Six Flattering Red Lipsticks for the Summer
As I grow older, I find that the only colours worth collecting are reds and nudes. I’ll wear a pink or purple lipstick every now and then but they just don’t feel right. They’re fun but not elegant in my opinion. I’ve collected several beautiful nudes over the last year, but really, there’s nothing more pleasurable than swiping on a beautiful red lipstick. Funnily enough, it’s said that we wear a slash of crimson or scarlet to attract the opposite sex. What a silly assumption. Women wear red to feel beautiful - it makes our skin look better, our eyes more lively, and we feel more confident with this standout shade. Looking attractive just a side effect but not the main purpose.
From bottom to top: Kjaer Weis, Kat Von D, Bite Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Rouge Dior, M.A.C Retro Matte Liquid.
I’ve chosen shades that range from the darkest oxblood to the brightest scarlet. - each with a different purpose. You can wear one to work, the other to a party, the third to a first date. Even though they’re all red, they’re still so different. Here are my favourites in no specific order:
- Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Lovers Choice
It’s called a tint but the colour is quite rich and creamy. Kjaer Weis (pronounced Kayar Weis) is a completely clean, organic makeup range formulated by New York based Danish makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis. The colour is a deep sort of maroon but you can take a tiny dab and just rub it in the centre of your lips to make it a stain. The shade does not dry your lips and lasts long. And the best part about this entire range is the delicious packaging. You’d be quite proud to whip out this chic, steel case in the powder room. - Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Hellbent
This is the most amazing blue-based red that will make your teeth look super white and your skin brighter. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I choose lipsticks not because the shade looks good but it enhances my skin. Anything that makes my skin look awesome gets my vote. And this excellent (if slightly drying) extreme matte lipstick makes your complexion look clear and radiant. Also, it will look good on everyone. - Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Gazpacho
Another great contender for a lip colour that makes your skin brighter and clearer. This is such a balanced red that it’s bound to look amazing on everyone. Also the texture is the best among all lipsticks on this this list. It’s highly pigmented, super creamy, long lasting and looks super glamorous. - Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Harlow Red
This is an excellent everyday red. I used to wear it almost everyday when I was going to work. I get compliments every timeI wear this colour. It’s not drying, a subtle red, which makes it perfect for work. - Rouge Dior in 999 Metallic
I feel that metallic shades are always more flattering because they soften the entire face. This golden red makes you look younger and airbrushed. It’s extremely creamy but won’t vanish from your lips. When it fades it leaves behind a beautiful stain. However if orangey reds are not your thing, you may not like this colour. - M.A.C Retro Matte Liquid in Fashion Legacy
If you want to turn heads, if you want to make an impact, if you want to be the centre of attention, this is your shade. Bright, matte and scarlet, this is quite dramatic. It’s a liquid lip colour so swipe just one layer on mouth. Don’t keep layering it otherwise it will flake. I wear this colour when I’m too lazy to wear any other makeup - this colour is so arresting that you don’t need anything else.
Read about from favourite reds from last year in this post.