Red Lipstick 101

I haven't written a blog post in quite a while because I've been so busy with university visits and things, but seen as it is now summer I thought I would jump straight back into it by writing about one of my favourite makeup items ever- red lipstick. I love red lipstick as I think it instantly makes an outfit look more put together, and because it often makes skin look much more brighter and awake. Here I've chosen my top 5 favourite red lipsticks of all time and given you a little introduction into applying red lipstick. I tend to prefer matte lipsticks due to their extreme lasting power and intense pigmentation, which is why the majority of the lipsticks mentioned throughout this post are matte.

Left to right: Barry M lip liner (3), MAC Ruby Woo, Sleek Matte Me (433 Rioja Red), NARS Dragon Girl, MAC Viva Glam 1, Max Factor Lipfinity (120 Hot)

In order to make your lipstick last as long as possible I would recommend ensuring that the lips are well exfoliated and moisturised. This can be done by using a lip scrub and a lip balm, but make sure that the lip balm has soaked into the lips before applying the lipstick- particularly if it is matte. Having applied the lipstick, take a tissue and blot your lips with it. Then reapply another coat. This helps make the lipstick to last longer as it removes any excess wax. Before applying red lipstick I also like to use a lipliner, lining the edges of my lips and then filling in the middle. This makes application a lot easier and again means that the lipstick lasts longer. My favourite liner to use is Barry M's lip liner in the shade 3. It is really soft and creamy, making it effortless to line the lips because it doesn't tug. The shade is a basic red colour and so can be used with the majority of red lipsticks out there.

1. MAC (Ruby Woo)
Ruby Woo is a cult classic amongst the makeup community, and I completely understand why. It applies beautifully, suits most skin tones, and lasts for ages- what more could you want?! I'm also a little bit in love with the vanilla-y smell of MAC lipsticks, as well as the sleek packaging, so that's always a bonus.

2. Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream (433 Rioja Red)
I love the velvety texture and intense, bright colour that this has once it has dried, and the staying power is just incredible. Whenever I'm choosing between my red lipsticks it is often a battle between this and MAC's Ruby Woo- quite impressive considering this only costs £4.99. I do find that it is more drying than the average matte lipstick but this it's not uncomfortable if you make sure to apply lots of lip balm. I would definitely recommend picking one up next time you're in Boots!

3. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Dragon Girl)
I can definitely see why this cool toned lipstick is what Taylor Swift uses to create her iconic red lip look. It has more pink undertones than the rest of the products mentioned but is still a typical cherry red. I love the fact that it is a crayon as it makes applying the lipstick so much easier- this is a good one to grab if you often find yourself in a rush or on the go, and it also slots easily into your bag or purse. I find that it doesn't last as long as the other lipsticks, a factor that isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it instead leaves a pretty stain of colour that can either be left as it is or brightened by applying more.

4. Max Factor Lipfinity (120 Hot)
As I previously mentioned, I prefer matte lipsticks because they are more long lasting. This, however, is the one non-matte lipstick that I have found lasts for a whole day, through drinking and eating, and still requires scrubbing with a makeup remover to get it off. It is such a clever product- you first apply a layer of coloured lipstick before then applying a layer of moisturising balm. This balm makes the lips appear shiny and moisturised, and therefore more full. I absolutely love this lipstick and have never seen anything like it before.

5. MAC (Viva Glam 1)
I've written a post about this already but I like it so much I thought it deserved another mention- you can check out what I think about it here.

It was so difficult for me to only choose 5 lipsticks to write about so I'm sure there will be a similar post again some time in the future- let me know what red lipsticks you would recommend!