How to get luscious red lips in 3 steps: Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Selena and Marilyn Monroe have all showed off the iconic lipstick look – and today’s runways continue the timeless trend
- Icons Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball and the late Selena Quintanilla all wore red to great effect, as do contemporary stars Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid
- Red lips showed status in ancient Egypt, and glamour and seduction in early Hollywood – recent Armani, Chanel and Antonio Grimaldi runways show nothing much has changed
There’s classic, and then there’s red lipstick. Simple, bold and timeless, red lips just never go out of style. That’s why some consider them the jeans of make-up: they are a multifaceted, versatile tool that can serve as the foundation for any look, as long as you find the right fit.
Red lipstick dates farther back than most people imagine, possibly as long as 5,000 years. A touch of rouge has served as a symbol of many things throughout that history: from a high-status stamp for the elite in ancient Egypt to a sign of glamour and seduction in the early days of Hollywood. The result is a sort of aesthetic weapon loaded with culture, history and elegance. As Audrey Hepburn once said, “There’s a shade of red for every woman,” and a simple swipe of it on your lips can be a game changer.
1. Preparing for success
First things first, choose a shade to match your complexion. Safe bets that pair well with most skin tones are rich deep-pink reds, cherry-based tones and colder reds in general.
When talking about technique, every make-up artist will probably approach a red lip differently, but most agree it all starts with proper lip prep. A gentle scrub followed by a nourishing lip balm will help eliminate flakes and dead skin cells, and plump your lips to create a polished, hydrated canvas.
2. Layers and outlines
Next, it’s important to neutralise your natural lip shade by adding a nude base, which you can accomplish by extending your foundation across the lip line. Make sure not to overdo it, though; you don’t need to cover your lips entirely with a thick layer of foundation, but instead, just extend what’s left on the sponge or applicator you’re already using. This will help the red hue pop and give the lipstick something to hold on to in order to stay put throughout the day.
