There’s just something about a red lip, isn’t there? Something chic. Feminine. Dramatic. Beautiful. Classic.

A red lip never goes out of fashion. In fact, Miranda Kerr recently revealed that on date night with her husband (yes, Mr Orlando Bloom), she will simply pull back her hair, put on some eyeliner and finish with red lipstick.

Another favourite fashionista of ours, the fabulous Andrea from Fox In Flats, created her first ever Style Dare this time last year by – yep, you guessed it – daring her readers to wear red lipstick every day for seven days straight. And she’s at it again, celebrating the first anniversary of the Style Dares by reigniting the Red Lip Dare. Why? Andrea explains…

I’d been avoiding wearing red lipstick since the early ’90s, after a couple of boneheads at uni teased me about it. But challenging myself to give red lippy another go after all these years was great because it came with a very unexpected side-effect: I became more noticeable.

My regular local barista eyed me with an approving glint. The mums at school drop-off did a double take. People kept asking me “Where are you off to?” And the women in my boxing class at the gym struggled to keep up with me. Seems it’s true what they say: red makes you go faster.

But more importantly than other people noticing me, I became more noticeable to myself.

Sing it sister!

Now, let’s be realistic. A red lip is not for the faint hearted. You’ve got to commit. And maintain it.

“But how?!” I hear you cry (or whisper, depending on where you are right now).

There are many opinions out there, but you all know me when it comes to beauty – the simpler the better.

So here are my tips for a fab red lip:

1. Exfoliate your lips (gently) beforehand. I use a lip scrub, but you could also brush your lips with a toothbrush or warm washcloth.
2. Apply a little bit of lip balm, such as pawpaw ointment, and allow it to settle into your lips for a good 5 minutes or more. Enough time to pour yourself a drink!
3. Line your lips with a lip liner and for extra staying power, colour in your lips with it too.
4. Apply your favourite red lipstick. Blot with a tissue. Apply it again.

Make sure you have a small makeup mirror with you as well your lipstick. That way you can pop into the bathroom between courses or drinks to touch up your fabulous red lip.

Here are some lipsticks, glosses and liners to get you looking ravishing in red…

 1. Sportsgirl Lipstick in ‘Bombshell’ ($9.95)

Bombshell is the perfect name for this red lipstick. I own it myself and definitely feel like a glamazon when I wear it. Don’t let the tiny pricetag fool you – Sportsgirl lipsticks pack a punch when it comes to colour and the staying power is fantastic. I’d definitely recommend this one if you are dipping your toe into the world of bright lipsticks.

2. MAC Lipstick in ‘Russian Red’ ($36.00)

Russian Red is an iconic MAC lipstick, with its universally flattering shade of red and incredible staying power, it is simply a must own. I am a huge fan of MAC lipsticks. They are an investment worth making, as the quality is second is to none and they seem to last forever. Well, almost.

3. Australis Lip Liner in ‘Fire Cracker’ ($8.95)

Remember that a lip liner is essential for the perfect red lip, so make sure you own one like this Australis lip pencil. With claims like “long-lasting”, “smudge-free” and “anti-feathering” and an itsy bitsy pricetag to boot, run don’t walk.

4. Benefit Pocket Pal Stain & Gloss ($20.00)

This double duty diva has the world famous Benetint, a rose coloured lip and cheek stain, on one end and a clear lip gloss on the other. Simply apply the Benetint stain to your lips, let it dry and then finish with the gloss. Two-two easy!

5. Australis Lip Gloss in ‘Bollywood’ ($11.95)

Australis lip glosses are nifty little numbers, with their beautiful high pigment colours, glossy (not sticky) texture and lovely subtle fragrance of lychee. Another great product to add to your lip gloss collection which, if you’re anything like me, seem to all congregate in your handbag…and all seem to be in similar shades. Hmmm.

Pucker up and tell us! Did you take part in the Fox In Flats Red Lip Dare? What is your favourite red lipstick?

Stay Chic,

Sonia. xx

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