Because who’s got time to try on every one out there?
We’re all guilty of snoozing that alarm button more times that we should on a weekday morning, leaving us far too little time to get ready for the day ahead.
Artfully blending in the foundation is just not on the cards those mornings.
However, rather than heading to the office bare-faced, we’ve been regularly reaching for the red lippie in recent weeks.
Because nothing else makes you look as chic and pulled-together with as little effort as a few scarlet swipes from the bullet, right?
Read:
Hurrah! A Charlotte Tilbury Store Is Coming To Dubai
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Yet with so many options bursting forth from the beauty counters, it can be hard to know exactly what shade to plump for.
There are blue-toned reds, orangey-reds, true reds… it seems there’s no such thing as just ‘red’.
So, to make life easier for beauty aficionados and newbies alike, we’ve pulled together five of the best shades that in our experience suit every skin tone.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, Dhs135
If we were putting these in ranking order, No 1 would probably have to go to this jumbo crayon. It’s easy to apply, with a creamy semi-matte finish that isn’t drying but stays put all day. (Over a full day in the office, we tend to just need one top-up after lunch). Richly pigmented with a high colour payoff, this uber-bright, pinky red manages to blend the cool and the warm in a colour we’re yet to see not suit someone.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, Dhs104
Angelina Jolie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Gwen Stefani… the list of celebs who’ve fallen under this classic’s spell is endless. This super-matte formula (so you need to make sure your lips are well moisturised before popping this on) has inspired countless blog posts from beauty buffs, thanks to its retro blue-red shade. Whether you have pale or darker skin, the pigment holds fast for a statement finish that won’t wash you out.
Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Love Is On, Dhs37
There’s a bit of science behind this one, with Revlon saying the Malbec-red with a blue undertone actually suits everyone on the Fitzpatrick scale (a medically recognised chart that classifies skin types). It’s ultra-creamy, and so blendable you can sheer it out to a gorgeous stain too. We can’t always find it on the shelves here in the UAE (must be in hot demand!), but you can find it online here.
Read:
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Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red, Dhs113
We’ve still got a little while to wait until Charlotte Tilbury’s first store in Dubai opens, but until then, you can find this universally flattering option online here (and yes, it ships to the UAE). It’s a medium-bordering-on-dark red that makes a great choice for evening events, with its blue undertone and matte finish. The colour’s probably best described as a ruby, with Charlotte herself saying it’ll give a “classic old Hollywood effect”.
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Volatile, Dhs180
If sassy, orangey-reds are your jam, you’ll be hard pressed to beat this vibrant semi-matte option. It’s so bold and so summery, you just can’t help but feel full of joy when you wear it.
Got a great recommendation that didn’t make our cut? Share it in the comments!
Image: narsissist/Instagram
