Whether you prefer a sheer wash or bold color, crimson lips make a smashing statement.
By: Alison Rowe
Shady Business
To find the perfect hue for you, follow a few rules of thumb: Opt for colors with blue undertones if you are fair. Medium skin takes best to warmer shades—something with a touch of peach or orange. If you have a dark complexion, pick deep, lush berry tones.
Lip Tip: Keep lips exfoliated by running a damp washcloth or toothbrush over them a few times a week. Moisturize with Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15.
| Want a fuller-looking pout? Try Star Dazzlers from Rimmel London in Bedazzle. The semitransparent gloss makes lips seem larger and has a touch of sparkle to really pack a punch. |
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Color Me Beautiful
Red lips needn’t be intimidating. With so many formulations available, it’s easy to find the perfect product. Gloss will give you vibrant shine, while lipstick provides more options, offering subtle washes or brave bursts of color.
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From left: Avon’s Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick in Berry, Berry Nice; Prescriptives Colorscope Lipcolor in Racecar Red; Bobbi Brown’s Lip Color in Scarlet; Chanel’s Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Passion; Nars’ Lipstick in Manhunt.
Application 101
- Line lips with a nude lip liner (a liner that is too dark will create a harsh look).
- Color your lips with a pencil the same shade as your lipstick. Start in the middle and work out toward the edges.
- Apply color with a lip brush, working from the center out.
- Gently blot and apply a second coat if desired. (A few thin layers will last longer than one heavier coat.)
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From left: Lancôme’s Le Lipstique in Rougelle; Estée Lauder’s Pure Color Gloss in Cranberry; Maybelline’s ShineSeduction in Cherry Drizzle.
Photography: Michael Essig.
