MY HUSBAND HAS elected to be on the other side of the world this Valentine’s Day. I know I’m not easy to buy for, but I thought it was a bit extreme for him to hide in Sydney, Australia, and hope it would all blow over. He even went so far as to concoct an excuse – “my niece is getting married, I must represent the family.” That ol’ chestnut – does he think I came down in the last shower?
If you have found yourself sans Valentine for whatever reason, there’s no need to deny yourself a little treat, and my number one instant pick-me-up is a new lipstick. For the day that’s in it, a super new red will add some cheer, and last longer than any bunch of roses. Hang on, is that Interflora at the door?
Classic
With its cheery moniker, Joli Rouge lip colour in Clarins Red (€20.09) is a deep, rich shade launched to match the brand's iconic red packaging. A matching nail shade is available. Multi-tasker Clinique's top-selling red has a few strings to its bow. High Impact Lip Colour in Red-y to Wear costs €19.
Moisturising, long-wearing, feather-resistant and stay-true colour combine with SPF 15 for a winning
formula. Under the Top If you just want to dip your toe into the look, look no further than Georgio Armani's Sheer Lipstick 6 (€24). This gives a hint of colour without the impact of a full on lipstick, and this shade has a true blue/red base.
Entrance
It’s good enough for Monica Bellucci, so you may like to consider Dior’s signature shade, Red Premiere (€28). The moisturising and smoothing formula make it a red carpet favourite
Famous
As the name suggests, Ruby Woo is a deep, jewelled red that gives an intense, rich colour. It’s the shade that made MAC cosmetics famous. Enough said (€17.50)..
Easy Peasy
No need for a brush with Vita Liberata Big Kiss Lipstick (€12), which offers moisture-enriched texture in a pencil stick. Simply outline your lips, blot and colour in for lasting colour, and just look at that price. Available at selected pharmacies or online at www.vitaliberata.com.
Shade sorter
Your skin tone will determine whether a warm or cool red will suit you best. Cool- or pink-toned skins suit blue-based reds, and warm or yellow tones are better with orange reds. Check the shade outside the shop – department stores have inaccurate lighting for judging colours. Test colour on your lips, not your hand.
Red hot lip tips
Avoid using colour on eyes as well – it should be one or the other; keep shadow neutral, and achieve impact with liner and lashes.
Apply a small amount of concealer around the mouth before applying lip colour. This heightens contrast and gives a polished finish.
Always use a lip brush and liner.
Go easy on the blush or leave off.
Wear neutral coloured clothing – red lips and bright colours do not make happy bedfellows.
For lasting colour, line lips, apply colour, blot and apply again to desired coverage.
Liner holds colour and prevents lipstick bleeding. A neutral such as MAC's Spice is perfect for all colours.
Suits-All
Red lipstick is the perfect foil for Chanel’s classic monochrome clothing palette. Passion (€28) is the best selling shade in the Rouge Allure range as it is a suits-all red, in a pop-up case.
Under the Top
If you just want to dip your toe into the look, look no further than Georgio Armani's Sheer Lipstick 6
(€24). This gives a hint of colour without the impact of a full on lipstick, and this shade has a true
blue/red base.
Multi-tasker
Clinique’s top-selling red has a few strings to its bow. High Impact Lip Colour in Red-y to Wear costs €19. Moisturising, long-wearing, feather-resistant and stay-true colour combine with SPF 15 for a winning formula.
Results Red
Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge in shade 132 (€25) is a great red for blondes, with its bright tones and satiny texture. It contains Pro-Xylane which helps to reshape and replenish lips.