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Monday 31 March 2014

My "Secret" to Long-Wearing Comfortable Red Lips

Red is my go-to for lip color, especially at work.  I actually wore a more neutral color recently and had a co-worker take a second glance before saying she barely recognize me without it.


My favorite reds of the moment are MAC Viva Glam I, which is a deep almost burgundy red with a matte finish, and the limited edition Rihanna Viva Glam which is another blue based red with a beautiful frosted finish.  It's the perfect  ruby-red slipper color. 

Viva Glam I (left) Viva Glam Rihanna (right)
However, since I often work 8 hour shifts I find that both of these colors can start to feel dry about half way through my shift...  I know some prefer a more "dry" matte lip and while I do both love and appreciate a matte finish there's a fine line between beautifully matte and uncomfortably dry.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who has a habit of rubbing my lips together which with a matte lipstick can result in a cake-y looking lip color- and nobody likes that... So sometimes my cherry pout needs a bit of a kick start!


I don't  like layering lip balm over lipstick because I find that it removes some pigment, and can move lipstick around creating an uneven look- that is UNTIL I discovered a solution to all my (first world) problems.


Its so simple, and kind of foolish but I swear by it.  What you need to keep your red lips looking fresh and feeling comfortable is actually a red tinted lip balm (duh Danielle).  I use my Clinique "Almost Lipstick" in "Luscious Honey" almost everyday now.  
  

I received  it in a free bonus gift with purchase from the Bay and I just may have to repurchase a full size when its gone.  The color is buildable and the texture is silky which adds moisture, but not a lot of shine.  Tons of other lines also have moisturising lip products that provide that sheer wash of color as well so I'm sure many of you probably already have a similar product at home or wouldn't have a hard time finding one in either the drugstore or department store.  I find that the tint of color just adds enough moisture for me to carry on happily without moving around and displacing the pigment from previous applications. 

Left to right: Viva Glam I, Viva Glam Rihanna, Luscious Honey

While I'm sure I'm not the first one to make this realization it was a game changer for me.
What do you do to keep your matte lips comfortable during long days/ nights?
xoxo

14 comments:

  1. Love this post. I really love the clinique lip balm, it looks so pretty. I just use a bourjois colour boost in the shade Red Sunrise (i think it's called that anyway). I love matte lips and the lipsticks look gorgeous too. Love your posts Xxx
    scarletslippers.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. The almost lipstick is a great product, I love it because its versatility! It's great for this and a also cute a cherry-stained look which is perfect and light in the summer time.
      Thanks for reading!
      D.

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  2. I love a red lip as well! Mac Lady Danger is my fave, would love if you could check out my blog :)

    http://istylethereforeiiwear.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. Lady Danger is wicked! Have you tried M'Orange?? I love the pure orange shade.

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  3. Ok my comment got lost, I will write it again!

    Your description of how matte lipsticks sometimes feel is totally on point.
    My experience with Mac mattes like Russian Red, RubyWoo, Flat Out Fabolous, is that I can apply lip balm on top of them and nothing will happen, that pigment does NOT move.

    Matte lipsticks from other brands yes, what you said.
    In that case I still put a lip balm on top and then I just reapply the lipstick.

    But with my OCC Lip Tar I found 2 other lipsticks I can touch it up with - with the main reason being that a casual touch up of a Lip Tar out of the tube would be a VERY bad idea haha -, and I too wrote it in my blogpost about it because I thought it was genius :-D

    I love your Viva Glam reds, really gorgeous shades! Thank you for your post!!

    x
    MJ

    mjintheskywithglitter.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree the Retro mattes will not budge! I find when I layer lipstick, lip balm, lipstick it makes the fade away patchy and uneven so it's great that you find that works for you!
      As for OCC Lip Tars, I've never tried them! Something about the name "Lip Tar" is just so unappealing to me- butI've heard they're great.

      Thanks again for reading!
      D.

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  4. I've have nominated your blog for the Very Inspiring blogger award. Check out my blog for more details...
    lizzieharrisonbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

    Love Lizzie xx

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    Replies
    1. Wow, thank you! I I will check it out now.
      xoxo D

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  5. I always feel too self conscious to wear red lipstick but these products that you have look beaut! I may have to conquer my fear and be BOLD haha!
    http://rachelcoco.blogspot.co.uk

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    Replies
    1. Be confident! If you're uncomfortable and just want to dip your toes in the water I would suggest trying a product like the almost lipstick on its own. That way you will get a red lip that a lot more "natural" and easier to wear day to day than a full on bold matte!
      xoxo D

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  6. Love the colors! I will definitely try your secret ;-)

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  7. Love Rihannas one, I have the viva glam one and wear it non stop! LOVE the blog, heres a link to my blog if youre interested ;) http://theparmaviolet.blogspot.ie/

    ReplyDelete