Some of you may remember that I have a thing for red lipstick. Or bold lipstick at any rate. It’s sort of my trademark. But I went through a phase not very long ago, when I’d only wear safe lip colours. Near-nude, neutral, rose tinted lip colours that were polished… but safe. It kind of coincided with a phase of my life where I just wanted to be, well, neutral and safe.
But a week ago, I decided I’d revert to my roots. I cut my lipstick wearing teeth on red lipstick and I’ll be back! (I also have a drawer full of red lipsticks that need some loving!) So I’ve been back wearing red lipstick for a week now, and I love it!
You might hear people say that it takes confidence to wear a red or bright lip and it’s true in a sense. It stands out, it makes you stand out and sometimes, because it does, you stand up a little taller and perhaps, feel a little better about yourself.
And while I’m at it, here are 4 of my favourite reds that I’ve been wearing most often in recent times. I’m going to tell you that yes, they are from high end brands. But I have a reason for picking these. For the most part, I find a good red lipstick needs a high quality texture, strong pigment and good hydration. Red lipsticks can be drying, and something that won’t travel and yet won’t leave your lips looking like a prune is important. For me, I find that these are more easily found in a higher end product than in the pharmacy/drugstore.
Also, with the accompanying glamorous packaging, it makes me feel a helluva good slicking these on – instant mood booster! 😀
So here they are in no particular order.
Dior Addict Extreme – Lucky (full review)
Dior Addict Extremes are one of my favourite textures for lipsticks. Balmy yet pigmented, I like the transparent colour it imparts while keeping my lips feeling happy and hydrated. I don’t even know if Lucky is still available, but this is one of my favourites for when I want to wear a red lip, but don’t want anything that’s too in your face. The slightly translucent texture makes this a little easier to wear for most, so this is a good one to transition to red lipstick.
If you can’t find Lucky any more, I’m sure there are other colours available within the same range. You want the Dior Addict Extreme lipsticks with the deep blue case, not the regular Dior Addict with the pearly white case. Just to be clear 🙂
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color – Dimitri (full review)
This one’s a new kid on the block for me, but one I quickly enjoyed using. I picked Dimitri as my favourite when I showed you the Rouge Coco round up before this, I like the more neutral tone of Dimitri which I feel suits my skintone better than the more popular Arthur.
This has a less balmy texture than the Dior Addict Extreme, but isn’t as creamy nor as opaque as the other 2 which will follow, as the swatches below show. This one’s comfortable on lips (unlike the former Rouge Coco formula) and long lasting, with lovely vibrant colour. A good pick and there are 3 reds I’ve previously featured you can check out, if Dimitri isn’t your cuppa char 😉
Swatches Left-Right: Dior Addict Extreme Lucky, Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color Dimitri, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Envious, Guerlain Rouge G Garconne
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy – Envious (full review)
Incidentally, I featured the Pure Color Envy lipsticks a few days ago and yes, Envious is a gorgeous red I’ve been enjoying since early this year! I mean, look at that swatch! That’s just 1 swipe down my arm and it’s so beautifully creamy and opaque and pigmented. I love how bright and creamy it is, yet it doesn’t travel at all. Stays put on my lips for most of the day and then fades off fairly evenly. It’s a punchy colour and with a creamy texture like that, it means you have to be pretty comfortable with people giving you a double take as you walk by. I’m not complaining 😉
Guerlain Rouge G – Garconne
I’ve never reviewed Garconne! OMG! This is a “hands flapping” moment where I run around in little circles wondering where I’ve gone wrong. Haha! 😀 But I’ve reviewed the Rouge G formula previously here and here. This is the most luxurious of the 4 featured here in terms of price and packaging but as you can see from the swatch, it also offers the most luxurious formula.
The Rouge G swatches opaque with just 1 swipe on skin (and lips) and the intensity of the colour is unrivalled. (But you may also notice why I said previously that the Pure Color Envy formula is comparable and a wee bit more affordable) Garconne is a straight, true red. This is the classic red lipstick of old Hollywood screen sirens and bombshells. This is the red you wear when you want to get noticed. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it will get heads turning so fast it might give watchers whiplash 😀
If you want a glamorous, creamy red lipstick with packaging that you will just have to pull out at the dinner table for touch-ups (hang any table manners faux pas, this lipstick deserves to be seen!) then this is it. Do not pass Go.
