Red Lipstick...My new best friend

It wasn't until I was living in New York that I really discovered my love for red lips. There were a couple of gorgeous girls working with me at Isaac Mizrahi who painted their lips in perfect deep red lipstick. I was inspired by how this simple addition created a mood of elegance and gave an edge of seduction to a conservative outfit. I know there are several rules as to how to wear red lipstick, such as, not overdoing dark eye make-up or ensuring your skin is clear, as red lipstick tends to highlight any red blemishes. Don't let these and any other rules you may have read about scare you off.  I suggest you visit your local make-up shop to get some advice as to what shade of red lipstick best suits your complexion and then go from there.

What I particularly love about red lipstick is how it automatically adds something new to your outfit. You may have worn your skinny leg jeans with a white tee shirt many times but I assure you, when you add red lipstick to this casual look, you've already created a new and eye catching look. We can't forget one of the best advantages of wearing red lipstick....making your teeth look incredibly white!

Below I have styled 3 outfits that I think work best with red lipstick. I'm wearing Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick in all three looks.

    RED LIPS WITH A WHITE DRESS

The first piece I suggest to team with red lipstick is a white dress. It could be a formal white dress or even a summer day dress. The combination creates great contrast.  Check out a similar look to my own that I've styled from online shops for you in 'Red Lips Look 1' (below my look). This way you can recreate the look if you like. 

1-SHISEIDO  The Makeup Perfecting Lipstick - P13 Red Cool 4g/0.14oz  $23.00 http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/shiseido/the-makeup-perfecting-lipstick/7

2-French Connection Lace Dress  $121.65  http://www.asos.com

3-Pour La Victoire Sandals - Neysa X Band  $210.00 http://www1.bloomingdales.com

4-Because You Can Bag $60.00 http://www.modcloth.com

 RED LIPS WITH SKINNY LEG JEANS

Another great look to wear with red lipstick is a simple white tee shirt and skinny leg jeans. It will instantly create edge to a very simple look. See the look below.

1-Studded Cashmere Biker Jacket Black $520.00 http://www.crumpetengland.com/

2-YVES SAINT LAURENT  Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick - No. 01 Red Strass 3.4g/0.12oz  $28.50, http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/shiseido/the-makeup-perfecting-lipstick/72090/

3-MICHAEL STARS White Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee  $75.00  http://www.stylebop.com

4-Navoh 'Toni' Clutch  $92.00  http://shop.nordstrom.com

5-Jair Black $110.00  http://www.vincecamuto.com

 RED LIPS WITH ALL BLACK

Adding red lipstick to an all black outfit allows you to remove any guilt from not wearing any other colour. You don't always have to add red somewhere else in your outfit to help tie in your red lipstick. It can certainly be your statement and stand on it's own. Below, however I added red nail polish and red shoes with my all black look.

Check out Red Lips Look 3 below that I've styled for you. 

1-Juicy Couture Guipure lace dress  $310.00  http://www.net-a-porter.com

2-YVES SAINT LAURENT  Rouge Pure Shine Sheer Lipstick - No. 01 Red Strass 3.4g/0.12oz  $28.50 http://au.strawberrynet.com/makeup/yves-saint-laurent/rouge-pure-shine-sheer-lipstick/43397/

4-Madi Jacket $335.00 http://www.lkbennett.com/clothing/jackets/JKMADI002COTTONMIX

5-Giuseppe Zanotti Cindy Koka suede pumps $260.00 http://www.theoutnet.com

6-Contrast Trim Buckled Clutch with Chain Strap  $89.00  http://www.yesstyle.com/en/info.html/pid.1025022732

WOMEN WHO DO RED SO WELL

I hope I've inspired you all to take a chance and explore the world of red lips. It's a lot of fun.

See you next time.

xox