best of the reds.

The best of the reds

From left to right: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Theodora, Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Color in 645 Red Revival, MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 10, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 01, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 11, and Clinique Quickliner for Lips in 35 Rich Red

You may have noticed that, in addition to being obsessed with leopard print, I am also a bit of a lipstick fanatic (see here and here). Red lipstick in particular is one of my absolute favorite makeup items. It has the power to instantly add glamour to any outfit. Recently I have collected quite a few reds that have become some of my go-to products. Here are the descriptions of each of them, as well as some tips and tricks that I have discovered along the way.

In order from left to right:

1. Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Theodora - $20
I got this when I purchased the limited edition Theodora palette that Urban Decay released for Oz the Great and Powerful. I liked the movie, but I loved the makeup even more. This shade is very similar to, if not an exact dupe of the F-Bomb shade in the normal Super-Saturated line. The color payoff is fantastic, but it does need to be reapplied after you eat. It is also quite sticky for a lip stain/lipstick hybrid.

2. Maybelline ColorSensational Lip Color in 645 Red Revival - $5-8
This was the first drugstore red that I purchased and I have to say that I have definitely gotten my money's worth. This is a bit of a darker red and looks quite glamorous on the lips. Before putting this on, you have to exfoliate and moisturize your lips, as the color clings to any flaky bits. Also, make sure to use lip liner beforehand unless you want the color to bleed halfway through the day. This one requires multiple reapplications.

3. MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo - $16
This is without a doubt my favorite red lipstick and likely my favorite lipstick ever. It is one of the most expensive brands in this selection, but it is the best in terms of quality. This lipstick is extremely matte. It has blue undertones and looks like the perfect classic red. Make sure to moisturize your lips beforehand so that they don't dry out later on in the day. This stuff lasts forever and doesn't even need a reapplication after eating. I will definitely buy a back-up when this tube reaches the bottom. Also, I love the vanilla scent.

4, 5, and 6. Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 10, 01, and 11 - $4.50-6
I'm doing these three together because they all have the same formulation. These all smell like fruit punch, which can be a bit overpowering at first. They are pretty similar to the Maybelline formula above, although they are slightly less creamy. Other than that, the lasting power is pretty much the same. Keep them in your purse during the day because you will need to reapply. Lip liner is essential. As for the colors, 10 is a light blue-red. 01 is a classic true red and quite similar in color to Red Revival above. 11 is the darkest of the three. While it does not get quite into burgundy-red territory, it comes pretty close.

7. Clinique Quickliner for Lips in 35 Rich Red - $15
Finally we come to my saving grace in the red lipstick department. I have pretty full lips and so my lipstick tends to fade or to bleed out if I don't use lip liner. This formula lasts forever and matches with all the reds I own. Also, I love the windup tube. It keeps the product clean and I don't have to worry about sharpening it.

xoxo

Sabrina

PS. I will be writing for CollegeFashionista this summer as well! Make sure to stay up-to-date on my posts here!