Chic and timeless, “Red matte lips bring a level of elegance and romance to any look,” says make-up artist Shella Martin, who has worked with A-listers such as Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Lady Kitty Spencer. And the new matte formulations now have built-in lip nourishment. Here are five game-changing tips to nailing matte reds.
1. CHOOSE YOUR FORMULATION
There are several different ways to achieve the perfect crimson matt lips. Take your pick:
LIP PAINT It offers deep colour and all-day wear.
Try: Tarte Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Extra, $29.
BULLET LIPSTICK With covetable casing, it’s a foolproof way to reapply.
Try: Maybelline New York Made For All Lipstick in Red for Me, $17.95.
LIP CRAYON The draw-on aspect acts as a built-in lip liner.
Try: Natio Intense Colour Lip Crayon in Red Cherry, $9.95.
LIP STAIN For a pop of colour without excess daywear, a lip stain is perfect.
Try: YSL Beaute Vernis A Levres Water Stain in Vague de Rouge, $57.
2. RED 101
For novices, Ross Andrewartha, the director of artistry at Giorgio Armani, suggests opting for less colour. “If you are a beginner to the red family, try a lip stain or a satin lipstick,” he says. Or, change up your application. “Just dab it on your lips and rub in with your fingers for a sheer, soft finish.”
Shella Martin’s tip is to just add eyeliner. “Add a flick to the eye to add to the drama of a red lip, then keep the rest of the face glowing and fresh.”
3. FIND YOUR SHADE
Finding your signature red is a game- changer. “It can [be adapted] for totally different looks,” says Andrewartha. Here’s how to find yours:
FAIR SKIN TYPES “[Will] benefit from blue-based reds with cooler tones,” says Andrewartha. “This will help complement your complexion without washing it out.”
OLIVE SKIN TYPES “[Work] best with orange-based reds,” says Andrewartha. “These shades are very harmonious. Cool red can be very striking as well!”
4. RED PAIRINGS
A bold lip allows the rest of your make-up to be pared back. “I always stick to clean make-up,” says Andrewartha. Work it with:
CHEEKS “Stick to a warm bronzer, rather than coloured blush.”
EYES “No colours … [use] black or brown shadows and liners.”
BROWS “Just beautiful brows and lashings of mascara.”
5. PRECISION IS KEY
For maximum impact, you need to be exact. Martin tells us how:
PREP “Prime dry lips with gentle exfoliation, then follow with a thin layer of balm. Allow time to absorb, then remove balm with tissue.”
BASE WORK “Prepare the lips by first using your finger to push the lipstick into the skin.” This gives your lips long-lasting colour.”
PERFECT “For a precise application, create sharp edges using a lip brush.”
TOUCH-UP “Do touch-ups with the wand or bullet when on the go.”
This article originally appeared in the October 2019 issue of marie claire.
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