My favorite era in makeup is the 1940’s when women wore red lipstick, dark eyeliner, and dresses with pumps! After I colored my hair a dark brown, I attacked all my vibrant lipsticks that lay dormant and the result is this video on how to do the classic red lip. With darker hair and also filling in my eyebrows a cool brown shade, I’ve been able to pull off much stronger makeup looks. If you struggle to wear more attention getting lipsticks, then this video and blog is for you. Here are some key components to keep in mind so that the lipstick doesn’t come off looking garish or overstated.
Warm-Up your Skin with Contour
Once you apply foundation, your face will take on a more flat appearance, making any strong blush or lipstick color too harsh. To combat this, take a contour color (without mica or any shine to it) and a soft bristled brush, and using gentle strokes apply the color just beneath your cheekbones and around your forehead. Be sure the contour is about one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone so that it isn’t too dark! Otherwise, it can look like you smeared dirt on your face, not a sexy look unless you live in the woods. Also remember to add a bit under your chin and jaw line, as this can accent your face shape and add dimension. After you add some peachy blush, your face will be able to handle a bright lipstick.
Use a Neutral Lipliner
I recommend avoiding any sharp lines with makeup for older women. The idea is to soften up lines on our faces not accent them! Go with the monikers that less-is-more and blending is your best friend so that you can pull off stronger looks with a classic appeal. In the spirit of soft lines, use a neutral rather than a matching lipliner for red lipstick. If you use a matching lipliner to red lipstick, it can enhance lines around your mouth and lower face, something you need to avoid! Because of this, I use a neutral lipliner called Spice with my Ruby Woo lipstick, both made by MAC Cosmetics. Another trick is to apply the liner after you put on the lipstick, making the line even less noticeable.
Fill in your Eyebrows!
At times, darker lipstick doesn’t work on your face because of a facial structural imbalance. By filling in your brows with a shade that matches your hair color and even a bit darker can allow for a more pronounced lip color. I also recommend getting your brows professionally shaped so that they are not only easier to fill in, but are cleaner and more flattering allowing you to pull off a classic look.
SKIN, SKIN, SKIN!
Okay, okay, I know I’m harping on taking care of your skin again, but I’m harping on taking care of your skin. I’m also budget friendly, and know that many of us are not going to afford top of the line products and treatments. That being said there are many great products available that don’t break the bank and do wonders for your skin. (See my interview with skin magician Ben Fuchs here.) Along with topical products, remember that your skin is the largest organ in your body and in need of love and care with what you eat and the supplements you take. Every day, I take a slew of vitamins and Omega 3, 6, 9 oils to aid my body and skin. (See my video on skin health here.) Exercise, meditation, and being happy have incredible impacts on your skin and overall well being, and I encourage you to look more into these areas by clicking on exercise here, meditation here, and happiness here.
Need Help?
Sometimes, you need a little help. Feel free to contact me here for an appointment here, and also write below on what you are most interested in. Happy red lipstick and thanks for reading!
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