I thought it interesting how I happened to pick 4 lipsticks with 2 distinctly different textures. The more balmy ones are more hydrating, but give a little less coverage and a more transparent colour. The creamier ones are BANG! In your face, red lipstick. So pick which you will 😀
Here’s how they all look when I wear them – because lipsticks belong on a face not on your wrist 😀
You may perhaps also note how the balmier textures of my Dior and Chanel picks at the top are bright, yet not too obtrusive. They are easy to wear and I’m sure almost anyone can get away with them. They’re red, but not TOO red.
But when you want something glam and you want to say “Look, I’m wearing a red lipstick and I’m damn comfortable with myself for doing so!” the ones on the lower half are your best bet. There is no doubt that you’re wearing a red lipstick and there is absolutely no doubt that you look bloody fabulous! 😀
So what’s YOUR favourite red lipstick? Are you planning to try one and are any of these 4 in your radar?
Incidentally, I just found out that today’s National Lipstick Day (There’s a day for everything isn’t there?) so I hope you slicked on a lipstick today and if you did, I hope you’re wearing a red one because… red lipstick makes everything better. Me? I’m wearing Garconne. Maybe I’ll snag one HAHA! 😀 Now, tell me your lipstick du jour, or your favourite red!
Paris B
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xin says
July 29, 2015 at 9:12 ami love lucky and garconne! my coll bought garconne too and i couldn’t tell from her lips. she has darker lips and the shade totally came out different from when it’s on me XD i recently bought a kiss kiss in VERY PINK, but i am quite disappointed that it’s not exactly very pink 🙁
Paris B says
July 29, 2015 at 1:27 pmGood taste, you! 😉 I’m not that keen on the Kiss Kiss versions. Cheaper, but just not as nice right? And a Very Pink lipstick? You sure? LOL
Jia says
July 29, 2015 at 9:55 amall lipsticks look great on you! my favourite red is nars audacious audrey, not a really really red,its a dark berry red,I just use 1 swipe and i’ll good to go 🙂
Paris B says
July 29, 2015 at 1:28 pmAww thank you Jia 🙂 It’s a case of finding the right shade for your skintone! 😀 Ooh you bought Audrey! I have Carmen and I was debating whether I should add it to this list, but I didn’t in the end because I don’t wear it as often as these. But you might take a look at that too 😉
Hani says
July 29, 2015 at 10:36 amI love red lippie! It really brightens up the whole look. I’m not good in applying eye make-up, and generally a coat (or two) of mascara is the way to go for me. So I need a good strong lip color to avoid looking washed-out.
I’m not opposed to wearing red lipstick to work at all. I’d go so far as to say I might be the only one who wears red lipstick in my department! Yes, it does screams “Look at me!” But a part of me genuinely likes being a head-turner once in a while. It’s the only way I could make it happen, lol!
Paris B says
July 29, 2015 at 1:29 pmYou are 100% spot on Hani! A red lip is a passport to easy makeup and a sure-fire way to get attention hehe… Besides, sometimes, standing out and being memorable is a good thing. I don’t mind that double take I get now and then – confidence booster eh? 😀
Fatimah says
July 29, 2015 at 11:22 amMy favourite has to be Chanel Rouge Allure in Palpitante..it has been for many years…i am just drawn to raspberry red (Chanel Palpitante) and orangey red (Guerlain Rouge G in Genna) which is another one of my favourite
Paris B says
July 29, 2015 at 1:31 pmOoh I looked up Palpitante, Fatimah and it’s a gorgeous colour! I imagine it looks fabulous on you (Remember how different the lipstick shades looked on both our skintones?) but I’ve not been a fan of the Rouge Allure formula – too drying for me 🙁 I can’t wear Genna (too orange) So I’m kind of jealous that you can haha! It’s gorgeous!
