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In London, Lipstick Is For Lovers

Rebecca Iloulian |
January 30, 2014 | 2:00 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

(Pinterest/NarsCosmetics)
(Pinterest/NarsCosmetics)

How often do you find yourself fawning over an exquisite runway look, but would never have the guts to actually try it yourself? Exhibit A: bold colored lips--so hot on a glossy magazine page and yet so intimidating in real life.

If only we knew just how able we all are to pull off this look. I've been harboring my obsession with the lipstick beauty trend for some time now, and I believe it's finally time for a reassessment of this fear that so many of us girls share.

In an exciting twist of fate, one of the most accepted fashion statements found in my exploration of London style is the love of lipstick. For once I feel 100 percent comfortable whipping out the parade of hot pinks, bold reds and soft corals stashed away in my makeup bag that I've collected over the past 12 months, and really playing up the bold lip look. Both London women and men seem to have a deeper appreciation for a statement colored lip that makes it nearly impossible to walk out of my flat without wearing some sort of popping hue on a regular basis.

(Pinterest/CarolineVasso)
(Pinterest/CarolineVasso)

I can't deny that I've never been much of a fashion-rules follower, and the lipstick trend is one that often drags along an irritating set of decrees. For example, you supposedly must retire your vibrant, bright colored shades once the cold-weather comes out to play, or you can't wear a glossy, cherry red in the middle of the afternoon, so they say. But while I'm on my must-wear-lipstick roll, it's important to note that these rules are completely irrelevant. To lipstick lovers everywhere, not just those of us in London, I say with my whole heart--wear what you love, whenever you want to wear it, wherever you are.

With the consistent 40 degree temperature and daily torrential drizzle we experience here in London, a lush, bright-colored lip simply adds a refreshing pop to the depressingly drab climate. Even for those in a warm, sunny climate, (which we sorely miss over here across the pond), a deep red or plum shade proves fierce and exotic in a world otherwise so bright. Any color works in any climate, as long as it meshes well with your outfit. No tacky color combos, please. 

Luscious lips will inevitably enhance any mood you're in, outfit you're wearing, and are sure to make you feel wonderful. If the point isn't clear yet, add bold lipstick into your daily beauty regime and finally forget the insecurities of standing out. If you're unsure what's the right color for you, just go to the MAC counter, or any department store, and test them out. Once you start playing with the variety of hues you'll find one (or two or three or four) to be love at first sight, and your lips will stand out hotter than ever. Try out a few of the following shades to really put an exclamation point into your look. 

(Pinterest/Nars)
(Pinterest/Nars)

 

1. NARS signature hot pink color, Funny Face, is the perfect pink you've always dreamed of. It's a paradox of subtle and bold, bright without being obnoxious, and will make you feel like a true girly girl while still looking fun.

 

 

(Pinterest/Temtalia)
(Pinterest/Temtalia)

 

2. If you're interested in a classic cherry red shade, MAC's Viva Glam Red is a universal shade that will never go out of style. It's been around since 1994, and all the sale funds go the MAC Aids Foundation. It's a win-win situation.

 

(Pinterest/Rebecca)
(Pinterest/Rebecca)

 

3. For a peppy coral shade, you can't go wrong with Chanel's Paradis color. This hydrating lipstick will make you feel confident and in charge, and the pigment is utterly beautiful. Not to mention you can't help but feel fabulous when applying anything labeled Chanel. 

 

 

(Pinterest/Jlyn)
(Pinterest/Jlyn)

 

4. I'll admit that I'm slightly biased to MAC, as they are my personal favorite for lipsticks considering their huge range of wild colors, but if you're looking for a deep berry I have to recommend MAC's Huggable LipColour in Commotion. This high shine color is sure to get you going and leave you're pout perfectly glossed and sculpted.

 

Reach Staff Reporter Rebecca Iloulian here. Follow her on Twitter.



 

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