Lip Service

A kiss is more than a kiss when it’s delivered in ravishing red. tama lung recommends an array of Valentine’s-worthy options

It was Gwyneth Paltrow who famously said, “Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” And few would argue with the actress-turned-lifestyle guru, especially when it comes to special occasions such as Valentine’s Day. The only challenge, then, is finding the lipstick that makes you feel both fierce and fabulous. The trick, according to most make-up artists, is to know your skin’s undertones – warm being more yellow or golden and cool being more pink or bluish. Try looking at the veins on the inside of your wrist: greenish hues indicate a warm undertone and more purple-ish point to cool. If you want a look that’s chic and glamorous, opt for a lipstick with the same undertone. And if you want a look that truly stands out, experiment with shades of the opposite undertone. Warm hues tend to veer to orange or coral while cool shades are more pink- or blue-based. The next consideration is intensity, with the dizzying range of formulas and finishes from sheer and glossy to matt and opaque. Fortunately, technology has advanced so much that even the most powdery finishes are at once nourishing and long-lasting. Finally, application is key when it comes to a vibrant lip. Celebrity make-up artist Pat McGrath recommends first exfoliating the lips and applying a thin layer of concealer to neutralise your natural colour. For definition and staying power, line the lips with a matching pencil before using the index finger to roll colour on in layers. Once you’re satisfied with the opacity, press a single-ply tissue on the lips and dust with translucent setting powder. Then, go forth and kick ass!

NARS

The make-up maison rings in Lunar New Year with special packaging and three limited-edition shades of its Powermatte Lip Pigment, including the fiery Flame.

MAKE UP FOR EVER

Continuing its mission of make-up innovation, MUFE introduces an airtight liquid lip colour. Artist Rouge Ink is a matt formula that acts likes a second skin.

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY

Le Marc Lip Creme is rich, creamy and ultra-concentrated, promising intense colour and plumping effects that last all day long.

TATCHA

Inspired by the geisha’s vermillion lip, Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick boasts brilliant pigments and botanical extracts in a hard-wearing matt formula.

HOURGLASS

With two shades of its long-wearing cream formula, the Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick Set was created for Valentine’s gifting.

PAT MCGRATH

A luxurious cream formula that delivers a satiny sheen, Luxetrance Lipstick also hydrates and protects with water lily extract and a biomimetic pigment.

HUDA BEAUTY

One of three limited-edition shades, Huda Beauty’s Metallic Lipstick in New Year’s Eve Red features iridescent glitter blended with Brazilian nut and sweet almond oils.

KAT VON D BEAUTY

With 40 shades and three finishes to choose from, the Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick range has a red for every woman and every occasion.

GUERLAIN

The French beauty brand dresses up three of its popular KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Colours for Lunar New Year, including the bold Rouge Kiss.