SINCE THE MOVIE ?NEW Moon,? the second instalment in the Twilight vampire story craze, is showing soon, I have been besieged by e-mails from women age 12 to 50. The objective: find them the ultimate dramatic deep true red lipstick?without orange, pink, purple, black and brown undertones?that they can wear until the holidays.
Asian women with their dark hair and eyes were made to dazzle with red lipstick. If one does not feel right wearing it though, the discomfort will show through and the look is ruined.
Here are reds in different textures and finishes that update your look without compromising your personality.
This is what first comes to mind when we think red lipstick. Paired with black eyeliner on the upper lid and pale blush, it comes across as very classic French or Old Hollywood glamour, which suits the bold and comfortable red lipstick personality.
The formula of the brands below is creamy matte for staying power, elegant finish and chapped-lip prevention.
Lancome Color Fever Matte 152 is available in Rustan?s only. The flute doubles as a mirror, the texture plumps up and hydrates despite the matte finish, and the color is a true red that can be worn at daytime. On a bare face it picks up the pink/red tones of the cheeks. But avoid it if you have skin allergy redness problems or red pimples as the lipstick will emphasize them. It?s perfect for yellow-toned and pale ladies.
Revlon Matte Lipstick has Really Red, a bright true red without any pink, orange, brown and purple undertones. It?s a color reminiscent of pin-up and Varga girl drawings.
Alternatives: MAC Russian Red and NARS Red Lizard or B. Red is a more brown-based, deep-brick red, suitable for skin tones.
Other alternatives: NARS Mongolian Red and MAC Viva Glam
Cream gives you the best of both worlds, especially if you have very dry, chapped lips. You have the rich opaque color with moisturizing treatment to smoothen lips. Colors also appear richer and deeper due to the added shine.
Try Revlon Super Lustrous in Mulled Wine. It?s the red for the vampire-obsessed: deep, dark sexy red which is not burgundy or maroon, but really red.
It?s long-wearing and stays on for hours; it can only be totally removed by oil-based eye makeup remover.
Downside: Not for those with dry lip problems.
L?Oreal Infallible Lipstick in 501 Invincible Red is the exact color of red foil wrappers and glossy ribbons during the holidays.
The case resembles a silver lighter in size and shape, with the color on one side and the clear moisturizing balm on the other. There are other shades but this is the best-selling red.
Note: Apply color to clean lips. But afterward you cannot touch the lip for a full minute or so. Even pursing lips together is a no-no as lipstick will crack and feather. The balm is a welcome relief throughout the day.
The natural color of your lips will still show through, but the effect is as if you drank Cherry Kool-Aid or ate Lipps candy.
Fashion 21 Liquid Lipstick?s shades 3 (cherry red) and 4 (dark red rose) are highly recommended.
The brush applicator is the perfect size and stiffness so it deposits the right amount of color. It?s easy to maneuver so as to cover the entire lip without creating a mess.
Maybelline Water Shine Pure in R21 is a lip gloss stick with buildable coverage. Depending on your body chemistry and lip undertone, the color can range from a sheer watermelon red to strawberry juice.
E-mail kinnysalas@yahoo.com.