Renee says
July 29, 2015 at 2:01 pmAwesome picks, Paris! I too am a huge red lipstick lover so I’ve been planning some posts on red lipsticks (especially since it seems to be a very “French” thing too!). My absolutely favorite is Dior Addict though, and recently one from Sephora – after all these years, a really affordable, unassuming Sephora lipstick has impressed me the most in terms of lasting power and pigmentation.
Renee
P.S. I love the Guerlain one on your best – very glamourous. 🙂
Paris B says
July 29, 2015 at 5:34 pmHi Renee! Thanks and I’d love to see your red lipstick picks too – you can never have too many red lipsticks, I say so maybe I’ll have a Part II to come! 😀 I never thought to try Sephora lipsticks – will have a peep!
Laarni says
July 29, 2015 at 2:50 pmHello Paris!!! Beautiful picks! I also love red lipsticks! I have too many reds but I always go back to my confidence booster, which is the Russian Red. Happy National Lipstick Day to you too! Xx
Paris B says
July 29, 2015 at 5:36 pmHello Laarni! How have you been? 😀 And High 5 to another red lipstick lover! I think we’re in the same boat when it comes to having too many reds haha! It’s like they’re all different… but still the same right? Do you know that I’ve never tried Russian Red? That’s a MAC right? I just don’t play well with MAC lipsticks 🙁 But they do some lovely reds. Always been curious about the iconic Ruby Woo, but then, it’s a MAC >.< I hope you're rocking a red lip today too! xx
Sunny says
July 29, 2015 at 9:16 pmHaha I have three out of these four (except for Garconne) and I love all of them on you!
I seem to be able to pull most reds off on my skin tone, but for one reason or another red just isn’t my favorite shade (I’d always reach for a coral, a fuchsia, a berry, or an orange before red)! There are some reds that I am more attached to tho, including Tom Ford Diabolique (unfortunately LE), NARS Cruella, and recently Chanel Arthur!
Paris B says
July 30, 2015 at 12:12 pmThank you Sunny and good taste there, lady! 😉 I seem to remember that you have a warmer skintone than I do, which explains why Arthur would be your pick and Dimitri mine 😀 I love how there’s a red lipstick out there for everyone. We just have to get out there and find it! I hope you’ve been keeping well!
Tracy says
July 29, 2015 at 11:43 pmThey all look fabulous on you! You know, I don’t have a favourite red lipstick at the moment! It’s not a colour I reach for. I should get a NARS Audacious red though, since I love those lipsticks so much. Maybe then I’d wear it haha!
Paris B says
July 30, 2015 at 12:13 pmThanks Tracy and I think because it’s now Summer, reds sort of get pushed aside a little don’t they? Are they a little too bright in the Summer sun? Haha! I actually don’t know 😛 Take a look at Audacious Carmen or Kelly. I think one of them might go home with you 😀
gio says
July 30, 2015 at 4:03 amI like Dimitri. Looks like a great red for everyday wear.
Paris B says
July 30, 2015 at 12:14 pmYes it is, Gio! It’s bright but it’s not TOO bright, if you get my meaning
LeGeeque says
July 30, 2015 at 7:22 amI LOVE GARCONNE. I need to dig that out again. Thanks for the reminder!
Paris B says
July 30, 2015 at 12:14 pmYay do! I’d forgotten about it too until I dug it out recently and wondered why I ever stopped wearing it!
Victoria says
July 30, 2015 at 8:48 amYou can really pull off wearing any red lipsticks because all the reds look absolutely gorgeous on you. I am a bit shy to wear such red lipstick. LOL. I might have looked at Dior Addict Extreme in Lucky before but I passed on it. After this review, I think I am going to take a look at it again because it is indeed a gorgeous colour 🙂
Paris B says
July 30, 2015 at 12:16 pmAww thank you Victoria 😀 It’s all about finding YOUR perfect red coz there’s a tone out there for everyone. I totally understand being intimidated by red lipstick. It’s just so bright and eye catching isn’t it? It totally draws attention to your face and says “Look! I’m wearing makeup!” and some people are uncomfortable with that. Lucky is a nice one to start with, or any one of the Addict Extremes. That way you can ease your way up to the Rouge G 😉
Jennifer says
July 30, 2015 at 3:54 pmDimitri and Envious are beautiful! I have Charmed I’m Sure (LE) from MAC and Red Revolution from Maybelline, plus Rambling Rose from L’Oreal (a recent acquisition) that moves towards a deep pink. For now, the MAC one is my top red.
