RED RULES
Dior Make-up’s creative and image director, Peter Philips, shares his expert tips on everything you’ve ever wanted to know about nailing the ultimate red lip…
Q: How do you apply the perfect red lip?
‘Opt for matte textures that last longer and don’t run easily with wear. Start by contouring your mouth with a lip liner before filling in with your chosen lipstick using a brush for ultimate control. Next, take a tissue and blot away any excess before tapping a little loose powder on top to set. For extra staying power, you can swipe over another layer.’
Q: What’s the best way to balance out uneven lips? ‘Should you want to even out your lips, look straight on in the mirror and analyse their shape, noticing if there’s anywhere you’d like to make bigger or smaller before using a lip liner to softly balance out any areas.’
Q: Should we be doing anything before applying? ‘The best way to apply lipstick is on a perfect canvas. So, avoid foundations that are overly oily or greasy and opt for matte textures instead, especially around the mouth and chin.’
Q: How do we find the perfect shade?
‘Finding the perfect shade is not just about the colour of one’s hair, eyes or skin – it’s more about trying it first and seeing how it feels when you wear it. There is a red for every woman, so don’t force it if it doesn’t make you feel empowered and confident. For a universal red that suits everyone, there’s a reason why Rouge Dior 999 is the global best-seller – it is a colour that truly works for most women as it’s the perfect balance between tomato and a touch of blue.’ Q: Do you have any tips for more mature mouths? ‘I would suggest choosing a cherry-toned, joyful red or one with a pinkish undertone. For thinner lips, you might find the colour runs easily, so be sure to get the texture right and avoid anything overly glossy. A solid formula or a lip stain works best.’
Q: What’s the key to pulling off a red lip? ‘If a red lip is worn with confidence, it’s guaranteed to turn heads. But it’s a little like high heels: if you feel a bit wobbly, don’t go too high (or too bold). Try it on at home first and leave it on while eating, drinking and talking to see how it agrees with you.’
Q: What’s next in lipstick? ‘I’m immensely proud to launch the new Ultra Rouge formula, which tries to capture everything a woman wants from a lipstick in one – long-lasting, impressive colour and comfort. For this, we used an oil gel as the base instead of traditional wax, which is more transparent and allows you to get really intense pigments. The added glide of the formula gives you ultimate control, too.’
Q: Is a lip liner necessary?
‘Matching your lip liner and lipstick makes for a more foolproof and flawless finish. I created the new Ultra Rouge Lip Inks to make perfect lip contouring easy. Its liquid formula means it will last for hours, creates a seamless barrier between your foundation and your lipstick and is the perfect tool to line, correct or be creative with.’
Q: Why is red so profoundly powerful?
‘It’s the colour of love and passion but also hate, anger and danger, which is what makes it so interesting. Red also has different meanings in different countries. In Japan, it’s seen as extremely formal, yet in France it’s about seduction. In Spain it’s about passion and dancing, and in America it’s for very special occasions. As a make-up artist, you are drawn to it. Even if you see a made-up woman in a black and white film, you still know she is wearing red.’