A Final Look at the Red Ladies

Back in June I tried out a bunch of red lipsticks -- I had a few others in the lineup that I didn't quite get to so I never got around to posting the comparisons. The experiment was to try out several different lipsticks over a span of a few weeks, and here are the lipsticks (taken the morning of that they were applied for the day) so that you can see the difference in colours.

e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Rich Red

Maybelline Color Sensational in Very Cherry

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Matte
Collection Lipstick in 107

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 01

Lancôme Color Design Lipstick in Red Stiletto

MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in
Moulin Rouge

Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick in Paprika

Red Lady: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge #43

Back when I first started my hunt for an "everyday" red lipstick, I came upon this one with the help of Sephora. I remember the first day that I wore it while walking home and I felt so self conscious about it. So sadly, this particular tube, though I've had it for a long time and it has batted around the bottom of my purse or my makeup bags, hasn't ever really been used.

Given this experiment of wearing red lipsticks, this one was a natural contender but it was one that I was most hesitant about. Talking to Devi though, who raved about this one, I tried to not be as adversarial to it. After all, it looked amazing on her.

The colour itself is actually quite nice -- it's a bit vibrant and though in the back of my head I felt as though it had a tinge of orange. Clearly I was a bit off in my assessment of it, but that didn't stop me from feeling self conscious.

Which brings up another very important point -- I've been showing copped pictures of just the lipstick and something that you absolutely need to keep in mind is what you're wearing because other makeup and your choice of clothes (colour wise) will effect how the lipstick is perceived. Why did some red lipsticks seem more orange-like whereas others seemed more purple, or more blue based? Not only was it my undertones, but also the difference between wearing a white shirt and a pink shirt.

With that being said, in comparison to other lipsticks that I had worn, I found myself leaning toward the Rimmel Red (not the matte version) in leiu of this one. But let's analyze why... The formula itself seemed a bit waxy and while it glided on well enough, it still didn't have the creaminess that others had. The colour lasted almost all day but the gumminess appeared a bit early on in the day (you know that feeling, when you've worn a lipstick for far too long in a day and it gets all gunked up?). Upon application, there was this weird taste that just seemed to last all day and even after my beloved midday cappuccino, I couldn't shake that taste. Needless to say, that while I could look back at pictures and say "That looked good!" I really didn't feel it which knocked my overall confidence level for this lipstick down quite a bit.

Day of wear with e.l.f. lip liner in Bitter.

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Product: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge #43
Red Lipstick Confidence Level: ★★☆☆☆
Price: $20
Stars: ★★★☆☆
Would Recommend? No, however since I know that this works well with my other makeup aficionado friends, I'd say that if it looks good on you, then give it a shot.
Takeaway: Good colour (though perhaps one that I'm not necessary fond of, but looks great in pictures), however the formula seemed off. Didn't like the weird aftertaste that lasted all day and definitely didn't appreciate the early signs of gumminess. 

Revisiting the Red Ladies

Recently I got the urge to revisit red lipstick; but as always it a long and slightly arduous task considering that you really need to try on a bunch and match for your correct undertones. Thus I decided that it wasn't just time to find a new tube of red lipstick but to revisit The Red Ladies in general. By that I mean, actually wear them.

Over the next few posts I'll be trying on new ones and possibly revisiting old ones. In the lineup are the following reds:

1. e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Rich Red
2. Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick in Paprika
3. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 01
4. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Matte Collection Lipstick in 107
5. Maybelline Color Sensational in Very Cherry

I'll likely be covering their longevity and wear within the next few posts as I slowly go through them. Other colours that I may cover appear below. Some of these have been with me for a while so pardon their appearance. 

1. COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor in Embrace
2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge
3. Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Color in Ruby
4. Estée Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Orchid

As this might take me a bit of time to slowly go through them (who knows, I might get a bit fed up and combine them all into one mega post, I'll leave you with some preliminary swatches of them.

From left to right: e.l.f., Nuance, Rimmel Kate,
Rimmel Kate Matte, and Maybelline.

Covergirl, MUFE, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder.

Now I know that it might seem a bit confusing that with the first batch being red, the second jumps to purple and pinks. The reason for this is that I've been on the hunt for a purple lipstick as well, but not one that is too bright since my undertones don't take to well too colours at time. While perusing the makeup aisles at Target, I came across Covergirl's Embrace and I had to grab it. Given the devation, I figured that it would be worth it to try out all of my lipsticks if time allows.

Rimmel Kate Matte and Covergirl.

The Red Ladies

Don't mind the wear and tear on these gals, they have been knocking around my makeup bags for quite a bit.

From left to right:
1. Nuance by Salma Hayek Color Vibrance in Paprika
2. L'Oreal Colour Riche in Penelope's Red 320
3. MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge #43
4. Revlon Absolutely Fabulous in Vixen #59

A while ago I did a comparison of the last three with a simple everyday look (and by everyday I mean cat eyes and red lips, so make of that what you will). Penelope's Red while nice, was too light and felt too orange while the Moulin Rouge was bright and cheery but not something I could pull off everyday. Vixen was and still always is very dark, which is great for an evening look, but not for everyday wear. When I came across the Paprika tube, I was very happy with it and it is my standard everyday lipstick. (Well, not everyday, but I could definitely pull it off during the day).

Click here for a picture of the 4 lined up.

Excuse the lighting but you can probably notice some differences emerging with the four. The Revlon (Vixen) is only there as a mark for a dark red. Below you can see how the four hold up on my skin though. Nuance (Paprika) is still striking as a light red, but still there and refined. The L'Oreal (Penelope's Red) is somewhat of a mess and I think it's fair to note here that the common red lip liners are a slight disaster when paired with this lipstick. The MUFE (Moulin Rouge) just pops magnificently and the Revlon (Vixen) is my favourite lipstick for when I feel piratey. 

I already knew that in order to wear Penelope's Red that I need to find another lip liner, which I haven't done just yet. With Paprika and Moulin Rouge, I can get away with using e.l.f. Essential Feather Proof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Bitter.

As I play around with different variations, I'm sure I'll find a better way of using Penelope's Red and even Moulin Rouge. (I'm not at that point where I can wear it to work just yet). And perhaps one day I will let go of the coveted Vixen though I will admit it's fantastic for Halloween.

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Product: Nuance by Salma Hayek Color Vibrance in Paprika
Price: $9.99
Would Recommend? Yes
Takeaway: I love it because it's just the right colour and gives great coverage. Last throughout the day though you will need to touch it up here and there. Great for an everyday look. 

Product: L'Oreal Colour Riche in Penelope's Red 320 

Price:  Approximately $8.00 depending on where you find it.

Would Recommend? No

Takeaway: Not very pigmented and thus doesn't have a good coverage. Ends up seeming too light and requires a matching lip liner to really bring out the colour. 

Product: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge #43
Price: $19.00
Would Recommend? Yes
Takeaway: This is an intense red which has great coverage and great pigmentation which is fantastic. This one is vibrant but beautiful.

Product: Revlon Absolutely Fabulous in Vixen #59
Price: $5.99
Would Recommend? Depends on the look.
Takeaway: Great for an evening wear or even for Halloween as it's very much on the dark side.