Shopping for the Perfect Holiday Lipstick
I have taken many of my besties on the tour of choosing lipstick and I realized not everyone know all my hottest tips, so because I love y’all so very much, please welcome yourself to the Eva’s-besties lipstick shopping hacks.
Because the holidays are coming up we’re going to talk about choosing your red lip (ok there are so, so many reds out there) but the same principles apply to pinks, corals, oranges, fuscias, nudes, berries….
OK I’M ABOUT TO REVEAL MY BIGGEST, HOTTEST SECRETS TO BUYING THE RED LIP OF YOUR DREAMS.
YOU READY?
If you don’t read the whole thing: here is the important takeaway.
Shop at the Bay, try on your top choices and take them outside to see them in natural daylight. Matte finish lipstick is the longest lasting.
Ok now in more detail:
SHOP AT THE BAY
I know Sephora is the place to go, but if you get anxiety attacks when you’re that crowded you too may have looked for an alternative and found yourself at The Bay - and then never turned back. You can also go to Nordstroms or Holt Renfrew if you’d prefer. I like the Bay the best.
The makeup counters there employ aestheticians who went to school to learn how to find your perfect shade and they are often a little bored and will spend endless time on making you look amazing. Especially if you can somehow wrangle a weekday shopping trip! The Nars counter at the Bay is how I found my makeup artist for my wedding.
2. Bring a friend
Who will tell you when you look like garbage.
3. TRY THEM ON. AND ONLY TRY ON YOUR TOP CHOICES.
Red does not come off easily, so only try on the ones you really like. Get the people at the counter to apply it for you because red can also not go on easy. If they don’t do it for you go somewhere else. There’s a million amazing counters there for you to choose from.
4. GO OUTSIDE
This is the big one! The lights in the mall are really not that great. I always ask to borrow the mirror and go outside to see it natural lighting. I think this seems insane but no one has every even looked at me weird when I asked. You’ll be amazed what it does for your lipstick.
5. wear it for a while
Once I have seen it outside and my top choice is firmly affixed to my face by a professional I walk around and go shop for a bit trying to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror every chance I get. You’ll see how it stands up to talking and time and also how you feel about yourself in it.
True story: last time I employed this method I went and purchased a pair of earrings and the salesperson said “Oh my god I love your lipstick.”
I went back and bought it immediately.
6. Choose your application
There’s a classic lipstick tube, but beyond that there’s so many other choices! Glosses and pencils and foam applicators etc. I stick to the classic tube and the pencils. Pro to the pencil is that you can get a really crisp line without a lip liner (which is really a must for a very bold red lip or your edges will bleed.)
7. THE GLOSSIER THE LESS LONG WEARING
Lipstick comes in a huge range of finishes, each brand coming up with something cooler and newer in their finish. This year it seems like everyone has a powder finish which is even more matte than the matte finish and supposed to last forever and ever.
Matte is long wearing, lip gloss is short wearing, and then there’s a whole range in between including finishes like satin. Pick what you like! There’s a time and place for each.
8. it should feel nice to put it on
If it’s too dry or too slippery and it doesn’t feel nice move along! There’s so many more to choose from!
A few last secrets to your red lip
you need to reapply often.
I just go full Grandma and use a little mirrored lipstick case.
2. Use a lipliner
Or you won’t have crisp edges which is key. It doesn’t have to match exactly, I use Cherry from Mac $22 with all my reds.
3. you may suddenly be compelled to take a duck face selfie
Embrace it.
Ok you beautiful babes
I can’t wait to see you all at your Christmas Parties with a million duck face selfies feeling your perfect beautiful selves
rocking your bold red lip
Want to know my favourite reds, and the one you really need to buy?
No worries, I got you here:
The Perfect Red Lip for Your Holiday Party
Can’t even wait to start wearing my metallics and sequins and match them with red lips - but before I treat myself to another shade, I reveal my tried-and-tested hottest tips for picking your bold red lip this holiday season. You’re going to want to rush out and buy some for your holiday party too.