HYDERABAD: Burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese once said to a daily, “Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God in people.” While we can’t vouch for that, we can assure you that Marilyn Monroe turned many a head with her red pout in the 1950s. And if Taylor Swift’s new song describing red lips is anything to go by, this bold shade will always be in demand.
What’s your red?
Chanel Rouge Coco Dimitri
The Chanel girl since 2006, Keira Knightley is back as the brand ambassador of the brand’s new collection. The Coco line has a variety of colours, named after her close friends. But this season, Rouge Coco in Dimitri takes all the attention. It keeps your lips moisturised at least for four hours, before you reapply. At Rs 2,283 from chanel.com
Gucci Iconic Red
A bold, saturated red with a smooth finish, Gucci’s Iconic Red, Audacious Lipstick has retro appeal. The sculpted sharp edge of the lipstick allows for precise application and gives complete coverage in a single swipe. At Rs 2,474 (gucci.com) it is a little harsh on the pocket, but worth it.
Revlon Ultra HD lipstick in Gladiolus
With Emma Stone giving a thumbs up at the SAG awards, everyone’s following suit. The lipstick, which is neither too glossy nor too matte, gives a perfect creamy finish. Suitable for fair to medium skin tones. At Rs 506.
L’oreal Color Riche L’Extraordinaire Rouge Soprano
Katrina Kaif rocked it on Cannes 2015 red carpet.This ruby or watermelon red will transform your lips from ordinary to extraordinary. At Rs 950 (lorealparis.co.in)
M.A.C Ruby Woo
Taylor Swift’s staple is not just for celebrities. Usually out of stock in days, this lipstick gives a perfect matte finish and suits all skin tones. At Rs 2,200.
Vipul Bhagat, makeup artist
I vote for the lip pencil
Bhagat prefers using lip pencils on his models. For him, they are ideal for outlining the lips. “They provide a long lasting wear and do not feather or bleed. They have a smooth and creamy texture that is perfect for colouring the lips,” he says.
Ambika Pillai, hairstylist
Women of all ages can rock matte red
Matte is her favourite finish and works for any occasion, says Pillai. It is better than gloss because it stays fresh for hours. “Lipstains are also trending now. You just have to rub lipstick on your finger and smack it on your lips,” she says. To give it a cleaner finish, apply lip balm 20 minutes before you use lipstick.
Nicole Faria, model
I pair my red lips with smoky eyes or winged liner
Faria loves the M.A.C Cherry Red and Anastasia Beverly Hills in Spice. She is also a fan of the highlighting and contouring makeup technique. “Smoky eyes or winged liner with red lips has always been in vogue. But we need to make sure that the intensity of the eyeliner is toned down so more focus is on the lips,” she offers.
Prasad Bidapa, fashion choreogrpher
Wear clear red during the day, but keep it matte
Different shades can be used at different times of the day, feels Bidapa, who loves Chanel’s Coco Rouge collection. For an evening look, he suggests going with brighter shades or a hint of gloss on your lips.
Aniruddha Chakladar, makeup artist
True reds work for fair skin tones, and cherry for dusky skin
Chakladar, who prefers the vibrant Ruby Woo by M.A.C, says that most shades of red work on medium skin tones. “Women with darker complexions should opt for darker reds like cherry and maroon,” he says.