Wearing red lipstick provides an undeniable mood boost, and there are some worthy new arrivals to consider.
It’s clear we’re still in love with red lipstick.
Despite a new wave of glossy, shiny lip colours and sheer tinted balms arriving over summer, there are an equal number of pigment-rich classic lipsticks landing on counters right now.
From the weighty gold cases of high-end arrivals to the ease of accessible, on-the-go lip crayons, there is something for everyone’s taste – and budget.
What they have in common is a desirable one-swipe intensity that makes a serious impact, and with advanced formulas most keep your lips in kissable shape while you’re wearing them too.
For those of use that need to wear masks regularly, helpfully there are options that won’t easily transfer.
The other appealing thing about classic reds is that despite the trend fluctuations that come and go – red lipstick is never out of style. Depending on what you wear it with, a red can be chic, sexy, edgy or the makeup equivalent of a power suit.
How to wear them
There are a number of different ways to apply them.
To keep a classic matte in place, use a lip brush to define the outer edge of your lips, fill with the bullet and then bite down on a tissue to blot, before adding a second coat for longevity.
To make lips look fuller, apply a matte lipstick and add a touch of clear gloss by pressing your ring finger to the center of your bottom lip. Press lips together, the shine should be concentrated in the middle section of your lips.
For a subtle, low maintenance look apply a little lipstick to the center of your lips and use your finger to blend it into a diffused stain that will wear off evenly without looking obvious.
Here are five stunning new arrivals on counters right now:
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Lip Crayon, $23.99
A touch dryer than the other options but wow, the impact. This is a matte that turns heads. The tip shape makes it easy to get a precise edge and we were repeatedly queried on the shade when we wore this in the pinky red shade called Little Chilli (pictured). Lips needed a touch of balm later in the day but the colour lasts really well.
Dior Rouge Dior Couture Colour Refillable Lipstick, $66
Dior’s Rouge Dior range has long been a classic of the makeup world but now the French fashion and beauty house has expanded the offering. With the collection now numbering 46 shades, including the previous satin and mattes there are two new finishes, the extra-matte ‘velvet’ with long-lasting comfort and a bright, bold metallic option. Coming full circle, the newly designed cases are refillable, with new lipstick inserts available to click in place into the case once the original is done. The change harks back to Christian Dior’s initial vision, whose very first lipstick was created as refillable.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Shine Lipsticks, $64
A chic new addition to Estee Lauder’s formidable lip line up, this has a melting gel texture that feels somewhat akin to a balm, slicks on smoothly for a shiny but not sticky finish and its sheer to pigment can be built up if you feel like applying a second coat. Naturally for the skincare experts, it is full of lip conditioning properties including Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides and Triglycerides.
Maybelline Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick, $19.99
With a slightly more accessible price tag this is a beautiful everyday option with a full-coverage creamy finish that’s flattering and comfortable, never cakey. It comes in a number of modern shades but of course we prefer the bold red!
Guerlain Kiss Kiss Tender Matte, $63
With hyaluronic acid, shea butter and rose petal extract this new generation matte feels really nice to wear, it’s light and fresh and lasts like a dream without turning lips into a dry, puckered mess.
