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Women can be put off by the bold statement that is made by wearing a dramatic red lipstick. Yes, you are going big with such a shade, but it does do something that few beauty tools can do; instantly elevates. When everything else is going wrong, a red lipstick can take the sting away. The beauty of such a bold shade is that everyone can wear it, there is an undertone to suit no matter your skin tone. Taking it from day to night is simple enough; if you want to wear the red but not make it the focal point in the office, I always wear a lip balm under the lipstick to soften the pigment – and I don’t use a lip linter. I’m aiming for more of a stain, than a polished pout. In the evening, I opt for a matte, something that will stay put and I use a light liner (avoiding the harsh lines that scream 1990) to refine the look.
Below is a selection of our favourites (and just in time for Christmas season too):
A rich, blue-toned red, Chanel’s classic Pirate is universally flattering, working on both pale and darker skin tones.
This is bright and brilliant. Containing a hint of orange, it’s ideal for a night on the town.
This one acts as both a liner and lipstick in one, which means precision application and gorgeous red hues in one swoop – ideal if you’re dashing from the office to the pub.
The MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick is a matte cherry red I’ve been truly impressed with. It falls somewhere between a cream and a matte and despite the name, doesn’t feel powder-like in the slightest. Shade choice as ever is excellent with 16 to choose from and the colour didn’t budge once I applied, yet it combines the pigment of a lipstick with the softness of a balm. In other words, it makes your lips happy.
This is dramatic, highly-pigmented, long-lasting lip colour. Its pinkish-red tones are divine and softer if you’re still hesitating over a dramatic hue. Wear this one sans heavy additional make-up for maximum impact at night.
Kate Moss’s Rimmel Lipstick range is one of the best budget-friendly options on the market, and this rich red hue is a classic, and easy to keep easily topping up during the day or at an evening do.
Yes, two Chanel choices in one post because the release of this gem marks an important moment for the iconic brand; the expansion of their iconic No. 5 range, beyond fragrance. This divine bullet glides on like velvet, but looks like a matte on application – altogether it makes for a thing of true beauty. It’s a part of the Maximalisme De Chanel collection, which includes 10 limited additional products. Perfect for Christmas – and as a ‘you deserve it’ pick-me-up for your personal wish list.