I’m not a fan of Red Hot candies (too spicy), but I do love me some matte red lipstick!
Yesterday’s Monday Poll question about matte red lipstick inspired this makeup look with glowing skin, softly defined brows, lush lashes, pearly lids and a matte orangey red lip.
It’s amazing how much heavy lifting a red lip can do, and equally amazing how I seem to forget this lesson time and time again, LOL! When I put this red lipstick on yesterday (it’s MAC Quite the Standout, by the way), once again I realized how red lips can carry most of the makeup since it’s such a strong focal point. One really doesn’t need much to round out the look.
To contrast with the opaque matte lip, I went with a sheer, glowing base with low-level pearl (Rose Inc Skin Enhance in 80), with just a touch of concealer (Hourglass Retouching Fluid in Sand) on the parts where I wanted more coverage — underneath my eyes and on my upper lip, and oh, side note, damn that pigment mustache.
I set the areas with concealer with a tiny touch of powder by loading a small face brush with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Golden. I tapped most of the powder off before lightly dabbing the brush head on my face.
I also wanted to play with texture, so I blended a cream blush (Chanel Les Beiges No. 25) on my cheeks, and dabbed a pearly liquid highlighter (MAC Strobe Cream) on my cheekbones and lids.
To round out the look, I went with softly filled in brows and separated, long, lush lashes to keep it fresh and summary.
I think this look could also be lovely with a glossy coral lipgloss or lip tint, too!
Do you have a red lipstick that you adore? Drop your go-to shade in the comments; I want to hear all about it.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Gorgeous! For a sheer red I like Benefit Love tint. I also have a mini of MAC Lady Danger I like.
Lady Danger is a tried and true fave. I haven’t worn it in a while… Might have to bust it out soon. Hapyp Tuesday!
Happy Tuesday to you too! My niece is gonna stop by to see the setup for checking in on Jiji while we’re on vacation. She’ll never see him though LOL
This looks great on you! Reds, and particularly orange-reds, are not my friends. I’m always better to make my eyes the focal point. In a neutral way… HAHA!
Haha. Aww, come on. Everyone needs at least one or two colorful eyeliners! I know you can do it!
I appreciate that you never give up on me. 😉 I will say that I have many colorful eyeliners. In my drawer. HAHA!
I love Dior 999 in the satin formula. It’s a very neutral shade of red at least for me.
Well, it looks like I have to swing by Dior and swatch it. 🙂
There’s a MAC lipstick I don’t have? LOL! I wonder how this compares to NARS Heatwave, my favorite orange-red.
Hi Cindy,
I’ve worn Heat Wave in the past (see this post from 2011, and a big OH EM GEE to my eyebrows), and it’s more red and less orange compared to Quite a Standout.
I love you in both! I have so many “favorite” reds I could probably fill a phone book. (Yes I know I date myself with that reference lol.) MAC Ruby Woo, NARS Bad Reputation, NARS Intrigue, and Dior 751 Intense Garnet are on the list though. Don’t even get me started on the new Gwen Stefani ones . . .
I like to use a red pencil and smudge with a bit of balm on top. That way I feel like I control the intensity of the color and add a little shine. I bought one of the new Kosas lip liners (wow is the shade) and have been using that technique. Wow is not an intense red. It’s described as “toasty,” but leans somewhat coral on me. Really nice for summer. I could probably build it up to a more true red. So far I really like it!
Charlotte Tilbury Red Hot Susan is a beautiful orangey red, though I’m hardly ever feeling brave enough to wear it out of the house. Lol
Boring. . .
My favorite red is Revlon Cherries in the Snow. It has a bit of pink in it. Love it!!
I stay away from orange reds (even nail polish) as they do not suit me. A brightening red like Russian Red is more my thing and flattering on me. I have Chanel Choquant and I’m debating trying it out but I’m not sure if it suits summer. It’s the only red lipstick I own.
Russian Red is a classic! 🙂
I have several red lips I love, my current favorite is Guerlain Sunset (?). A red lip is really a look on it’s own.