I’ve had a passion for makeup most of my life. I think it’s because I was raised by my grandparents and I grew up watching my grandmother put on her makeup every day. She never walked out of the house without a well finished complexion and beautiful red lips. She didn’t have to wear a lot of makeup. She rarely wore eyeshadow or powder. But her skin was always flawless, her cheeks were fresh, her brows were done and the red lip was always on point.
Throughout history, the red lip has been a symbol of glamour and elegance. During World War Two, many women gave up nylons and chocolate bars, but lipstick sales never wavered. So how has this extraordinary trend survived the test of time? Well it might possibly be because red lipstick is the perfect piece of iconography that represents confidence and upscale fashion without the necessity of a deep wallet. Regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic background or personality, the crimson lip will most likely go down in the books a long side the little black dress as a top feminine favorite.
I must confess that, when I started working for jane iredale, I never expected to find such beautiful reds in our brand. I guess I just didn’t think it could be done with clean ingredients. I was definitely mistaken. Not only have we launched some of the most beautiful reds I’ve ever worked with but we did it with such intensity and staying power that it rivals any traditional cosmetics brand. So if you’re considering a venture into the red arena, let’s look at some options that may bring a candy apple smile to your face.
If you like a matte red lip, we launched a new product this past Fall called Beyond Matte Lip Fixations. These richly pigmented, long lasting lip stains have quickly become a sensation as their easy saturation and longevity are something to behold. This collection has three really interesting reds: Obsession, a matte raspberry red, Rapture, a matte deep red and Longing, a matte cherry red. You’ll love how easily they go on and you’ll be amazed at how long they last even with a mask.
If you like a creamy red lip, our Triple Luxe™ Lipstick is the option for you with three rich colors that give the perfect moist finish: Gwen, a beautiful apple red that even Snow White would envy, Megan, a strawberry red that’s perfectly cool and sultry and Natalie, a highly saturated, vivid hot pink that looks runway ready!
If you like more subtle options, remember that our glosses and our Just Kissed lip stains are great options for creating a softer red hue: Cherries Jubilee PureGloss is a favorite for those who want glossy red lips that pop while Forever Red Just Kissed Lip Stain gives a long lasting red hue that’s natural enough for casual occasions. And finally, one last option that’s excellent for those who desire an even more sheer red is Paris Just Kissed Lip Plumper, a sheer port wine color that gives the perfect slightly bitten stain, as if you’ve been eating berries!
As you weigh your options there are a lot of dynamics that people consider from skin undertone to skin depth. But the most important thing to remember is that our lipstick isn’t necessarily meant to go with our skin tone, our clothes or anything else as much as it’s meant to go with our mood. My recommendation is to find a red that looks pretty to you and try it for the day. Wear it around and look at yourself in different lighting. You might be surprised at what you pick. Remember, it’s not about whether you can wear red lips or not. It’s just about finding the right one. Happy hunting!
