Looking for that that “red lip classic thing that you like?” Try out my favorite red lip routine featuring La Bouche Rouge Paris for a sumtuous, sexy, scarlet smooch.
“Put on some red lipstick and live a little.” – Marilyn Monroe
When reminiscing on beauty trends of past decades, one makeup bag staple has stood the test of time: red lipstick. From the most classic starlets in scarlet to the rock n’ roll rebels in rouge, a perfect red lip transcends the bounds of trendiness, making it a copacetic option for anyone regardless of personal style.
A powerful red lipstick application is one of the most iconic items in a person’s makeup bag. Today, a red lip is one of the world’s most widely embraced makeup motifs, but where did this epochal beauty product come from, and how can you make it work for you?
A Brief History
Red lipstick has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, for example, used a mixture of crushed red ants and carmine (a pigment made from crushed beetles) to create a deep red lip color. This shade was worn by both men and women, and was considered a sign of wealth and social status. In ancient Greece and Rome, red lipstick was also popular, and was often made from a mixture of crushed red berries and wax.
The modern history of red lipstick can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the first commercial lipsticks were introduced. These early lipsticks were made from a mixture of castor oil, beeswax, and paraffin, and were often sold in pots or small tins. It was not until the early 20th century that lipsticks began to be sold in the familiar cylindrical tubes we know today. With the advent of new technologies and ingredients, red lipsticks became more versatile and long-lasting. The invention of the modern lipstick mold in 1915 by Maurice Levy, made it possible to produce lipsticks in the now-familiar cylindrical shape with a twist-up mechanism.
Red lipstick gained universal popularity in the early 1900s as a symbol of liberation and empowerment for women. During this time, women began to reject traditional gender roles and embrace a more modern and independent lifestyle. Red lipstick came to be seen as a symbol of this new, liberated woman, and it became a staple in many women’s makeup bags. Today, red lipstick is still seen as a symbol of confidence, elegance, and power. It’s worn by women of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures and it’s now a staple in the fashion and beauty industry. The color red is often associated with passion, love, and confidence and red lipstick is a way for women to express these feelings.
What shade works best for you?
Not all reds are created equally.
Choosing the best lipstick for your skin tone can be a tricky task, as there are an infinite number shades of red to choose from, and not all of them will suit every skin tone. The key to finding the perfect shade of red lipstick is to consider your skin’s natural undertones. According to La Bouche Rouge master makeup artist, Sofiane Toumi, “If you have cool undertones, you’ll want to look for shades of red with a blue or purple base, such as cherry red or burgundy. If you have warm undertones, you’ll want to look for shades of red with a orange or yellow base, such as fire-engine red or tomato red.”
Create a Red Lip Like a Professional
Moisturize
Perhaps the most important step to a flawless bold lip application comes well before any makeup even touches your face. When using a dark color, the health of your lips is on fill display. Any wrinkles or cracks will be on full display, so it is crucial to ensure that your lips are completely moisturized and smooth before going in with lipstick.
Whether I am wearing makeup that day or not, I absolutely refuse to leave the house without a good lip balm. My current favorite is Le Sérum de Nuit by La Bouche Rouge Paris. This serum formula with 95.2% ingredients of natural origin is enriched with hand-picked St. Suliac algae, a marine plant with dramatic anti-aging properties. The lip balm formula is completely and cruelty free, made without silicones, so the active ingredients can effectively permeate the skin barrier on the lips.
It feels so light on the lips, and it is so hydrating. Honestly, it reminds me of the La Mer formula, but better considering its clean and vegan ingredients and the brand’s fervent commitment to sustainability. I like to slather this on my lips after gently exfoliating before I go to sleep. In the morning, I like to gently dab a small amount before I apply my lipstick. My lips are so smooth and soft, and it really makes my lipstick look 10x better.
Lip Liner
Wearing lip liner is an important step in achieving a polished and defined lip look. Lip liner helps to prevent lipstick from bleeding or feathering, creating a clean and defined edge around the lips. This can be especially useful for those with naturally uneven lip shape or for those who want to create a specific lip shape or look. Additionally, lip liner can be used to extend the wear time of lipstick, as it helps to keep the color in place and prevents it from smudging or fading as quickly.
When I am applying lip liner, I like to find a shade that is either the same exact shade or a few shades darker than the lipstick I plan to wear. I start by outlining my natural lip line, starting from the center of my upper lip and working my way outwards. When using a darker color, this helps contour the lips, creating the desired shape. I make sure to also line the outer corners of my lips to prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Using lipstick and lip liner from the same brand is beneficial because it ensures color consistency and compatibility. When a lip liner and lipstick are from the same brand, they are more likely to have been formulated to complement each other in terms of texture, finish, and color. This means that the lipstick will glide on smoothly over the liner and the colors will blend seamlessly together. Luckily for me, La Bouche Rouge also makes lip liners, and let me tell you…they glide on the lips like a dream.
Lipstick
Now for the main event: lipstick. A good red lipstick should have a smooth and creamy texture that glides on easily and evenly without feeling sticky or heavy on the lips. It should also have a rich and pigmented color that is true to the shade in the packaging and provide long-lasting wear. It should also be comfortable to wear, with a moisturizing formula that helps to keep the lips hydrated and protected throughout the day. Nobody wants to have crusty red lips, am I right? Most importantly, a quality lipstick should be made with safe and non-toxic ingredients that do not cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Since, I started this routine with La Bouche Rouge, why not finish it with their FABULOUS lipstick? Consistency is key, right? Much like the lip serum, this lipstick is all about moisture and lip health. I was lucky enough to have La Bouge Rouge work their red lip magic on me during Paris Fashion Week, and I am actually shook. This lipstick lasted perfectly for 5 whole hours without a single smudge. I had two meals, a few glasses of champagne, and my fair share of the French “bisous” and still my makeup was flawless.
When applying lipstick, it’s recommended to use a lip brush for more precise application. Starting in the center of the upper lip, use the brush to line and fill in the lips, making sure to blend the color outwards towards the corners of the mouth. This will give you a clean and even application. For a more defined look, use a lip liner in a matching shade to line the lips before applying the lipstick. Once the lipstick is applied, use a tissue to blot the lips gently and remove any excess product. For a more dramatic look, you can re-apply another coat of lipstick.
At the end of the day, the most important element of a perfect lipstick application is confidence. We are lucky to live in an era that allows head-turning beauty looks without sacrificing our health and our planet. In a world where sustainability and respect for others is an option in our beauty routines, it is our responsibility to take a stand and make a statement as bold as our makeup.
Remember to wear your red lips with pride, and use quality products like those by La Bouche Rouge.