Red Lips Everyday…Beauty Inspiration to Brighten Your Days

Editor’s Note: In Houston, as in the world, we are experiencing a time that is very different for all of us. With all the unknowns, there are a lot of questions, a lot of anxiety, and a lot of patience needed until we get to the other side of this pandemic. One thing that has been important to all of us is to ensure that we are staying in our homes as much as possible, staying positive and to quote NY Governor Cuomo this morning, “we need to look for the little bits of silver lining in our days“……for me it’s been, in the midst of my commitment to no-makeup, it has been to apply only my red lipstick every day, all day! This brightens my day…..in fact, even though having my red lips on has been a ritual of mine forever….to the gymn, walking in my hood/beautiful Hermann Park, like so many simple things, it has taken on such meaning at this time! That in addition to some exercise each morning has become my daily perk!!

So, it is appropriate, as I see it, to take a story that I had asked Chelsi Oestreich, Corporate Consultant and Beauty Guru who I have known since her Laura Mercier days, to return to MRG to write for me when I noticed, back in February that the Fashion Week Runways were packed with models sporting Red Lips! The irony is that for Chelsi, that is her go-to lip choice as well.

From Chelsi: In an effort to cope and pass the time, the beauty world is making self-care bigger than ever before.  Influencers are posting their favorite skin care rituals, masking, and playing with all sorts of makeup trends. There is one beauty product that Roz and I both agree instantly lifts your spirits – Wear Red Lipstick!  

A Touch of History: In 1912, thousands of suffragettes marched by the doors of the Elizabeth Arden salon, which had opened 2 years prior.  The cosmetics brand founder, who was a major supporter of women’s rights, aligned herself with the cause by handing out tubes of Red Lipstick.  The women donned the bright hue as a sign of rebellion and liberation.

I think it is fitting that this having been Women’s History Month, that the bold symbol of red lipstick is back.  Roz is known not only for her red glasses but also for her love of red lipstick, constantly being asked for her favorite shade.  In my circle of friends, I am also known for my constant red lips be it in sheer, matte or full pigment.  We were both thrilled that model’s lips at New York Fashion Week were drenched in all shades of red!

Fashion Week Faves

Oscar de la Renta

Makeup artist Tom Pecheux said he “wanted lips to say it all”.  He combined MAC’s Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Feels So Grand and Quite the Standout to create the ripe tomato (with a hint of orange) hue.  He finished the look with a swipe of MAC’s Patent Paint Lip Lacquer in Red Enamel for full pigment and high shine.

Carolina Herrera

Models walking this show had bright, red lips on full display courtesy of Lauren Parsons.  Could this be a tease to the legendary designer’s makeup line due to come out in March?  Of course!  Rumor on the street is that she will be launching 36 lip colours, from nudes to reds, in a mix of sheer, satin and matte shades.  I can’t wait!

Jason Wu & Proenza Schouler

The genius and ever so kind, Diane Kendal, worked 2 shows where she chose bright red lips.  Her product of choice at both was Maybelline New York’s SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick.  At Jason’s show, the shade was Pioneer and at Proenza’s, it was Dancer. 

Wearing Red in Everyday Life

I always hear, “I could never wear red”, but I am here to tell you, yes you can!  Red lips brighten your face, make your teeth look whiter and most importantly, when you are having a bad day, a beautiful red lip can boost your confidence and help you tackle the world!  Try these to start.

Tom Ford Lip Colour

My personal all-time favorite is Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush.  Yes, it is $55 but Worth. Every. Penny.  It is creamy, has staying power and is the right blue red for my rosy and pale skin. 

MAC Ruby Woo

Roz’s go to shade is this iconic red, launched 21 years ago and is still their best-selling shade in the US.  It is called a clean-red, which means mimics the primary red shade on a color wheel.  So really red with a matte finish.

Lucky Cat Beauty

Roz is so well known for her red lips, she had a shade named after her.  Aubrie Layne from Lucky Cat Beauty developed Roz Red, which is the perfect red and is part of Aubrey’s Texas Treasures Lip Colors, (www.luckycatbeauty.com) This collection of lip colors are representative of many well-known local Houston ladies and their signature shades. Proceeds, 20% of which, goes to Arthritis Foundation.

So as we navigate these unchartered waters together, do as Roz and I have chosen to do…… don our favorite shade of RED and boldly add some brightness to your day! We know it will be the pick-me-up you need. Stay safe and stay healthy!

Actually, as a note here from Roz: if you have a favorite shade of red that you are wearing, please share it with us in our comments. People do that a lot and I have found some great new shades to try!!