While I wouldn't say that I am high-maintenance when it comes to my beauty regime (well, not all the time anyways...), I won't deny that I love make-up and its transformative powers. I am a believer in the Dita von Teese approach to beauty in that I like the idea of creating that, which you are not born with (read her interview in The Observer Magazine, July 8 2007, if you can find it).
While I don't have half of Ms Teese's glamour or dedication to detail, I have certainly found ways to make make-up work for me and none more so than lipstick. So here is a round-up of my favourites.
Top row, left to right:
MAC Amplified in So Scarlet - MAC lipsticks are really great and their range of colours and different textures (this one has limp plumping qualities) are superb. The colour is a beautiful dark wine, perfect for dramatic 1920's looks. It was a limited edition colour tough, so you might need to hunt it down on ebay.
MAC Cremesheen in Brave Red - A bright red with yellow untertones. The creamy texture means that the staying power is somewhat limited but with proper application this could easily stand up to a few drinks and nibbles.
MAC Amplified in Power House - This brigh coral-red was my first introduction to MAC and red lipstick but has sadly been discontinued. It tends to "bleed" a bit, so use a good lip pencil.
MAC Matte in Ruby Woo - If you are into Vintage make-up than this lipstick is probably somewhere in your make-up stash. It is a perfect matte coral red and has fantastic staying power. If I do my usual routine of layering and blotting it will last the whole day with little to no re-application. A word of warning to the novice lipstick user: since this is a matte texture, make sure to condition your lips before hand since dry and flacky red lips are not a good look!
Lipstick Queen in Medieval - This is my current lipstick obsession. I'd sleep with this on, that's how lovely it feels on the lips! Despite the dark colour of the tube it only has a hint of pigments which gives you a beautiful, just-bitten look. Lipstick Queen has a gorgeous range of colours in two textures - Saint, which is sheer and Sinner, which is more opaque and has higher pigmentation. Go have a look on the website now!
Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge in 132 - An absolu(te) classic that sits nicely on the lips, is moisturising and smells just the way I remember it from the days when I used to "borrow" make-up from my Mom. Nostalgia in a tube.
Middle:
Maybelline SuperStay 24 Color in Red Passion - I have always been rather sceptic about buying make-up that is over-advertised but this one really lives up to the hype and the promise. It does just what it says on the tin: it stays and stays and stays! Even oily food will hardly impact on its hold. Be sure to have a good make-up remover at hand when you are ready to take it off! I only wish they did this in matte.
Bottom row, left to right:
Lipstick Queen in Saint Rose - Moving away from reds, say hello to the perfect rosy nude shade in the loveliest texture. If you are still wary of lipstick this one might convert you!
Givenchy Rouge Interdit in Beige Champagne - Love the packaging of this one, very chic. It's a subtle pink-ish beige that gives just the right hint of soft, slightly glossy colour.
Be kind to your lips, give them some lipstick!
