The Best, Most Fabulous Red Lipsticks of All Time
There’s just something about this “little black dress” of the makeup world that gives you an instant infusion of confidence; you feel at once empowered and assertive, but still feminine.
There’s no hiding in this color, but why would you want to???
What the Color Red Symbolized
The color red in history
For centuries, red lipstick was seen as immoral, much like wearing red clothing or having red hair (can you imagine?!). In 1650, the British Parliament even tried to ban lipstick altogether. Clearly, they were insane (this law didn’t pass).
However, with the Golden Age of Hollywood came Technicolor films (remember Dorothy’s ruby slippers?), and red lipstick eventually became more accepted.
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How the Color Red Affects Men
Believe it or not, the power of the color red has been studied in the science world. Psychologists at the University of Rochester performed a study in 2008 to see just what effect the color red had on men.
Red is the Color of Love
They performed 5 experiments and were able to demonstrate that red makes men experience more feelings of attraction and love. One of the experiments showed that the men were more willing to date the woman in red and—get this—take her out for an expensive meal. Funny thing though—men are not even consciously aware that they were succumbing to the allure of red!
The Effect of Red on Women
Hold on a minute, though, ladies! This does not hold just for men!
Women are more likely to find men attractive when they are associated with red, even if the color is part of the background!
However, the power of red only applies to feelings of attractiveness. It had no effect on the way women rated other women and it didn’t change how men rated women in terms of likeability or intelligence.
The Best Red Lipsticks of All Time…
Sephora Lip Stain in 01 Always Red, $14
This Sephora brand liquid lipstick does not disappoint. It’s bold, it’s fearless, it’s bright…it is not for the faint of heart. This is definitely a solid choice at a great price point. Buy one for a friend and set out to rule the world together.
Ruby woo by MAC, $18.50
That “where have you been all my life” color, sure to be called an icon years from now (if it isn’t already), and up there with 999. This blue-red shade makes everyone, EVERYONE, look fantastic. Honestly, I cannot think of one person this shade doesn’t compliment. It comes in whatever form gives you the most joy: lipstick, lipglass and a lip liner…it even comes in mini form for travel.
Buy Ruby woo by MAC
Diva by MAC, $18.50
Mac does it again with another great red, Diva. It’s akin to a bourbon-soaked cherry. Just as sweet, with a little smokiness and a mysterious depth.
A good one to up the ante, so to speak.
Buy Diva by MAC
Lancome L’Absolu Lip Lacquer, 188 Only You, $26
Super-versatile. You can swipe one layer on to look like a simple lip stain, and by layer number 3, you have an amazing, well, lacquer look.
It’s reminiscent of red candy apples. Buy L’Absolu.
Yves St Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain, 401 Rouge Vinyle, $37
Love at first swipe is what I have to say about this one. YSL continues the tradition of beauty and style with this elegant lip stain. This one left me speechless. Worth every penny.
Buy Yves St Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain
Fenty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored, $24
Fenty Beauty comes right out of the gate with a red that you would climb over your best friend, just to get the last tube on the shelf.
Yes. It’s that serious.
Buy
Okay, I know. Some of them are not lipsticks in the strictest sense of the word, but hey, fabulous is fabulous!!
What’s your favorite shade of red lipstick?
What’s your favorite red lipstick?
Or do you prefer pink?
I look forward to seeing what you love!
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