The Perfect Red Lip Duo

Finding the perfect lip for me has been quite a task. I keep experimenting with so many colours, mix and match them to find the one that matches my skin tone perfectly. I own a lot of reds but I was on the lookout for an affordable red lip combo that not only has the classic Hollywood shade but also looks good on the warm undertones of my skin. Here’s what I found that works for me and I thought I’d do tell you all about it because I’m so obsessed with this combo.

Step 1 : Essence Lip Liner in Femme Fatale

These lip liners have already been the talk of the town for the last few years because of their price point and amazing staying power. I honestly prefer these pencil ones over the roll up ones because I like to sharpen them every time I do a red lip and get that precise line around the lips. This product is so creamy and easy to apply and I hate nothing more than having to tug my lips with dry lip pencils but one stroke does the job with this swipe. It is a nice, deep cool toned red colour and I think it looks amazing without any lipstick over it as well. I usually like to only outline the lips but if you fill in your lips with this stuff, I think you’re good to go for a good couple of hours.

Step 2 : NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red

Now presenting the real star of this duo, the most creamy and pigmented red lipstick from the drugstore that I’ve used so far. No, it's not Mac's Ruby Woo but I think it's a close dupe and actually better. It has a beautiful cool toned retro red colour but also not cool enough to look strange on my skin. It’s the perfect in between and will absolutely look good on almost all skin tones.  I love the fact that it’s matte but doesn’t dry my lips out at all. I’ve worn this out for 6-8 hours and also included a meal and I love how this stayed put through a meal and a drink. The only little place that I had to touch up afterwards was the centre of the lip. It was minor compared to what I’ve experienced with some other drugstore reds which are beautiful colours but have failed to stay on my lips for longer than 2-3 hours.

Step 3 : Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer

This one is the most important step in my opinion. I use this concealer to go over the edges of my lip to clean up any uneven lines and make it look extra precise. I love this concealer because it’s highlighting and really brightens the area around my mouth. It also comes with a brush so I can directly use it without bothering to look for a lip brush etc. I keep this tube only for lipstick application and clean up the brush with a wipe after application and wash it once every few weeks. It’s such a great thing to have for on the go touch ups too.

This red duo is clearly going to be my favourite for months to come. I think this is the most versatile when it comes to skin tones as well. Autumn is on it’s way and I’ll be getting a lot more use out of it and don’t mind wearing it on every day of summer as well. 

SHOP MY FAVOURITE REDS