyes with False Lashes Mascara in False Black.+ Brushstroke Liner in Brushblack. All available: www.maccosmetics.com
RED LIP TIPS
REGINA HARRIS-makeup artist
Anyone can wear a red lip. It’s about finding the shade, texture, and finish that suits you. It’s also about finding your comfort zone and inspiration. Some women love reds to be bold; others prefer a sheer stain. It’s about experimenting and finding what you like.
Finding the right shade:
There are 3 basic types of red lipstick colors.
Blue Reds have pink, cherry, fuchsia undertones. Orange Reds have coral, and of course orange undertones. True Reds seem to have a balance of both. I don’t follow conventional ideas that each skin tone/colorings look better with a certain cool or warm shade. I’ve seen women who have warm-toned olive skin that look amazing in a blue/red tone. Contrast can look so beautiful. At the end of the day test as many different colors and see what you are drawn to. You will know immediately when one works.
Lip Shapes:
Thin lips– Women with thin lips should not shy away from a red lip. I actually think it can look really cool. Think back to the 1920s when a thin red lip was all the rage. A bright red lip will actually add fullness. The trick is to use a glossy texture or something with shimmer.
Full lips- I think matte, velvety textures look amazing on full lips.
Application/Technique:
Prep: Lips need to be well conditioned and smooth for red lipstick to adhere evenly and last. I think lip scrubs are fantastic and help remove flaky skin. Both Fresh (Sugar Lip Polish) and Bite Beauty (Agave Sugar Lip Scrub) make great lip polishes. Or you can easily make your own by mixing a little sugar & coconut oil to make a thick paste. Lip Primers such as M.A.C (Prep + Prime Lip) and Bite Beauty (Line + Define Lip Primer) are also quite beneficial at refining the lips and giving a smooth surface.
Matte/Velvet finish: Bold reds in this finish look wonderful. You need to build the color to get a nice opaque look. To have a defined edge or morph the shape and size of the lip, a lip pencil is a great tool. I like to use the same or very similar shade to the lipstick. After you have made your line use the side of the pencil and go along the inside of the line, so it diffuses the hard line. Then you can apply the lipstick on the lip directly from the tube. Blot with a tissue and build up the layers until you reach the opacity you like.
Satin/Gloss finish: These are easy to wear and can be applied lightly as a subtle stain or again build up for a more creamy or glossy look. You can even apply with your fingertip and press into lips.
-Regina Harris X
RED LIP FAVORITES
Between family & friends and asking followers on social media here are a list of favorite Red Lipsticks that bring JOY!
Loreal 310 Drumbeat Red, Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in Gabrielle, M.A.C Russian Red, Revlon Wine with Everything, Revlon Fire and Ice, Nars Cruella, Nars Heatwave,Nars, Velvet Matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl, Rimmel Provocalips 16 hour Kiss Proof Lip Colour in Kiss Me Fool, Bobbi Brown Luxe lip in Retro Red , Sportsgirl- Pout About It in Bombshell, YSL, Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in Rouge Neon, Maybelline Baby Lips Color Balm Crayon in Refreshing Red, Glossier Generation G in Zip,
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red, & Edward Bess ,Midnight Bloom
