Battle of the rouge lip!

So finding the perfect red lip can be a bit of a mission, with all the different shades and undertones out there. It has taken me a while to do so but I have found my perfect red... Well almost. I've found two. I've decided to bring the internal ongoing debate I have as to which one is my favourite to my blog.

Candidate number 1 is the infamous Ruby Woo by MAC. I love this red, it is the perfect balance between a deep and bright red. Super long lasting and super matte! It doesn't budge and there is 0 bleeding with this. My only criticism with this is almost not a criticism... I feel like sometimes (mostly in the winter) it becomes too matte and drying, It actually becomes hard to apply, which isn't entirely pleasant. In the summer I have no complaints but with the weather in the UK it's not very avoidable.

Candidate number 2 is the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Mat in colour 203, I love love love this, it is pretty similar to Ruby Woo but slightly brighter. You can achieve that deep luxurious look with a bit of dark lip liner blended into it. This also doesn't bleed and lasts longer than most lipsticks although I don't believe the longevity quite matches upto Ruby Woo.

So not much difference between the two but from reading my own argument I think I prefer Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Mat - 203 simply due to the way it looks and feels lovely on the lips. Your lips are delicate so anything you put on it shouldn't be dragging it or drying it out. For quick intensity for a photo shoot maybe I would definitely go for Mac but for everyday, throw in the handbag type of use,any time of the year YSL wins for me.

I think.
I'll probably change my mind next week, but for now :)

P.s They both smell ahmmaazing!

Mwah xo

The Rouge lip

When I think red lips, three main stars come to mind, Rhi Rhi, Rita Ora and Scarlett Johansson. red lipstick is an essential in everyone's beauty kit! No matter your complexion the right red is enough to complete any look! 

Scarlett Johansson is a timeless beauty with such a classic look. She is one of few people who could get away with picking the brightest shade of red and rocking it because of her super bright pale skin. This isn't to say only pale people can wear bright red lipsticks but the luminosity in her skin is really accentuated with the lipstick. As you can see below, her skin is tanned but she has a very illuminated complexion which has been highlighted with the under eye concealer trick which makes the red lipstick look absolutely amazinggg on her skin!

I find when it comes to darker skin tones a red with very slight purple undertones gives the same effect. The more purpley and less orangey, the less dramatic but still gives a lovely finish. Here Kerry Washington is owning the red lipstick and it really does brighten her complexion without looking too overly bright and that look is really not hot.

 For those with very rich dark skin tones the same applies, look for shades with a more berry like finish IF your going for this look but don't let anyone say you cant rock a Ruby Woo as the statement bright red look is also very hot, just more daring and gives a different effect, maybe not for everyday wear (or maybe, if you like). If you have a darker skin tone and still want to rock the bright red colour naturally, the way to avoid it looking too POW is by lining and filling in your lips with a colour that matches your skin, then applying the red over it. When you blend it in the red will still be as bright but it will blend more naturally in a gradient effect so there isn't an obvious clash between your dark skin and the bright lip colour. If you have dark lips make sure to line them with a colour that is in-between the colour of your lips and the colour of the lipstick your applying. This gives a better finish and makes the lipstick last longer.

My pick of amaazzee red lipsticks: Top 3

MAC Ruby Woo - Perfect for bright matte lips and suuuper long lasting

TopShop Lips in beguiled - Lovely finish, and long lasting deep red 

Helen E - Caribbean - A very moisturising sexy red 

Mwah xo