When I spotted artist’s agent
Jen Brill at a mutual friend’s birthday party wearing a capitivating crimson grin, I knew this was the season to try a bold red lipstick—yet again. Jen, after all, is never at the tail end of a trend so I headed out to the stores, shops, and drugstores of the world to find my own signature crimson. In the past, I had given up on discerning the right shade—I most notably tried it out in the late 1980s—because it can be so hard to match with your hair and skin tone. This time, however, I was determined to discover one before I became disheartened and retreated to my classic pinks and neutrals.
The good news is that after about a month of experimenting—good things take time—I finally found a few reds (at varying degrees) that I can rock with the best of them. After I settled upon a perfect shade, however, I had to make appointments with my dentist; my facialist,
Carol Burns; and spend a few hours at the
David Mallet salon because while choosing the right color is key, having bright, white teeth, freshly scrubbed skin, clean hair, and a healthy dose of self-confidence are essential parts of making this trend actually work. Here is my list:
BEGINNER REDS:
Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge lipstick in Berry Noir, $29, lancome-usa.com.
Like training wheels, this is a good way to get yourself comfortable with a darker shade of berry without risking too much.
INTERMEDIATE REDS:
Chanel Rouge Coco Lipcolor in Paris, $30, chanel.com (available in March).
So pretty and goes with anything and everything that it’s hard not to love it.
ADVANCED REDS:
Rouge d’Armani #400, $30, giorgioarmanibeauty.com.
An advanced red not for the faint of heart, but once you are ready for it I can assure you that your dreams of a bold lip will be met—and then some. It is a deep, luscious shade with a hint of shine.
M.A.C.
Lipstick in Brave Red, $14, maccosmetics.com.
The name says it all!
—
Lauren Santo Domingo
Photo: David X Prutting/PatrickMcMullan.com
