Growing up I never liked red lipstick so the fact that I am now obsessed with red lipstick is quite funny to me. I can still remember the shade of red my mother wore with her press powder base and Jheri curl hair. Even back then I couldn’t understand the hype of the red lip.
I was teased as a child because of my full lips
As I got older, I believed red lipstick was reserved only for the pretty girls aka light skin girls. Red Lipstick was not for girls who looked like me, Dark skin with full lips. I was teased as a child because of my full lips which had a huge effect on my self-esteem. So the last thing I wanted to do was call more attention to them by wearing such a bold color.
In my twenties I still grappled with the idea of wearing red lipstick. I would see one I liked in the store, but I still couldn’t get myself to actually purchase it. However, when I discovered MAC’s Ruby Woo my whole mindset changed. I learned not all reds are made the same and blue tone reds suited me the best. This tidbit of knowledge was a game changer for me. So much so that I decided to explore other types of blue tone lipsticks.
In the last four years I’ve purchased three more red lipsticks that I have completely falling in love with; and I figured why not share them with you.
It’s a classic red I believe every melanin women should have in their collection.
As I mentioned earlier, my introduction into red lipstick began with MAC’s Ruby Woo. It is a blue tone matte red; and because it is matte I have to make sure my lips are well moisturized before applying it. Every time I wear it I feel very sophisticated and don’t let my hair be done too because that’s when you really can’t tell me nothing! It’s a classic red I believe every melanin women should have in their collection. I can see why it’s considered one of the world best selling lipsticks.
It’s the kind of red that makes me say Yassssss every time I wear it.
Next is Dragon Girl by NARS. The first time I saw this lip shade on Myleik Teele during one of her IG Lives, I just knew I had to have it. It’s the kind of red that makes me say Yassssss every time I wear it. It glides on so smoothly and it’s the only red lipstick that I can wear without a lipliner which for me is an extra plus! The only downside, this lipstick comes in the form of a lip crayon so you have to purchase the NARS sharpener in order to sharpen it.
Your confidence must be at 100 to rock this shade.
Elson by Pat McGrath Labs, is not for the faint of hearts. Your confidence must be at 100 to rock this shade. It is extremely pigmented. Named after the model Karen Elson this shade is a vibrant red. It is a creamy matte finish so I don’t need to over moisturize my lips before applying. However, you may need to reapply after a meal.
I definitely feel like a Boss whenever I wear it.
The lipstick I’ve been rocking non stop lately is Bawse Lady by Lipbar. Bawse Lady is a STATEMENT red. The first time I applied it I was kind of unsure but once it dried down, the deep red shade complimented my skin tone perfectly. Although it’s a matte formula it does not suck the life out of my lips and it last all day long. Every time I’ve worn it I’ve gotten compliments followed by who’s it by. I definitely feel like a Boss whenever I wear it.
It’s taken me a long time to get to the point where I feel comfortable enough to wear red lipstick but better late than never. For my Dark Skin women who are apprehensive to wear a red lip, let today be the day you let go of that fear. There IS a shade out there for you and once you found it make sure you wear it confidently.
Until Next time..
Photo Credit: Photographylyfe1
I’m ready to try all of them!!!
They are all worth having in your collection.