SRLSY, shout-out to the jungle for having The. Best. Plants. Ever.
I spotted this pretty plant at a place called Haiku Gardens on Oahu last week, and it’s been haunting my dreams ever since!
I think it might be a flower…? Wow, how striking is that red? It’s so intense, and the finish! I don’t even know where to start… Matte, and I love the way it contrasts with the green leaves behind it. I mean, Mother Nature? *Mwah!* Best painter ever.
Anyway, I was wanting to wear the exact same color on my lips, and someone on Instagram mentioned that the red in this pic looked like MAC Relentlessly Red ($17 and available in the permanent line), so when I was getting ready today (by the way, this is probably the most makeup I’ve worn in two weeks), I dug through my MAC drawer…
And I found it! Yay! It’s a perfect match.
One of the Retro Matte Lipsticks in the MAC permanent line, Relentlessly Red is a bright coral-red with a fuchsia spirit that sets it apart from many other MAC reds, like Lady Danger, which is more orange, and MAC Ruby Woo, which is cooler- and bluer-toned.
The MAC Retro Matte Lipsticks vary in terms of how dry the formula feels. Some are smoother, slightly more “moisturizing” (air quotes, because none of them are exactly moisturizing) and consequently easier to wear than others.
Relentlessly Red is one of the drier ones (but that’s not to say that it’s super dry) and benefits from a little babying and prep work if you have any flake action on your lips. In that case, exfoliate first; then prep your pout with a layer of lip balm, and I used Urban Decay Lip Love today. Then blot and apply Relentlessly Red.
Because I’ve been *mucho lazy* lately, I had been applying lipstick straight from the bullet, but I recently started using a lip brush to apply lipstick, usually a layer or two, and then I pat everything down with my finger.
It’s more work than going straight from the tube, but I like the look. It looks like my lipstick is merging with my lips, as opposed to sitting on top of them.
It’s all part of that ongoing phase I’m in where I want my makeup to look like I’m not trying too hard (even when I am), and that’s the effect I get with a lip brush.
By the way, I’m also wearing Relentlessly Red as a cream shadow on my cheeks here! It works great as a blush, so it’s kind of a two-for-one. I just loaded a finger with a bit of it and dabbed that directly on top of my face makeup.
If you’re going to do this, however, I would apply it as a lipstick first, then as a blush, because that way it’s easier (I think) to gauge how much blush to apply, especially with something vibrant like a red, which is easy to go overboard with.
I know that reds typically fall into the fall makeup category…but who cares about that? LOL! They look great all year round, and ESPECIALLY in summer, when you can rock ’em with bronze or copper metallic shadows.
Reds. Have you been into any particular red products lately?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I picked up one of the new Maybelline Matte Metallic lipsticks in Hot Lava! It’s a fun slightly metallic red, but I only really wear red lipstick for shows. I layered it with a bit of my MAC Digging for Gold lipstick for some more shimmer.
Girl, I love me some red lipstick layered with gold! Have you tried a gold gloss on top of your reds? It’s my fave thing to do especially during the fall.
I am into reds all year round, but I love the Fuchsia ones especially in the summer. My top pick recently has been a Astor Crayon in “Fearless Fuchsia”. Amazing with golden lids
That brand is new to me! I’ll have to look it up.
It is a German brand, I don´t think you can get it in the States.
Relentlessly red….. My favourite mac lippie after ruby woo….
Hi Shilpa,
Relentlessly Red should be a new MAC classic, right? Do you ever wear it with a lip pencil? If so, which one?
Looking stunning Karen! Hm, for me recently it’s been either the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Temeraire, or the new(ish) Rouge Coco Stylo in Sepia. The latter of the two is sooo so creamy and comfortable to wear! I love it. 🙂
Was a bit too hasty with the ‘Post comment’ button there. Actually should have added that yeah, as it gets warmer, I’m also going through this phase of wanting really simple looks. Maybe it’s your influence too! 😉
Can’t really deal with spending ages blending away eyeshadow etc, I just want something quick that won’t feel heavy in the heat. I’ve actually started a blog very recently (haha, it feels kinda weird to be on the other side of the comments for once) and the second thing I’ve posted was about doing simple makeup. Might become my thing this summer. 🙂
Hi LK,
Does it get hot out where you live?
