When my niece was little, she once said, “Aunt Crystal, why do you always wear red lipstick?” Because I LIKE it, Emily! That’s why I’m happy that fall is coming. Breeze through any cosmetics department this fall and you’re going to see a great vintage look—red lips. Happily, this year’s reds are cranberry and deep berry shades that are flattering on almost everyone. Wear it with fall’s dark colors, rich brocades, lace, fur, and jewel tones.
If you’re not sure if this trend works for you, try Cover Girl’s Lip Perfection Lipstick in a shade called Tempt. At less than $8 a pop, it’s a conservative shade at a smart price point. I also love Clinique’s Cranberry Cream Butter Shine or Angel Red Different Lipstick, but they’re both a little pricey at $22 and $15 respectively.
Another go-to source for vintage red lips is the Besame line of lipstick, which offers a red for every complexion. You can find at Unique Vintage. Here’s a special offer from Unique Vintage:
Free Besame Rouge Sample with any Besame product from Unique-Vintage.com!
How to wear cranberry
A young face can wear cranberry lips any way—bold, sheer, matte, or glossy. Pair it with a soft, neutral eye, and a well-defined lash for a classy look day or night. Here, I pause to encourage my young friends: go for this look! You only go around once, ladies. Wear it while you rock it!
If you’re new to red lips or you’ve reached middle age, choose a sheer shade to keep the look soft. Another alternative is to stain the lip with a bold shade, then tissue or smudge it off with your fingertips and finish with a balm or a gloss for moisture—great for ladies of any age.
That trick also keeps you free of feathering—a good trait in birds but not in lips. Women of a certain age are usually advised to keep it not-too-dark, not-too-bright, but there are quite a few exceptions to that rule. You’ll know ‘em when you see ‘em. Don’t be bashful about red because of your age.
Remember what Andy Rooney once said? “A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick.” Normally, I wouldn’t take my fashion cues from a guy like Andy. In this case, he was right. Don’t skip cranberry lips at any age. Just adapt it to suit your individual style.
I’m also a huge fan of five berry shades by Mary Kay because there’s truly a shade for everyone: Apple Berry, Berry Kiss, Red Satin, Black Cherry and Whipped Berries. From now through Labor Day, I’m giving away a choice of one of these shades to everyone who subscribes by e-mail to the blog. Simply subscribe if you haven’t already and make a comment here stating your preference of shades. I’ll be in touch to ask for your mailing address.
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
10 comments
Lori L said:
August 21, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Interesting…I’ve never found a shade of red that I thought was flattering on me because of my “ruddy” complexion. David was called a handsome man with a ruddy complexion but I have never found that skin quality good looking. Anyways, do you have a shade suggestion for me?
cjhammon said:
August 21, 2012 at 9:20 pm
Yes, of course, I do! I’ll save the shade I think will work best!
cjhammon said:
August 21, 2012 at 9:30 pm
I think the shade you’d look best in is Apple Berry. Saving two different sample bubbles for you to try. I think both would be LOVELY on you!
Lori L said:
August 21, 2012 at 10:00 pm
Thanks much
Ashley said:
August 30, 2012 at 1:09 pm
I would love to try the cranberry lip this fall, as I’m really wanting to dress more vintage this fall with my hair & make-up. Just one problem, I have no clue which shade would look best on me.
Jill said:
September 1, 2012 at 12:08 am
I have already subscribed but I would love to win one of the lovely shades and give it a whirl. I usually stick to the raspberry and pinker shades a cranberry or burgundy would be a new treat for me.
Georgean said:
September 4, 2012 at 10:18 am
I am very comfortable wearing most make-up, but as soon as I put on lipstick, I feel like I look too “made up”. I know that sounds weird. Maybe I just haven’t found the right color for me.
cjhammon said:
September 4, 2012 at 2:06 pm
I wonder if lipstick is something that grows on you? When I was younger, my Mom was aways trying to convince me to apply lipstick, but it didn’t really grab me until I was in my 30s. Thanks for the comment!
erica t said:
September 4, 2012 at 11:57 am
black cherry and apple berry are to die for!
cjhammon said:
September 4, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I agree, especially on you, Erica!