The beginner's guide to a bright lip
By: Haley Regis and Daniella Porano
Haley -- On snooze button days, I find it fun to draw attention away from puffy eyes and messy hair with a bright lip. I never really wore makeup in high school—I borrowed my mom’s mascara every now and again but I didn’t really know what was going on. I just remember reading an article about darker skin tones and bright lips and thinking that I could maybe do that. So, I went to Shoppers, bought a cherry red and a dark plum colour and just kind of winged it. I looked like a monster, but looking like a clown inspired me to look into beauty blogs to know what I was doing.
M.A.C. ($23)
A current favourite of mine is actually “Morange”, a bright orange from M.A.C. It’s borderline obnoxious, but having a darker skin tone makes it easier to pull off. It goes on super easy but needs a bit of time to set properly. It smells like vanilla and can last through a coffee date, though.
Revlon Matte Balm in Standout ($11.50)
The red I wear the most often is a Revlon Matte Balm in Standout, a good, classic red you can grab at Shoppers Drug Mart. Intensely pigmented, it goes on like a balm and has the same staying power as a basic lipstick. You’ll need to reapply, but just carry it around in your bag —it’s a chunky pencil that’ll only take 30 seconds to touch up. Also, it smells like mint, which is handy if you forget to brush your teeth. Kidding, oral hygeine is important.
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Daniella -- Although I am a relative newcomer to the world of lipstick, there are a few qualities I look for in every tube I purchase. My Mediterranean heritage guarantees that some colours look spectacularly odd on me, so colour is particularly important. I love all shades of reds and pinks, but tend to shy away from oranges that clash with the olive undertones in my skin. I also actively seek out lipstick without harsh chemicals, that are made with organic ingredients, and that aren’t tested on animals to appeal to my own social conscience. High quality products that go on smoothly and stay on relatively long are always part of the testing process. This list doesn’t make for a cheap lipstick buy and certainly contradicts my tight student budget, so I buy less, but buy well!
Sephora ($24)
Bite is an organic lipstick brand based in Toronto. I love their darker shades of colours, particularly the wine shades. The dramatic colour is beautiful and makes a statement, without seeming overdone. The lipstick slides on nicely and has a pleasant fruity smell, which makes it a winner for regular wear.
Zuii Organic ($29.95)
You can never go wrong with a classic red; the colour is so beautiful and rich. While this particular brand needs to be reapplied every so often, its stand-out look and all-natu- ral ingredients make it worth the cost.
