What Shade is Your Valentine Red?
We all see red in the magazines and billboards. It is vibrant, attention-getting, and it is used a lot on young models with luscious, full, pouty, lips. Yet, in real life who really has the nerve to wear it? The confident women, that’s who! Where did they get that confidence? They found out what every women needs to know, but may not, which is: what their shade of red is, and where they feel comfortable wearing it, and in what quantities.
There are so many different shades of red and so many applications for wearing the vital color. For this moment, I will wear my color consultant cap, and calling it your “skin enhancing” color. Every women has her own form of red. It just may not be the classic red from the Crayola box that we were first introduced to in kindergarten.
Let’s get to basics for those of you who have been told that you are a “cool” or a “warm” coloring.
Warm
reds are known as any shade of red that has yellow undertones. That would include everything from brick red (brownish tone), orange red, atomic red (bright with yellow tone), watermelon (more of a tint of warm red), coral (orange red mixed with white).
Cool
reds are known as any shade of red that has blue undertones. That would include our first aquaintance, crayola red, cherry red, burgundy, fuschia, and all the berry tones. Any of these mixed with white are included, and they would be your form of pink.
The next thing after you have gotten your perfect shade of lipstick, or gloss is to know when and how strong to wear it. My rule of thumb is the more color you have around your face, the less you need brightness of lips. Wearing a pink shirt for instance puts color near your face, whereas grey, brown, black tends draw color out of your complexion. Time to amp up the lips! Hence the classic look of black dress, red lipstick.
But what if you are uncomfortable with full blast red on the lips? Try a lip stain with lipgloss over top. Or a lip “ink” smeared to a lighter shade, then shine applied.
Another trick I use in professional make up application, is putting on the red lipstick then blotting with a tissue. Afterwards, apply a gold or lighter frosted lipstick to soften. The depth of the color is still there.
Another consideration is the time of day and lighting. What looks good in the naked light of day washes completely out at night under low lighting. My favorite peach goes suddenly looking nude.
Now, about Reds in fashion. You do not have to become the “lady in red” to punch up a little excitement into your wardrobe. Just as in decorating, red used as an accent can liven up the most neutral of color combinations and bring the ensemble to life!
Try using red purses, bracelets, shoes or eyeglasses. Again, use the warm/cool color rule. If you are warm get clear bright reds, if cool, use darker reds. Do they have to match your lipcolor exactly? No, you can wear many shades as long as they are in the same color “family” meaning warm or cool.
So, now get that red out and have some fun with it! Accent those jeans, wear that scarf and don those pretty red shiny mouths and smile!
Divaliciously yours,
Ann Jackson
www.TheMakeoverDiva.com
678-913-5553
Ann is a beauty professional for over 35 years as a licensed master cosmetologist, former salon owner, fashion and color consultant. She takes hair and make up clients at Unique Hair Salon, 6508 Commerce Parkway, in Woodstock, GA and is a fashion consultant on staff at Back By Popular Demand Consignment
www.bbpdconsignment.com located in Marietta.
You may find her on at
www.facebook/AnnTheMakeoverDiva and follow on Twitter@MakeoverDivaAnn