And congrats on starting your blog journey. I’ve been doing it for 10 years now and can say it’s one of the most rewarding and creative projects I’ve ever done.
Well, this will sound weird, but… it was 20C today, and my face was still melting. I’ve been living in Scotland for almost 5 years, so I’ve gotten so used to the colder weather here. I get uncomfortable from 20C up and tend to get heat rashes in the first few days if traveling anywhere over 30C. Oops, maybe TMI, but oh well. 🙂
About the new blog, it definitely feels satisfying already. But also having some doubts, which is maybe to be expected – like, is it going to be useful to anyone etc? Debated this a little, but here we go – this is it its current state: https://thecatseye.me/ If you have some time to take a look, hope you don’t judge too harshly. 🙂
Oh, I totally understand. The town where I went to college had springs and summers that were 90F and up, but when I moved back to the Bay Area, which has milder temps, I got used to the climate here. Now anything over 80 and I’m like NOOOOOOOO!
That’s great to hear you’re enjoying your blog so far! It’s a fun adventure and you’ll learn so much and get to stretch yourself creatively. Will hop on over and check it out!
Welcome home!
That is a pretty shade of red lipstick. I love the combination of the eye and lip. I don’t wear a red lip, although I could wear something like that. I am wearing a similar eye look. Just a base cream shadow and the champagne shimmer shade from Nars Old Church Street. It is starting to feel like summer here on the East Coast. I have been paring down my makeup as well. I need to ramp up the skincare though.
Have a great day.
Thanks, Jane! I’m having a little (OK, a lot) of vacation withdrawal, but other than that, it’s good to be home.
You’re not the only one who feels like a skin care ramp up is necessary. Note to self: call the dermatologist and ask for a Retin-A prescription. I totally slacked on skin care during the trip because I was too busy having fun, LOL! Now it’s time to get back on the train.
How hot does it get out where you live? Here in Novato, the temps hit the mid-to-upper ’90s in the thick of it. At least it’s a dry heat, though. I don’t mind hot as long as it isn’t too humid.
Love that red lip on you. Funnily enough I am wearing red today too. I haven’t worn a red lip since about january or Febuary but it was calling me today. I’m wearing stila all day liquid lipstick in Fiery. It’s one of my favourites. I also absolutely love MAC Ruby Woo. Both stay all dayand make my teeth bling. I may have to pick up Relentlessy Red I love that it pulls pink.
Hi Nyx,
MAC Ruby Woo is such a classic. I have to remember to take it out to play soon. If you do end up grabbing Relentlessly Red try layering it underneath coral or pink gloss. It’s one of those lipsticks that seems to work well with both those colors!
Hi Karen!
Hope you enjoyed your stay in Hawaii nei in spite of the heat and humidity. I could do without it… 🙁
That plant is a heliconia or “lobster claws”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconia
Next time you come back, check out Foster Gardens in Nuuanu or Lyon Arboretum in Manoa for even more exotic plants — just make sure to bring mosquito repellent.
Hi Cara!
Ahh, thank you! I will have to see if I can track down a plant here in Nor Cal. They’re so pretty and I would love to have one. I’ve never heard of Foster Gardens or Lyon Arboretum so thank you for those recommendations. Both are on my list for the next time I visit, which will hopefully be sooner than later.
I miss Hawaii terribly already.
Hi Karen!
You’re very welcome! Hope you do get to check out those two places — they would be the places to check out if you like tropical plants – exotic and native. Feel free to ask for any other recommendations — espesh for places to eat… 😉
I would love food recommendations! 😀 I only went out to eat a couple times on this last trip because we stayed in a place with a kitchen, but I’m always down to try new restaurants. Have you eaten at Pig & the Lady, by the way? Um, AMAZEBALLS!
It’s such a gorgeous shade! 🙂 I’m really loving MAC’s Russian Red lipstick lately.
That is the most gorgeous plant I have ever seen. Love the color of it and how sinuously it flows down in the picture.
I wish Relentlessly Red wasn’t such a drying matt as it really is a very pretty color. It looks fantastic on you!