Ever hear about power dressing? This is a face fit for conquering and victory dancing. Whether you’re headed to a big meeting or a meet-up with an intriguing suitor, working a red lipstick communicates strength and take-charge confidence. Call it the red-alert factor: people pay attention to words spoken from fearless, scarlet lips. Make yours positively memorable.
Start by following the basic steps: apply primer, foundation, blemish/under-eye concealer (if needed), and powder.
Keep eye makeup minimal so your mouth remains the focal point. Sweep a vanilla-colored eye shadow across the entire lid, and trace the upper lash line with a chocolate-colored eyeliner. A light smudge of taupe shadow in the crease and under the lower lash line is all you need for definition. Follow with black mascara on the top lashes only.
For cheeks, apply a very subtle, natural-looking blush. If you use cream blush, apply it before your face powder.
|
|
|
|
Next, choose a red lipstick that complements your skin tone. Think blue-based reds for fairskinned women, true reds for olive-skinned women, and deeper blood reds for dark-skinned women. If you’re a redhead with a fair but warm complexion, head for brick or tomato reds.
Prepare a long-lasting power pucker by first tracing the lip line with a nude or clear lip pencil. This keeps lipstick in place and helps avoid color bleeding.
Next, paint your lips red with precision by using a lip brush. Blot carefully and reapply for a glistening, velvet finish. (I never add gloss over red lipstick; it’s too overwhelming. Let the color alone do the talking here.) If you’re looking to command the room but want to take a more subtle approach, go for a red lip tint or a sheer red lipstick.
Classic, classy, and oh so sassy—that’s you, my ruby beauty!
|
|
Carmindy Fan Q&A
Q: I have a medium complexion and full Latina lips. Which red lipstick won’t make me look like a clown? Most of the ones I’ve tried make me feel like Bozo, and I end up wearing nude or light shades most of the time.
—Wendy, 34, Puerto Rico
A: When you’re feeling like you want to show off those full, fabulous lips, try a deep sheer red. The sheer factor allows your skin to show through, so you gain the color punch without feeling like you’re auditioning for Ringling Brothers.
|
|
