Red Lipsticks for Women of Color

Last fall I did something risqué; I wore bright red lips, and loved it!!!

Wearing Koh Red

I guess I was apprehensive about wearing red lipstick because of how easy it is to get the look completely wrong, and I was not entirely sure how to get it right. After admiring Kerry Washington crimson ensemble with flawless makeup, and timeless red lips, I knew I had to try. So I did my research (Youtube) and gave it a whirl. Well, since then I have fallen head over 4inch heels in love with red lips.

Inspiration : Kerry Washington

It’s quick, surprisingly very easy, and screams confidence. Wearing red lipstick is one of the easiest ways to look like you spent an hour applying your makeup when you actually only spent 10 minutes. A bit of black eyeliner, mascara, and a touch of color on the cheeks is all that’s needed.

These are my fave three red lipsticks:

Bold Red Lips

For a bold, glossy finish I use KOH lipstick in RED! It’s is creamy so it goes on smooth. Be warned, it stains, so you need to apply a base prior to applying the lipstick to make removal a bit easier.

I apply my clear Barbra Cosmetics* Belweder lip balm

Line my lips with BH Cosmetics Waterproof Lipliner in Maven or Jordana Kohl Kajal Lipliner in Deep Purple or MAC Magenta. I find that using a dark purple liner gives a nice gradient of color, but a red liner works well too.

©       Use a lip brush to apply KOH RED!

©       I also apply just a touch of clear gloss

Matte Red Lips

For a matte, retro look I use MAC Ruby Woo. This is not moisturizing, so you need a good balm to use as a base.

©       I apply my clear Barbra Cosmetics* Belweder lip balm

©       Line my lips with BH Cosmetics Waterproof Lip Liner in Rouge or MAC Lip Pencil in Chestnut

©       Use a lip brush to apply MAC Ruby Woo

Plum Red Lips

Dark plum is especially flattering on darker skin tones. I use Black Opal Black Current to achieve a rich plum red look. I really like the color of this lipstick, but absolutely hate the way it smells. Fortunately, the scent does not linger.

©       I apply my clear Barbra Cosmetics* Belweder lip balm

©       Line my lips with Black Opal Precision Lip Definer in Black Cherry

©       Use a lip brush to apply Black Opal Black Current

©       I apply a smidge of Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF15 in Mystic 18 to finish the look.