Paris B says
August 3, 2015 at 2:45 pmIt sounds like I have to take a 2nd look at MAC for red lipsticks! 😀 Glad you found yours
Syamira says
July 30, 2015 at 4:19 pmNARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl. If it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, it’s definitely good enough for me! The color is GORGEOUS. 🙂
Paris B says
August 3, 2015 at 2:45 pmOoh is that the lovely red she wears all the time? Man, she looks amazing in red lipstick doesn’t she? I’ll take a look at Dragon Girl – I love the name!
shusheshe says
July 30, 2015 at 5:14 pmI have yet made the step into full red lipsticks. I just think it looks a little over the top for normal every day wear but it looks good on you!
Paris B says
August 3, 2015 at 2:46 pmYes I actually agree that is IS over the top LOL! But sometimes, you just gotta stand out eh? 😉
Skygazer says
August 1, 2015 at 5:06 pmThe Dior addict lipstick looks gorgeous on you! I’m SO going to get it one day (saving up for it)!
Paris B says
August 3, 2015 at 2:56 pmThank you Skygazer 😀 If you get discounts at Sephora it’s a good time to indulge then! There are lots of other lovely colours and the texture is amazing!
Cocoa says
August 2, 2015 at 11:07 pmThe reds look so pretty on you! I like those colours but find that they are too blue and thus muted for my complexion. I prefer the brighter orange reds. Regardless, I agree with you on the formulae! Rouge Gs are my favourites too, followed by Addict Extremes. NARS Audacious and Marc Jacobs are the best for creaminess and opacity.
Paris B says
August 3, 2015 at 3:04 pmYep I gravitate towards cooler blue toned lip shades because they flatter my complexion better. I can’t wear warm reds very well but you probably can, as your preferences will show! 😀 I haven’t tried Marc Jacobs’ lipsticks yet. I hear they’re drying so I’m a little reluctant to give them a go, but Audacious are good too! Lasts forever.
Ting says
September 1, 2015 at 12:32 pmHooray! Paris is back with her red lippie! 😀 😀
When I started reading your blog, you’ve come across as a red lipstick sort of person. Rose & corals just aren’t that exciting! 😀 Love your blue blouse which compliments the red lips so well! xxx
Paris B says
September 1, 2015 at 5:18 pmAww thank you Ting! I have always been into reds – my philosophy is, if you want to wear lipstick, be seen wearing it! Why wear nude 😛 HAHA
Ting says
September 1, 2015 at 5:45 pmyeah, why nude? Should really ask Kim Kardashian that. :p
Swati says
September 3, 2015 at 8:30 pmHey Paris. I have never rally worn a lipstick but I do have thing for red one. But, I have a question. Can one wear red lips with all sorts of clothes or all occasions? I would love to start with drug store brands and see if I can carry it and then go for high end ones. Loved the guerlain. It’s just smashing.
Paris B says
September 29, 2015 at 12:43 pmHi Sawti, oh wear red with everything! 🙂 I do anyway LOL! The fun thing about wearing a red lip or at least a bright lip, is that you can downplay the rest of your makeup and still look polished. Good for quick easy looks and lazy days 🙂
Stacey says
October 1, 2015 at 1:53 amGreat reminder to pull out Garçon and get my red on! I’ve been neglecting my reds and going for lighter and nuder shades all summer. Besides Garçon, I also love Rouge d’Armani 400 and — possibly my favorite of all — the Urban Decay LE Pulp Fiction Revolution lipstick & liner (Mrs. Mia Wallace). I love the formula in the latter, and they probably have a similar red out by now that’s not LE.