 Joan Smalls at the Diane von Furstenberg F/W 2012 show |  Lindsey Wixson at the Marc by Marc Jacobs F/W 2012 show |
A classic red lip will likely never go out of style (if it ever does, nobody tell me, please). It's something every woman - and some men, like Marc Jacobs - can pull off if they simply find the right shade for their coloring. But I believe the most modern way to wear a red lip now is to keep it matte. Inspired by the runway looks above, as well as a technique I saw demonstrated by Shiseido's Dick Page backstage at Fashion Week few years ago, I give you the step-by-step guide to getting flawless, long-lasting, on-trend, runway-worthy matte red lips.
First, a few tips:
1. This look absolutely works with lip colors other than red; I'm personally a big fan of orange and fuchsia as well, but I thought I'd keep it more on the classic side for this post.
2. It obviously helps if the lip color you're using doesn't have a super shiny finish on its own, but this trick will mattify most products, as long as they aren't glosses.
3. The color will last even longer if you have a good base to work with - that means smooth lips. If you need to exfoliate before getting started, I recommend simply wetting your lips and gently rubbing them with a face towel to get rid of any flakiness. Then be sure to moisturize with a good lip balm.
First, a few tips:
1. This look absolutely works with lip colors other than red; I'm personally a big fan of orange and fuchsia as well, but I thought I'd keep it more on the classic side for this post.
2. It obviously helps if the lip color you're using doesn't have a super shiny finish on its own, but this trick will mattify most products, as long as they aren't glosses.
3. The color will last even longer if you have a good base to work with - that means smooth lips. If you need to exfoliate before getting started, I recommend simply wetting your lips and gently rubbing them with a face towel to get rid of any flakiness. Then be sure to moisturize with a good lip balm.
Step 1: Carefully apply lip color to lips, making sure the outer line is exactly where you want it to be (I don't see any need to use a lip liner if you use the lipstick itself for this purpose). This will create a good base for the color. I used Estée Lauder Pure Color Velvet Lipstick in Red Velvet.
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Step 2: Blot lips with a tissue. Step 3: Dab finger tip in loose, translucent mineral powder makeup (I use this one from Laura Mercier) and gently press the powder into lips. Make sure the powder is completely colorless so it doesn't detract from the vibrance of the red. This step should take away any shine and create a satiny finish. Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 again, building color to create a long-lasting matte finish.
See? Now I look EXACTLY like Joan Smalls and Lindsey Wixson.
This look is best worn with minimal makeup and a smile.
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