La vie en rouge

Can you believe that Christmas is just a few weeks away? Time does fly so fast. Before you know it, there will be parties lined up that you will have to go to. Don’t let the Christmas rush and stress make you not to care about your makeup and your look. Even if you’re doing a million things, it’s best to look gorgeous while you’re at it. You want a simple makeup that is worry-free and retouch-free.

It’s funny because most people think that applying a red lipstick is the easiest. It is, in fact, the hardest. It calls for accuracy and precision. You have to make sure that the color will not bleed out from the natural line of your lips; that the color will have to stay on your lips for a long period of time. You have to make sure that the color flatters your skin tone. But don’t worry — with practice, you will perfect this in no time.

Choosing the right red is your first step. Majority of our undertones are yellow. Your safest red will have a warm undertone like orange. If you are very fair, then try a blue-based red. To be on the safe side, just keep in mind that when choosing the right shade, you will notice that your face will be brighter and you will look like you have this nice different “lift.” You will also notice that you will appear to have a color on your cheek, too. If you think you are almost made up by just applying the lip color, then you have chosen the right shade for your skin. If your face appears dull and old, then the color doesn’t suit you. Make sure that before you buy it, try it on your lips first. The red on you will look very different from the red on your friend. So don’t rely on other people’s lips or on the magazines. It is best to try it on your own lips.

When wearing red lipstick, I like how the French women wear it, with a bare clean face. It looks chic and very beautiful. This is a common look that I saw on the streets of Bastille and La Marai. Keep it as simple and effortless to make it very chic, very French. How do you achieve this French style of wearing reds? Just make sure your skin tone is even. You can achieve this by using foundation. If you already look like you have a blush on, then you can skip applying your blush. Curl your lashes and, voila! — an elegant look.

Tips on how to apply your red lipstick and making sure it stays on:

1. Make sure your lips are clean.

2. Lightly exfoliate your lips with your toothbrush after brushing your teeth.

3. Create a base by lightly dusting loose powder on your lips.

4. Line your lips with a nude lip pencil.

5. Apply your first coat of lipstick using a lip brush for precision.

6. Using a soft facial tissue, make a mark of your lip on the tissue.

7. Apply your second coat.

8. Repeat blotting your lips on the facial tissue.

9. Then apply your last coat.

10. To prevent the lip color from getting on your teeth, make an “O” with your mouth and put your finger in, then slowly pull it out and you will see the color on your finger.

As for the texture of the lipstick, you can wear lip glosses. Glosses will need a lot of attention because you will have to keep on retouching your lips. Creamy lip formulas are one of my favorites. It has enough pigments and will moisturize your lips at the same time although it has a small percentage in bleeding out from the natural line of your lips. Matte lipsticks are best for this look for the intensity of the pigment and it will bleed less than the creamy lip formulas. Give Lipfinity a try and you will be amazed at how long it can last. You just have to apply it the right way to get the maximum result. It’s less fuss and you’re sure that it will really stay on the whole night long.

For long-wearing formula like Lipfinity:

1. Clean your lips very well.

2. Exfoliate your lips.

3. Apply the first coat carefully. Make sure to outline your lips well.

4. Let dry for a minute.

5. Apply the moisturizing stick.

6. If your lips are dry, just apply the moisturizing stick.

7. To retouch your lips, you have to start from the very beginning.

So there you have it, a very simple guide for you to follow. I know that most women still fear wearing this color. It is quite intimidating, I have to agree. But like in most things, if you don’t give it a try, then how will you know if it will look good or not? I have given the guide for you to do it. So if you do want to try it, then you don’t have to worry too much. When you have the time to try it, go for it. If you feel like you want a different look for this season, then try to create this very subtle yet undeniable chic look and get with the rouge.

Get the look:

1. Cleanse. Tone and moisturize if needed.

2. Even out skin with foundation.

3. Set with loose powder.

4. On the eyelids, use Eyeshadow Duo in dawning gold.

5. Curl lashes.

6. Clean the lips very well.

7. On dry clean lips, apply the first coat of Lipfinity in frivolous and hot.

8. Wait for a few minutes to dry.

9. Apply the moisturizing stick.