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: Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick Paprika

I remember when I first heard about the Nuance by Salma Hayek line which is a CVS exclusive, and then spent a huge portion of my time patiently awaiting for it to come into stock (my local CVS tends to not get new releases quickly, it seems). And when it was finally in stock, I couldn't narrow down what I wanted but somehow I figured that I'd take a chance on the lipstick tube of Paprika. 

And I fell in love with it immediately. 

It's likely not much of a surprise that vibrant colours (brighter colours) are something that I'm a bit unused to. Back in the day when I used to wear lipstick frequently, I often opted for gray, dark red, or black lipstick so it's a huge step out of my comfort zone. I bring this up to help readers understand the hesitation with previous tubes of red lipstick. This particular tube however, it's sort of the mid way for me when it comes to red and the dark red that I used before.

It is incredibly creamy and glides on well. It also lasts quite a bit and even though it retains moisture throughout the day, it's not messy. In some ways, I end up thinking about it as a moisturizing red tinted lip balm (please note that it is not, it really is a lipstick but the characteristics is akin). 

Day of wear with e.l.f. lip liner in Bitter (one coat).

Of the ones that I've tried so far, I basically compared them to this tube. It has long been my favourite go-to red and I never feel self-conscious about wearing it. I've always thought of it as quite flattering and it does make me a bit sad that it has once again vanished from the store shelves. For comparison sake, of the 6 others I have tried, Rimmel Kate in 01 was my other favourite and both appear below.

Nuance Paprika & Rimmel Kate in 01.

Although Nuance makeup had vanished from my local CVS, I don't think they've vanished from other CVS stores. The makeup was replaced by the nail polishes which is new for this year and the makeup can still be purchased online. Speaking on Nuance nail polishes though, here's my nifty latest purchase which is a lacquer in Midnight Blackberry.

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Product: Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick Paprika
Red Lipstick Confidence Level: ★★★★★
Price: $9.99
Stars: ★★★★☆
Would Recommend? Yes!
Takeaway: This is one of my staples as I love the formula and pigmentation. I think it looks great and lasts a long time without ever trully drying out. 

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.