"If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack." - Coco Chanel
The essential finishing touch of any pin up look, red lipstick is the perfect way to add instant glamour. Classic, elegant and versatile, there is a shade out there to suit everyone! Your first foray into a bold scarlet pout can be a little intimidating, but we promise that with practice, you'll find the red lip for you. Our Sirens share their lipstick of choice along with some tips for application.
Words by Eva Devore
Favourite Lipstick: MAC Matte Lipstick in "Ruby Woo". It doesn't go on too thick and it's super matte!
My secret to a perfect pout: Learn your lip line and shape. Lip ratio should be 1/3 top lip, 2/3 bottom lip, give or take a teeny bit. It's very hard to get your lip line perfect so unless you're a pro, invest in a lip liner. Trust me, people can tell!
Also, lip liner is essential for satin and glossy lipsticks! No way around it, no excuses!
Favourite Lipstick: MAC Matte Lipstick in "Russian Red" with a lip liner called "Nice n Spicy" to give it depth.
My secret to a perfect pout: I have a little trick with a cotton bud, I apply my liner and lippy as normal and I grab a bud and wipe the corners of my mouth inwards so that the line blurs into my natural lip colour rather than creating a harsh line. I also smooth the bud over the insides of my mouth in a pouty shape to make sure none gets on my teeth!
Favourite Lipstick: My favourite red lips are a classic MAC Satin Red, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet 57 Rouge Feu, or Yves Saint Laurent 01 Rouge pur Couture.
My secret to a perfect pout: For burly girls doing an overdrawn lip: don't start too big to begin with, I create a little love-heart shape over the top lip and then take it gradually down to the natural line.
I hate the old adage of blotting your lips on a tissue - my first application always goes on the cheek of one of my friends (that way they know that they're loved!)
Favourite Lipstick: Lipsense is my long wear of choice. Blendable, buildable and can be worn super glitter glossy to matte.
My secret to a perfect pout: For lazier types (i.e. moi) I go for a long wear and a liner. While I know that ideally you should remove and re-apply, I'm just not that committed. I don't find it too drying and it doesn't come off on stuff. It can be tricky to apply, but a lip liner hides so very many sins! Failing that, a good lip-stain and a high pigment colour is the way to go.
Favourite Lipstick: Besame Cosmetics Lipstick in "1941 Victory Red." I love Besame lipsticks as they are exact replicas of vintage colours, perfect for a vintage-lover like me!
My secret to a perfect pout: Lipstick is easy to wear, as long as you're prepared to do the maintenance! Always wipe it off with a tissue or napkin before you eat, to avoid it travelling down your chin. Make sure you carry a pretty compact and your lipstick on your purse to reapply after your meal!
Also remember, most lipsticks will transfer. I love leaving lipstick kisses on everything - tea cups, champagne glasses and even boyfriends!
Favourite Lipstick: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw is super pigmented and goes on easy, I find you can even get away without using a lip liner if you REALLY have to. Lasts all night and doesnt flake or go grainy. Plus, the whole Kat Von D range is cruelty free!
My secret to a perfect pout: I always gently close my lips on a tissue to blot off excess colour to stop getting it on my teeth!