--By Kim MoshtaghiMarilyn Monroe did it; meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow and Christina Aguilera still rock it. The red lipstick, that is. Red is the color of seduction and, for the Chinese, it is the color of happiness and good luck. Red can stimulate either passion or anger, but for our purpose, we will be evoking and exploring the loving, and seductive side of red. Although red clothing is not for everyone, red lipstick can be. Every woman should be aware of her skin complexion when purchasing any shade of lipstick. But, if anyone from Eva Mendes to Nicole Kidman can pull off red lipstick, so can you! There are beautiful shades of red that will be uplifting and prevent you from having to spend so much time on your eye makeup. With red lips, simple black mascara on your eyelashes is all you need, because with red lipstick less eye makeup is more. The best red lipstick will give any simple look necessary spice.
The first red lipstick I would like to introduce to you is called Royal Red (E 190) by Maybelline. It’s part of their Moisture Extreme Lipstick line, which is amazing. I have a few of the Maybelline Moisture Extreme lipsticks and they go on smooth and feel yummy on my lips. I love the soft moisturizing feeling it leaves behind without weighing my lips down. The Royal Red is a simple red with a slight pink in it. But your skin may bring out different undertones. This red is fun and a great pick because of its price and quality.
My second pick is very extravagant, and that’s why I adore it. I love everything about it, from the color to the packaging. I’m definitely going to buy two, one for me and one for my mom-- who is a red-lipstick-aholic. This limited edition Sephora Red is deeper than the Maybelline Royal Red and is definitely something Nicole Kidman would wear. I like the richness and sophistication of this lipstick. Plus the unique packaging of this lipstick makes it extra fun! This Sephora Brand Crystallized Lipstick Collector's Edition has 100 crystal rhinestones on the cap! The good news is that the cap can be re-used to fit any Sephora lipstick from the Lip Attitude line. This is a sexy and mysterious shade with a cap that would even impress decked-out bling princess Kimora Lee Simmons.
Lastly, I really like
MAC’s Ladybug Lipstick. It’s very glossy, making the lips seem fuller. MAC’s Ladybug is a beautiful red that sits in between the Maybelline Royal Red and the Sephora Red. Ladybug is described as having “juiced yellowish” color to it and this one lasts longer and tends to wear slower if worn with a lip liner. I suggest wearing all red lipsticks with red lip liner, because of the red bleeding outside of the lips. I recommend putting the lip liner on, then patting your lips with powder, and proceeding with a layer of red lipstick. This will keep the lipstick from bleeding, and prevent the hideous clown look.
With these red options, you’ll be going out with confidence and power, which will not only raise somebody else’s blood pressure, but simultaneously stimulate your own inner flame.
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Kim Moshtaghi is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Born in Germany, Kim is currently based in sunny Del Mar, California, where she also serves as Stiletto Jungle's Director of Sales and Promotions. Kim has a communications degree, a third degree black belt, and a totally covetable Gucci handbag collection.
