While red lipstick is considered a timeless makeup look, that doesn't mean it always feels easy or comfortable to wear and with berry-red tones proving so popular this spring, we've been faced with that fact often. Thankfully though, Helen Mirren's glossy take makes it less intimidating and a lot more versatile.
It's widely acknowledged that even the best long-lasting lipstick, particularly the best red lipsticks, can be somewhat daunting and limiting to wear. After all, if you go bold with your lips, it's often best to pare down your eye makeup - and even in some cases, your outfit too. That said, when styled well, a red lip never fails to look chic and classic. The key is to find a shade and formula that you like the feel of. Matte lipsticks are often championed as the best option but they can be drying and add to the overall intimidation of the shade. This is where we turn to Helen Mirren's tutelage, as this month the actor debuted a glossy raspberry-red lip, which, in our opinion, is just as sophisticated but far more versatile.
So, if you're keen to wear a red or berry lip this spring (and beyond), here's why you should follow Mirren's lead and add some gloss...
Best Berry-Red Lipstick deals
Helen Mirren's glossy twist on a berry-red lip for spring
Becoming the human embodiment of a luxe Cartier ring box, the actor stepped out in a long, red velvet dress and matching hairband for the 'CARTIER' VIP Private View at The V&A on April 9th. She accessorised the look with a chic pearl necklace and a glowy makeup look, complete with a shiny berry-red lip - to match her coordinating attire.
We have, of course, seen Mirren sport more of a matte red lip before but there was just something about this particular iteration that felt both glamorous and approachable - even for those of us who avoid the shade.
So, perhaps the key to wearing any bright shade, be it a blue-toned red or more of a raspberry hue, is opting for a formula with a comfortable and forgiving shine. By forgiving, we mean that unlike a matte formula, which has an annoying tendency to cling to every crack and dry patch, one of the best tinted lip balms or glossy lipstick hybrids will make your lips look shiny and hydrated - whilst also delivering a chic swipe of colour. This sort of glossy formula is far easier to apply (especially on the go) and follows the theme we often see in the spring and summer months of more lightweight and low-maintenance makeup alternatives.
We're also of the opinion that a glossy lip has the power to enhance the rest of your makeup. You can go very natural and subtle with the rest of your face but that shine will still draw the eye and add that sense of glamour. Equally, wearing a more sheer or glossy red formula on your lips, as opposed to a very bold, matte red will also allow you to go bigger with your eye makeup. All in all, there's more versatility there.
The only potential drawback is longevity. You may find that your glossy lipstick needs to be reapplied more, but that is a small price to pay for a nourishing and gleaming pout. You can also layer your chosen gloss over one of the best lip liners, to boost its staying power - or to offer your lips some tint if your glossy top coat does begin to disappear. Speaking of which, we have three such lipsticks in mind that will help you replicate Mirren's look perfectly.
Recreate Helen Mirren's glossy red lip
RRP: £9.99
As we can see, Helen Mirren's lipstick is more of raspberry red and this hue from L'Oréal offers a similar bright, berry hue. The formula is lightweight and buttery, delivering a glorious shine as well as a pop of impactful tint.
RRP: £36
Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson has dubbed Hourglass' Phantom Glossy Balm one of the only bold lipsticks she can wear with confidence, thanks to its buildable tint, non-sticky feel, and gorgeous lip gloss-like shine.
RRP: £23
If you're keen to wear a brighter, more true red, opt for Fenty's Gloss Bomb in The MVP. It's hydrating and comfortable, with a buildable formula and high-shine finish.
When applying any bold lip colour, be it matte or glossy, we would suggest first using a lip scrub (like Beauty Pie's Smooth Ahead scrub), before applying a nourishing lip balm to buff away dry skin and prep your lips. Do these steps a while before applying your red shade. The beauty of a gloss or hybrid lipstick though, is that even if you forgo these steps, the formula will keep your lips looking and feeling a lot more hydrated than they would be with a matte lippie - but like with applying skincare before makeup, prep is key.
For a more lasting look, apply a complementing lip liner to the edges of your lips - or all over, depending on your preference - before adding your glossy red shade overtop. We would then recommend carrying your shiny lipstick in your handbag, in case you need to reapply on-the-go.
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