A Quick Canvassing of Opinion (And We Have a Winner!)
July 11, 2012Vintage, Weddings and DIY
July 16, 2012I LOVE Red Lipstick.
Ever since I discovered that all reds were not created equal I have been on a mission to find my perfect red. A good red that suits your skin tone and lasts well can make you feel amazing. I really do love it and to date I’ve reviewed a whopping 14 different brands on Retro Chick. I’d say my current favourite is Besame Red Velvet, it’s certainly the one I wear most often.
Red Lipstick has become a bit of a “vintage” short hand, and in a world of lip gloss, lip balm and flavoured tints learning to apply lipstick properly, and wearing it regularly IS a bit of a statement sometimes. I even make a job out of teaching people to apply it properly.
But, well, sometimes red lipstick just feels a bit like hard work.
It needs occasional maintenance, or at least for you to occasionally look in the mirror, no matter how carefully applied it is. You need to watch the greasy foods and excessive drinking, and sometimes it’s a bit much to pop to the shops.
The good news is that red is not the only colour, and all those tips you learnt to make your red lipstick stay put work equally well with other shades, but with less obvious wearing off/bleeding/smearing all over your face problems.
Ever since there has been “proper” lipstick, it’s come in many more shades than just red, as this picture borrowed from Caseys Elegant Musings shows.
Not sure about blue, but the easiest way to add a touch of colour to your face on days you can’t quite be doing with red is with a deep rose pink shade. I still like a quite matte finish, and it’s still nice for a lipstick to last once you get past the front door, so just any old lipstick won’t do.
I have reviewed 2 non red lipsticks on here in the past. A hot pink Illamasqua shade and the nicely neutral Soap & Glory.
Today I thought I’d introduce you to 2 more lipsticks that are a permanent make up bag staple for me, and perfect for adding a touch of deep rose colour to a tired face on days when red is just too much!
Boots No. 7 Classic Rose £10
Slightly drying, but with a nice matte look. If you can avoid licking your lips it’ll last for ages, but the colour isn’t so bright that if you can’t it will matter.
The shade is quite pink.
Besame Dusty Rose £22
Pricy, but Besame lipsticks really are my favourites for their lasting power, and not being too drying. This one has a little bit more a sheen before blotting than the No 7.
This shade is a rose with slight brown undertones that I really love. Antique rose would be another shade name that would come to mind!
17 Comments
I love wearing non-red lipsticks. Red is certainly the colour I get the most use out of because it just goes with everything but I do really like finding lovely colours that suit me and AREN’T red. I have warm toned skin despite being very very pale so I find that pinks really don’t work for me but I love a good coral or peach or occasionally even orange.
Yes I find being pale-but-warm is something a lot of make-up brands neglect… they think blonde, not red-head or pale brunette.
I really like the classic rose shade from Boots. I have a neon matte pink that I alternate my MAC red with, when red just doesn’t work, but I haven’t been able to pull off a nude shade yet. I feel all washed out with lighter/beigey shades.
I love lipsticks and have quite the selection. I also love coral for daytime wear, but more the orangey coral than the pink.
My favourite rose lipstick is a Chanel one given to me by a friend – Rouge Coco no. 23. It’s £24 but tastes of Turkish Delight and is just so pretty.
I have them! Oh…hang on my Besame one is Rapture Rose not Dusty! LOL!
I do tend to go for less reds in the daytime so it’s lots of “rose” types. My current fave is L’Oreal Color Riche Serum in Radiant Rose with L’Oreal Color Riche Super Gelee in Sugar Rose over the top. (The Sugar Rose is very pale and 60s looking to me, hence why it only ever goes over something else.)
I don’t seem to get on with matte lippys tho…I feel all desicated in them!
The classic rose shade is lovely on you! I love matte look lipsticks and this one is gorgeous!
Have you tried no 7 cherry? My absolute favourite red of all time! Am also a big fan of the classic rose, perfect for work and day time wear.
I usually wear pinks, browns and ‘wines’ rather than bright reds (although I have several reds), as I tend to match my make-up to my outfit, rather OTT but I like it that way! In terms of vintage = red lipstick, as you say whilst common it was never the only shade on offer. I always remember my glam great-auntie wore bright pink- very daring – and apparently had since the 40s. She used to give me pink-lipstick-tubes to play make-up with as a little one.
I like that second one! I love something with a brown tinge as pinks don’t really suit me. I often wear a browner lipstick to work and I’m always on the look out for alternatives, so thanks!
this is really true, and if I can’t quite be bothered to get the perfect red lip sometimes or its too bright for the occasion, i like to put it on with my fingers to get a stain instead!
@Retrochick_uk My mum used to go for some very very dark plum colours in her day.
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RT @Retrochick_uk: One from the vaults: Because red isn’t the only “vintage” lipstick shade http://t.co/pHJByJdZWW
i like your dress liked this on Facebook.