Saturday, September 18, 2010

Fall Trend 2010: The Casual Red Lip

I can wear a red lip any time of the year so I'm glad this trend isn't going anywhere for a while. I call this look the "casual red lip" because I want women to see that red lips can very much be wearable during the day. Instead of red carpet glamour I skipped the black liquid liner, fake lashes, and skipped the lip liner. All this look required was a neutral shadow, lots of mascara, softly defined cheeks and a gorgeous red lip.

Here are the star products for today's look: 

1. Burberry Eye Shadow in Almond ($29 USD): As luxurious as Burberry's clothes are, so are the makeup. From the luxe smokey metal casing to the plaid detailing imprinted on the eye shadow, this is the iconic Burberry trench for the eyes. These shadows apply so buttery smooth and have long-lasting pigment. I was afraid that Almond wouldn't show up on my skin tone, but it does in the best way possible. This taupey-brown may look boring at first glance, but for me it's a basic staple and the perfect compliment to a bold lip. The finish is a satin sheen - not too matte and not too shimmery. It's just dark enough to add depth to my crease yet light enough to swipe all over my lid. I especially love using this on brides. I used it a few weeks ago as a contour in the crease for a bride going Old Hollywood glam!

 Burberry Almond used in the crease on my bride

2. Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara ($34 CAD): I love mascara - more like I NEED mascara! But I hate spending a ridiculous amount on one. Lancome mascaras are a cult classic and fine - they've earned their expensive-mascara status. I really wanted to hate this mascara not because I hate Lancome but so I wouldn't become hooked! Too late - I am. This mascara contains a "Lash Densifier complex, with precious plant cell extract, designed to reginerate the lashes".

I've tried a couple of other brands who claim to do the same thing, but Lancome's version actually lifts, lengthens, and adds volume to my wimpy lashes. I've really noticed a difference in the fullness of my lashes since I've been using it which has been almost a month. The brush width is great as it's thin enough to get to the little lashes and the ones on the bottom. My only complaints are that it smudges just a tad on me, occasionally flakes, and is triple what I would spend on a mascara! For the most part, my lashes are looking great!

3. M.A.C. Mineralize Blush in Soft Meow (Fabulous Felines Collection, $25 CAD): I think one of my favourite products from M.A.C. are their mineralize powders. I adore the pearly, luminous finish it gives the skin. If I recall, when the mineralize blushes first came out I wasn't a fan. I thought they were too shimmery for the cheeks and often made me look too shiny. Well, Soft Meow very much reminds me of the original mineralize skin finishes just with more pigment. It is warm peachy-bronze and looks lovely with a bold lip. Soft Meow is all glow minus the shine!

4. NARS Pure Matte Lipsticks in Vesuvio and Terre de Feu ($25 USD): When I have no time to put on a full face, a red lipstick is the shade of choice for me. Any bold or bright colour will instantly perk your complexion up. If you want to wear a "casual red lip", I recommend going for a matte lipstick or a stain. Mattes don't bleed as much as a gloss or creamy lipstick and aren't so in-your-face. And anything that looks more like a stain seems understated - my opinion of course.

I love the new Pure Mattes from NARS. They're not ultra moisturizing but definitely more hydrating than a typical matte lipstick. Vesuvio, which is worn on Canadian model Heather Marks in the campaign shot, is described as a "full bodied red". I'd say that's pretty accurate. It's a shade that will suit most skin tones. On me, it looks more on the warm side. Vesuvio definitely makes a statement - you'll have all eyes looking at your lips! I receive compliments every time I wear it.

Terre de Feu, described as a "black cherry" is my red of choice. I tend to gravitate to deeper reds and although it is still a bold shade I feel more comfortable wearing it than Vesuvio. Tip: To make both shades wearable for day, skip the lip liner and press lipstick onto the lips with your finger for a just-kissed stained effect. If your lips are normally chapped, apply lip balm when you first apply your makeup so it has time to soak into your lips. Remove any peeling skin with a warm wash cloth in a circular motion or with a tooth brush. Matte lips will only enhance dry, cracked lips!


The Look: Casual Red Lips


Skin:
Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant Glow
Korres Silicone-Free Primer
Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer
Smashbox Halo Powder
Benefit Erase Paste (under eyes)
CoverFX The Big Cover Up (cover up zits and blemishes)
Smashbox Halo Bronzer (forehead, cheeks, nose, chin)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Eye Potion Primer
Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit (brows) 
Burberry Almond Shadow (swept across lid and crease)
NARS Duo Shadow in Rajasthan (metallic beige on center of lid for dimension)
Anastasia Brow Duality (Lace Shimmer on inner corner of eyes and Shell on brow bone)
Lancome Definicils Precious Cells Mascara Black (apply a couple of a coats to really make your eyes pop especially if you're doing a soft eye)


Cheeks:
Smashbox Halo Bronzer (contour)
M.A.C. Soft Meow Mineralize Blush (cheeks)

Lips:
Korres Lip Butter in Guava
NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio
Bottom photo: NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Terre De Feu


I used the exact same products but changed the lip colour to Terre De Feu - isn't it fabulous? LOVE!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think about wearing red lips in the day? Still think it should be saved for night? 

All products were sent for editorial consideration.

5 comments:

dani@callitbeauty said...

gorgeous!

i've only ever wore red lips for a performance but it was a deeper red and not something i would normally wear offstage.

but i recently purchased a red lipstick (revlon colorburst in true red) that's more wearable and i absolutely intend to wear it "casually."

can't wait to try it out :)

Arianne said...

It makes me so happy to see more ladies rock the red lips during the day! So pretty!

I really like Terre De Feu on you. Looks so good with your brown skin. :)

Make-up Junkie said...

@dani - thank you! I used a Revlon colour burst on my bride - it was her lipstick and I think it was True Red. It is a gorgeous colour!

@Arianne - Thanks lady! I definitely prefer the darker shade on myself too. Terre De Feu would look amazing on u 2!

Jennifer from Toronto - Spiced Beauty said...

I love the lip!

Shadowy Lady said...

Beautiful red lips! I agree with you that red lips should be worn despite season and time. I'm a total red lips bimbo.

really gotta check out these new Nars lippies!