Favourite 5 Red Lipstick [2016]

Top right to bottom left: Nars Audacious in Charlotte, Marc Jacobs in Dashing, Tom Ford Boys in Luciano, Urban Decay in Bad Blood, and Nars Satin lip pencil in Majella.

Red lipsticks are my all time favourite. I am obsessed with them (not as obsessed as I am with blushers). Of all the colors I have in my collection, the Reds has been significant. I love it so much because it is so easy and effortless but it makes you look as if you had spent hours of effort to look that way. Minimal Effort, Maximum Effect.

However, finding the RIGHT red is important. There are many types of reds to choose from and the wrong red can make you look horrendous, messy and just WRONG.

With a wide range of shades and types to choose from, finding the RIGHT one can mean hours of search and countless of try-ons. I personally have done many trial and errors in finding the right reds for me. I always look for lipsticks that gives brilliant colour payoff, that are hydrating and long lasting.

In order for your lips colour to last long, prepping it is important, especially when wearing red. You do not what to have dryness and chapped lips while wearing the lipstick. That would be extremely unattractive, especially with Matte lipsticks which are unforgiving.

Tips on prepping your lips

1. Exfoliate - It is important to exfoliate and get rid of the dead skin cells. It will make you lips softer and hence, making the lipstick application smoother. You may use Sugar scrub, Lip scrub, or even using a toothbrush to gently remove the dead skin cells.

2. Moisturise - Apply lip balm on a daily basis. Before sleeping, after exfoliating and before applying lipstick.

And now for my...

My favourite 5 Red lipsticks (not in any order)
I am between a light to medium skin tone and these lipsticks works for me.

1. Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick in Bad Blood

This lipstick dries matte. It is very pigmented and glides smoothly on your lips. For me, this is a true red with my skin tone. This is a range from Urban Decay that I truly recommend. All the shades are beautiful and it is hydrating even though it is matte. Priced at SGD$33.

2. Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crème in Dashing (206)

This colour is really dashing, really creamy and applies like a dream. This has great colour payoff, moisturising and long lasting. It is more of a red-orange for my skin tone. This is a miniature version that I have from the Christmas set. Individually, it is priced at SGD$42.

3. NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Majella

This Lip pencil is the bomb. It lasts up to 8 hours (claims to last for up to 12 hours wear time). But 8 hours is a really long time without touching up and especially with my eating habits. It is super great, very moisturising, not drying with a satin finish - just like what it advertise. This is more Maroon-Red for my skin tone. Priced at SGD$37.

4. Tom Ford Boys in Luciano

Boys Boys... What's not to love when it comes to Tom Ford Lipsticks. This is the most sheer red lipstick that I've owned. The colour is brilliant even though it is not as pigmented. There is something about the formulation. It is extremely hydrating even if I forgot to use a lip balm/moisturiser and is long lasting. Priced at SGD$50.

5. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte

This is another one that I love. The red has a plum undertone hence its a lil' bit vampy but without being too over the top. It has a very very very awesome colour payoff. The whole range is awesome! Check them out at Sephora or any NARS counters. Priced at SGD$44.

Happy searching for your perfect Mr Red. 

xoxo

Ain