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Fierce Fridays: My Secret Weapon– Red Lipstick

I know I have gushed about my obsession with red lipstick on many occasion on this blog. I have even written a great piece on the Power of Red.  But what you need to remember is that red is such a powerful color. So it’s Friday night, you want to go out, but you don’t want to look like a painted lady, what do you do?  Pull your hair back, add another coat of mascara,  a bit of  bronzer and red lipstick.  It’s instant hotness.  Instant va va voom.  You will get noticed.  Simply elegant.  Think back to those starlets of the 40’s and 50’s.  They didn’t wear all that wacko makeup — just a punctuation of red lipstick. Just check out timeless beauty icon Lena Horne:

lena_horne_in_till_the_clouds_roll_by_2
Lena Horne

Notice what Color Wheel Pro says about the color theory of red:

Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love.

Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red.

Hmmm, no wonder I love red lips.  One of the problems however many women have is finding the perfect red lipstick — it’s like searching for the holy grail.

Let’s establish some ground rules for choosing your perfect red:

Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion
Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion

1.  If you find that you apply a red lipstick and 5 minutes later it has changed colors — you have an acidic chemistry.  You need to prime your lips first.  Try Urban Decay Lip Primer Potion.  You’ll find color is truer, applies smoother, and lasts longer with this easy-glide formula that does not have the drying effect often associated with long-lasting lip color.

2.  For long-wearing red lips, fill in your entire lip with a red lip liner before your lipstick application.  My favorite red lip liner is from Jordana and costs 99 cents.  Stephanie, a cast member at Sephora in Costa Mesa shocked the heck out of me with her revelation as she is the diva with the red lips.  I’m sold.  I can buy 25 of those puppies for the cost of one of many brands who shall remain nameless.

3.  I don’t care what the experts say, unless you have perfectly white teeth, I mean unnaturally white teeth, avoid orangy reds.  Ask any beauty pagent contestant — blue reds make your teeth appear whiter and brighter.  (Just like blue makes your eyes brighter and whiter)

So I have a few picks for my favorite reds across a few categories.  Now remember, I am addicted to red lipstick.  I don’t even wear all the ones in my possession.  I just like to own them — like hot shoes.  Gottta have ’em.

Top 5 red lipsticks

1.  Best Budget Red

Wet ‘n’ Wild Shine Lip Laquer in Rapture. This is a gorgeous bright red.  I love it’s shine and the way the color just brightens my skin.  At $2.99, it’s worth the try.

MAC Russian Red
MAC Russian Red

2.  Best Matte Red

I have to give it to MAC Russian Red, it set the bar quite high in the 80’s for red lipstick.   Wearing Russian Red changed my life and I can’t look back.  Hey, if it was okay with Madonna, it’s okay by me.

3.  Best Red in a Pencil

NARS Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.  I LOVE this jumbo pencil that has a soft matte finish without making your lips feel like you just sucked on a lemon.  Plus the color lasts forever.  I have to give it to NARS overall as having the best selection of red lipsticks.

Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana
Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana

4.  Best Organic Red

Josie Maran Lipstick in Devious. A beautiful sheer red that works for any occasion.  Plus this lipstick is chock full on good-for-you ingredients that serve as double duty — lip conditioner and gorgeous color.  The perfect lipstick that works with jeans or club wear.

5. Best Deep Red

Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Iconic.  Don’t own it, only tested it, but I’m in love with it.   Just check out Scarlett Johansson.

So there you have it.  Get fierce for Friday night —  Slick back your hair, throw on your skinny jeans, rock an awesome shirt, work the stilettos and by all means, wear red lipstick.

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