ABOUT FACE: With red lipstick as popular as ever this season it's well worth spending time to find the red that works for you, writes Phyl Clarke
AH, THOSE LITTLE MEN in white coats, beavering away on your behalf. They could not be more dedicated if they were searching for a cure for, well, an incurable disease. The science behind producing a new lip formula these days is quite staggering.
International studies on lip typology (what?) - volume, wrinkles, outline, moisturisation and natural colour are just some of the issues that Lancôme investigated during the development of their new range. What these guys don't know about your lips just isn't worth knowing. And they spent all day, every day, for seven years doing it. Wonder what the conversation was like around their dinner table? Fabulous silky formula versus intense pigments anyone? The result is L'Absolu Rouge- a range containing pro-xylane which works on lip tissue to smooth and strengthen the density of lips.
Thankfully, they realised we'd like all that science wrapped up in a fabulous array of colours, and 36 shades of the fruits of their labours are on display at your local Lancômecounter now (€24).
Buying a new lip colour is the perfect way to ring the seasonal changes. The autumn trends are upon us now, but before you decide on which direction to take, a new lippy will feed your make-up craving, and won't break the bank. For me, the tube that contains the colour is as important as the colour itself - after all, public reapplication demands a swivel from an impossibly-glamorous case. Investing in a lip brush will ensure that you get perfect application and that colour will stay put. Apply all over lips and then blot back to "push" colour home. Finish now with a slick of gloss for a lighter take, or for a more dramatic look reapply colour again.
This season red lipstick is as popular as ever, and it's worth spending time to find the "right" red for you. If you're of fair complexion with a pinkish undertone to your skin, a blue red will flatter you best. Givenchy'sFatal Dandy is a lovely silky shade in a cute polka dot case (€24).
YSLhave gone all out with Kate Moss to be the face of their Rouge Volupterange, because they know she could sell potatoes to a potato farmer. Red Temptation is the perfect orange red for those with a warmer skin tone, and is housed in a drop-dead gorgeous case (€29). YSLalso hit the right note with a fabulous fuchsia pink shade Tuxedo Pink in the Rouge Pur Shinerange. The texture of this one is amazing (€26.50). Plum is also a strong look for this autumn and gives a real alternative to red. Dior's Replenishing Lip Colourhas a great shade - Fantastic Plum, which works wonderfully against pale skin (€26.50).
Clinique's new High Impact Lip Colouris an ultra-moisturising, long-wearing lipstick formula that protects lips with SPF15, with a super-wearable line of shades. Sassy Spice is a warm brown/red and Plum Nude has enough definition for a neutral lip without disappearing (€19).
If you want colour definition, moisture, hold, coverage and flavour then Clarinsis your only man with their Joli Rougecollection which contains blackcurrant and liquorice, making it lip-smackingly good. Cedar Red is an Indian red shade that is both rich and elegant (€20).