My Favorite Red Lipsticks

I am a bit obsessed with bright lipsticks (much to my husband's dismay).  I love hot pinks, purple hues, oranges...but my heart lies with red.  I can't get enough of red lipstick, especially as the weather is warming up.  Bright lipstick is a great way to instantly look put together.  I love that I can just slap on a bit of tinted moisturizer and mascara and have the focus be on the lip.  Five minute makeup, BOOM.  Here is a list of my favorite red lip colors!

Nars Heatwave Lipstick  is my all time favorite red.  I read in a magazine a few years ago that this is one of the colors makeup artists used on JCrew models and have always loved the bright poppy lips the girls sport in the pictures.  I have been hooked since.  Heatwave leans towards the orange side of things, so it really stands out.  Another spectacular choice if a true red is what you are after is Nars Jungle Red Lipstick.The texture of these lipsticks is amazeballs.  They have a semi matte finish, so they stay put for several hours without being too drying.  Excellent work, Nars.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is another home run.  The shade is a classic bright red with blue undertones which makes your teeth look incredibly white, and who doesn't want that?  The texture is matte, but doesn't crumble on your lips or get stuck in the crevices as easily as most true matte lipsticks do.  The pencil like shape of this lipstick makes application a dream.  I don't usually bother with liner because I personally like the slightly lived in slap on and go look of applying red lipstick without one.  It makes it feel more casual and day time appropriate.  However, when I am concerned with a truly perfect application, this product makes it so easy!

Hourglass Liquid Lipstick in Raven is a beautiful matte orange red color.  This is one of the longest lasting products I have ever tried.  It does feel quite drying on the lips, so I tend to reserve this for when I won't be able to reapply often.  You can put this stuff on and it will stay with you through hours of dinner and drinks.

Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Lipstick in Timeless is fairly new in the rotation, and unfortunately is limited edition.  It is a coral red with a semi matte finish.  The color is gorgeous, and is easier to wear than the previously mentioned colors because it isn't quite as in your face.  The staying power is decent, although you will need to reapply after eating and drinking.  It feels fairly moisturizing for a semi matte lipstick, and I have been really enjoying this product lately.

(From Left to Right)

Nars Heatwave, Nars Jungle Red, Nars Dragon Girl, Hourglass Raven, Tarte Timeless

I would suggest checking any of these incredible shades out, but if you aren't sure you can commit to a full on lip, stay tuned!  Part two of this post will be coming soon and will feature lighter, more sheer alternatives.

-Petra