Pro Makeup Artist Guest Blog: Viva La Rouge

Iris Moreau is a makeup artist who has graciously written a second guest post for Best Things in Beauty. Since I'm a red lipstick phobe, I asked Iris to help us, those who are comfortable with red and those who aren't (like me), rock red lips for the holiday season. Read on for her fabulous advice.

I love red, and nothing says “festive and fun” better than a beautifully applied red lip. The holidays are coming, and what better time to break out a racy red lipstick? Many women shy away from red lipstick, but when applied correctly it's stunning and makes a bold statement. Pair it with a gorgeous little black dress, (or little red dress!) and you’ll pack a powerful punch.

Here are a couple of tips to help you get the most va va voom out of your red lips.

Choose a color that works with your skin tone.

You Have Dark Skin and Dark Hair...

Choose a blue-based red (try M·A·C Ruby Woo or Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red). Gals with darker hair and skin tones can support strong colors without looking harsh. Also, the darker your skin, the more color you will need, or you will end up looking washed out on your lips.

You have Pale Skin and Dark Hair...

You can get away with some yellow/orange-based reds (try Dolce & Gabbana’s Classic Cream Lipstick) as long as they do not have very prominent orange undertones. If you have cool, pink tones in your skin, the blue-based reds will work well for you because they are the “truest reds” (try Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick in Exces de Rouge or Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick 14 Passion).

You have Dark Skin and Light Hair...

If you’re skin is golden brown, then reach for a yellow/orange lipstick first (try Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick Fire and Ice). However, if you have naturally dark skin and you have lightened your hair, don't be afraid to experiment with yellow/orange tones; just remember to go darker so your lipstick doesn't disappear when you apply it. Keep I mind, if your skin is naturally very dark, you should try a blue-based shade first (try Russian Red by M·A·C). Then see if you can find a good deep yellow/orange shade (try Jungle Red by NARS).

You have Pale Skin and Light Hair...

It's hard, but never impossible, for pale beauties to wear red lipstick. You can wear a glossy or sheer red and look fabulous! Stick to the blue-red or raspberry shades if you have pink (cool) undertones in your skin. Try Chantecaille Patina Brilliant Gloss. If you have yellow (warm) undertones, you can try a true red or coral-red. Try Giorgio Armani Beauty Sheer Lipstick in Red (#6). Just make sure to look in the mirror before you leave home! You want one dramatic feature, not two, so go easy on the smoky eye or blusher when you're wearing red lipstick.

That's good advice no matter what your skin and hair colors. When wearing red lips, keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum. A precise line of liquid black eyeliner drawn close to the lash line and a sweep of mascara is really all you need to set off your gorgeous crimson lips. This look is timeless and oh so reminiscent of Hollywood's classic glamour girls.

Set your pout. To avoid having your lip color feather and bleed all over your chin, napkin, and clothing and keep it on your lips (where it belongs), try this pro makeup artist tip and your color will last for hours. Apply your lipstick, then place a tissue directly on your lips. Dip a powder brush in loose translucent powder and dust over the tissue. Just enough powder will transfer through the tissue to set your lipstick. Re-apply one more coat of lip color, blot lightly, and you’re good to go!

Remember, it’s all in the attitude and wearing a red lip screams “sexy, seductive, siren.” So be bold, have fun, and wear your red with confidence!

Happy Holidays, Ladies!

Happy Holidays to you too, Iris! You've given me the confidence to go red (at least for a few parties), and now I know a new trick for setting any lip color - not just red. Isn't Iris the best? Interested in more from Iris? Did you see her first feature here? If not, just click on this link. Make sure to check out her blog too: The Makeup Artist Blog.

Photo at right above courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty