Hot Mess Avoidance

The only rule you need to know when buying red lipstick. 

The great thing about red lipstick is that once you have it, you’re pretty much set because swiping on some ruby red gives you the freedom of simplicity. Wait what? Red lips for everyday wear are loud enough--I mean you can spot those puckering puppies from a mile away, which means the 2 minutes (max) it takes you to lather up your lips, the less time you need to spend on beautifying the rest of your head—yes head; no crazy eye makeup or hair-dos needed.

The problem with red lips is that if you pick the wrong color, you're effed. People will automatically assume you're a train wreck waiting to happen and will about-face when you show up. Think about it; whenever any celeb runs straight into a brick wall, you can pretty much guarantee her bleach blonde extensions and raccoon eyes are accompanied by some big apple red. 

So what's the solution?

It's easy. Go to the makeup counter and ask for help. This is how you avoid problems. Every person has their own color and the wrong color can enhance the wrong features.

You will probably try on at least 4-12 shades before you find the right one but don't worry, it's out there. As I was assured, the medium-sized Sephora in my mall carried over 50 shades of red, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and say your chances of success are pretty high. 

Vintage Givenchy lipstick ad

The Quick Tips:

1. Don't be shy when asking for help.

2. Don't fake it, but try to know what you're talking about. Going on vacation and want something to boost your tan? Ask for something coral-y. Do you want to make your teeth look whiter without the use of peroxide? You'll want something with blue undertones. Even if all you know is that you want something in the red family, be honest.

3. You don't need the trendiest brand. Yeah, Instagramming a YSL lip tube is pretty BA but if that color looks bad out of the packaging and on your face, you just wasted $34. 

     3a. Tell the sales associate your price point then ask if she won't reveal the brand until you've picked the right one. That way you'll focus on what looks best and not what sounds best. 

Just like another top contender on the list of "things I need to force myself to try on before buying," if you're looking for a new pair of jeans and want to make your butt look bigger, minimize your thighs or lengthen your legs, you're going to need to do a little digging before you find your Sisterhood pair. And just like with lip colors, you've got to try this ish out. 

Above lipstick Make Up For Ever Professional in Rouge Artist Intense #44.