The journey of finding that perfect red lipstick is similar to finding the perfect little black dress. There are many to choose from but there can only be one that is made just for you. Even if sometimes you take a few tries and fail. When you find the right one for you somehow you feel classic and timeless.
In the last year I FINALLY conquered the beast. I found the perfect shade for me. It also happened to coincide with the matte trend that's going on now. I ultimately learned those glossy reds if you have hair they get all over your cheeks and tend to be on the hookery side. The satin finish ones don't get all over your face like the gloss but you have some of the same problems of constantly having to wipe your teeth, cups and what not. Also in my exoerience those types of lipsticks when it comes to red don't have the color intensity that a matte finish does.
On a splurge last year I went to Sephora and bought myself a matte lipstick called "Red Lizard" by NARS for $25 dollars. I know...I know... my policy to be extravagant while being thrifty was broken. Generally I tend to buy my make-up from the local drugstore near my house. I do this ever since a few years back I read a book called "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me" by Paula Begoun. It brought me to the realization that most make-up companies work on your insecurities and illusions of affluence if you buy their product. Offering special ingredients that are no more than just a gimmick and fancy packaging with a different scent.
And the end of the day it's all the same stuff and I choose the drugstore make-up if the result is the same anyways. Ok... Given all this knowledge I still went into Sephora since I was having such a difficult time finding that perfect red at my local drugstore. Also it was starting to get costly without the right results.
Ultimately I found it and it was worth every penny of those $25 dollars. It stays on for a real long time without having to reapply it often and has a velvety finish with a color intensity that I love on my skin tone. The only reason I am even on my second tube is that I left my make-up bag on the front seat of my car on a hot summer day. Even then it wasn't even half-way finished keep in mind I had it for almost a year and wear it almost daily. Money well spent in my experience.
Remember like finding prince charming you have to kiss a lot of frogs. The same with the perfect red lipstick. Yet once you find it you will treasure it forever or until the make-up company decides to discontinue it. In the latter case rinse, repeat and start over. Good luck on your quest and to finding the right shade to attract that prince charming so as to not waste it on silly toads.
