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There is no bolder way to say I'M HERE FOR IT than to pop those lips with red!
Hold the excuses and let me get inside your head for a minute because I know what you're saying...
I could never wear red lipstick.
What if I do it wrong.
What will people think.
What if I look ridiculous?
So lemme stop you there and repeat myself.
There is no bolder way to say I'M HERE FOR IT than to pop those lips with red.
I worked in the beauty industry for 15 years before I dared to go there so I know how intimidating the bold lip thing can be. I waited until I was in Las Vegas before I had the audacity to throw a red lippie on. I too was nervous that I'd look ridic and that people would judge me. If you know anything about Vegas you know that's the place to be audacious because everything is BIG BIG BIG.
That day a new version of me was born. Not only did I survive to tell this tale but I was stopped dozens of times by strangers that told me they loved my lip color. I ended that day confident and with a new understanding of how makeup (and clothing) can be used to set the tone for how we want to show up in the world. Ever since then red lipstick has been less about being pretty and more of a symbol of BOLDNESS that was dormant inside of me. I throw a red lip on when I have a big day or when I'm trying to channel my inner badass to tackle things that scare me. So if you see me in red lipstick, now you know what's really going on.
With all of that being said there are a few tips you should keep in mind before you dive into this thing. Here are my best tips for pulling off a bold, red lip!
Moisturize + Exfoliate
Chapped lips are the worst zone for any lip color so make sure you are drinking enough water to hydrate. Shoot for 75 oz. or more a day to keep your skin plump and your lips hydrated. Before bed I like to layer on a clean lip balm. Skip anything petrolueum based and look for shea or coconut bases which truly hydrate skin. I love the Calendula Lip Conditioner from Beautycounter. It's butter soft and keep lips moisturized.
The lips are the most ignored part on our face when it comes to exfoliation which is vital for cell turnover. A gentle scrub session 1-2 times a week will remove dead skin and leave a smooth canvas for lip balms or lipstick. The Pout Perfecter Lip Set offers a smooth and invigorating lip scrub and lip balm to cover all the bases!
Fifty Shades of Red
When it comes to red I really love colors that go the distance and that means a lip stain. The ones I'm going to share with you are not the old school stains that would leave your lips drier than the dessert. These are clean and devoid of all toxic ingredients and they really do last all day!
Fiesta by Clove + Hallow is my all time favorite! Every time I wear this lip velvet I get compliments. It's a bright red matte with orange undertones. It's kiss proof. Won't budge- pinky promise!
Lip Fixation in Passion by Jane Iredale was my first crush. This was the red that I wore on my leap into bold-lip-land! It's a cool cherry red that looks good on all, is easy to apply and also comes with a gloss on one end. I usually skip the gloss and go for matte but it's nice to have options.
Lip Fixation in Rapture by Jane Iredale is another fave. This lip stain is a timeless red. Red is always bold but this one is more classic and a great option for anyone trying on red for the first time.
If you need more time to get on the bold lip train then try Poppy lipgloss by Beautycounter. It's a beautiful red that delivers a less intense pigment. And finally, my last two recommendations are from Beautycounter. BC Red is a bright tomato red devoid of dirty ingredients and it's sister shade is Girls Night is a nice classic red.
Now that you're armed with the right reds let me drop a couple tips on you!
Red lips are an accessory to your outfit.
Pair red lips with muted tones like white, blush and tan for a pop of color. I also like to pair red with all black attire for a true POW pop of color.
Avoid going overboard.
I don't like rules when it comes to makeup so I'm suggesting that when you wear a bold lippie keep the rest of your makeup muted. In fact red lipstick is my excuse to keep it easy-peasy with the rest of my makeup.
Be prepared to feel confident AF.
Red lipstick is daring and bold and once you commit to it, prepare to feel so empowered. I'm not even kidding here. You wear the lipstick, you step into a new version of yourself that is bold and confident.
Head over to my IGTV HERE to see all of these shade in action!
Thank you for supporting my blog! Please leave me comments, questions or tell me what you would like to see in future posts! I do receive commissions on some products that I share and like for you to know that in advance. I will continue to only share products and beauty rituals that I love and believe in!
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