I’ve tried many red lipsticks over the years – these are my favourites, old and new
We’re entering red lip season, spoiled for choice with new launches and old favourite formulations. I’ve always been partial to a swipe of red lipstick , particularly those with a blue undertone – beautiful, clear, punchy reds that look classic on every complexion and pull more cool in tone than warm. You won’t find many orange reds in my make-up bag. Red lipstick is incredible for lifting the mood, elevating a look and making you feel like the most put together version of yourself. That said, there’s no point opting for a higher maintenance lipstick shade if it’s not going to stay put. So, with that in mind, here are six excellent red lipstick options across a range of price points and finishes that are sure to turn heads, and to last. Victoria Beckham Beauty Rouge Victoria Victoria Beckham has taken her first foray into true red lipstick with not just one but six shades designed to suit every complexion. Victoria Beckham Beauty Rouge Victoria (€83 each from Brown Thomas) is a bold, pigmented, exceptionally luxurious red lipstick with a demi-matt finish, each with its own one-of-a-kind packaging. “Every lipstick is hand-treated with an alabaster finish, so no two are the same,” Beckham says. The range includes a rich burgundy red, a classic crimson and a burnished, almost mahogany red, so there’s a shade to suit every complexion. Nars Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil in Cruella Nars Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil (€33 from Space NK) is a delicious, intensely pigmented, head-turning range of do-it-all lip pencils that deliver a no-budge finish that will last for as long as you decide to wear it. A cream-to-matt formula, it gives you just enough playtime to apply as you like, before it sets in place. My go-to shade has always been Cruella, a deeply moody, crimson-red. MAC Cosmetics MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo When I don’t know what to reach for, MAC Cosmetics MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo (€30 from Brown Thomas) is often the solution – a red that has reached hall-of-fame levels over the years for its vibrancy, impact, matt finish and exceptionally long wear time. The brand launched a matching Ruby Woo lip liner (€25 from Brown Thomas) several years ago to help carve out the perfect, colour-cohesive shape. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mellow Blur in Cashmere Cherry Excellent formulation meets affordability in the form of Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mellow Blur Lipstick (€10.99 from Boots), specifically in the shade cashmere cherry. Pleasingly pigmented with a comfortable, balm-like feel, this matt-finish lipstick is comfortable to wear and delivers an impressive pop of colour with a soft, slightly blurred finish, which I’m very partial to – it’s the type of lip that looks lived-in and wears well throughout the day and night. Sculpted by Aimee Lip Duo in Ruby Rouge One of my favourite red lipsticks for several years now, Sculpted by Aimee Lip Duo in Ruby Rouge (€21 from Sculpted by Aimee) is a juicy, bright red with a conveniently attached matching lip liner for the perfect pout at any time. The formula also contains nourishing ingredients, including shea butter and rosehip oil, to keep the lips feeling soft and comfortable, with a glossy finish that feels worlds away from some of the drier, more traditional red lipstick formulas. This week I’m loving… Dyson Airsmooth It was only a matter of time before Dyson entered the hot brush category. Airsmooth (€249 from dyson.ie) is the brand’s first dedicated hot brush that dries, styles, smooths and, once you get the knack of it, adds volume too. Haircare products I always buy again, from dry shampoo to the perfect brush It’s lightweight and easy to use, and I particularly like how the bristles bend and adjust so there’s no pulling or snagging on the hair. It also has universal voltage, which is handy for travel.