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Powder Room
Everything you need to know about makeup formulation, according to celebrity MUA Tanvi Marathe
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As social media’s red lip theory suggests, a bold red lip might just be the secret to elevating your outfit and giving you an instant confidence boost. While finding your perfect shade is a delicate balance of undertones, features and personal style, the power of a classic red lip is undeniable. Yet, despite its timeless appeal, a red lip can feel intimidating—no matter how many times you've tried and tested it. So, here’s an expert-approved guide, courtesy of celebrity makeup artist and one of our expert panelists, Tanvi Marathe, to help you master the art of the perfect red lip.
According to Marathe, the finish of your red lipstick plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and comfort. "Matte formulas provide a bold, long-lasting effect but can sometimes be drying," she explains. If you’re looking for a striking, high-impact lip, a matte option like MAC Ruby Woo (a classic, blue-toned red) delivers that retro, glamorous vibe without needing constant touch-ups.
On the other hand, if you prefer something more comfortable and hydrating, creamy textures are your go-to. "Creamy formulas provide hydration with a lustrous sheen," Marathe shares. These offer a softer, more forgiving finish that’s perfect for all-day wear without the dryness. If you're easing into red lips, try a tinted formula for a more subtle effect—it adds a hint of colour without overwhelming your natural lip tone.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right formula is to assess your comfort level and how bold you want your lips to look.
Marathe emphasises that lip prep is crucial for achieving a flawless red lip. "Before applying any lipstick, exfoliate your lips gently to remove dead skin cells. This ensures a smooth base," she says. After exfoliating, a hydrating lip balm is essential. "Moisturising and priming your lips helps the lipstick go on evenly and last longer."
This routine not only improves the texture of your lips but also ensures your red lipstick stays vibrant and intact throughout the day.
A good lip liner can be a game-changer for achieving a clean, sculpted red lip. "Opt for a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade," Marathe recommends. "A neutral red liner is a versatile option that works with a variety of red tones."
Lip liner not only defines your lips but also prevents feathering, keeping your red lip looking crisp and polished. For an even longer-lasting effect, fill your lips entirely with the liner before applying lipstick. This creates a base that enhances the colour’s longevity and ensures a more even fade throughout the day.
Marathe shares a simple yet effective technique to ensure your red lipstick stays put: "After applying your lipstick, blot with a tissue to remove any excess product, then apply a second layer." This layering method improves durability, keeping your lipstick fresh for longer.
For matte lipsticks, Marathe suggests an extra trick: "Place a tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder on top. This helps set the lipstick without altering its colour."
A cult-favourite for a reason, this classic blue-toned red delivers a bold, retro matte finish that instantly elevates any look. Universally flattering across skin tones, it’s the perfect choice for those who love a statement lip with a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. Despite its matte texture, it glides on smoothly and stays put for hours without losing its vibrancy.
For a rich, hydrating matte red, this is a standout pick. "It delivers a striking red colour while keeping lips moisturised, making it a great option for long wear," says Marathe. The creamy formula ensures a comfortable feel without compromising on pigment, making it ideal for those who want a bold red lip without the dryness of a traditional matte.
If longevity is your top priority, this deep red liquid lipstick won’t disappoint. Known for its intense pigment and 16-hour wear, it stays put through meals, drinks and everything in between. "It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to worry about reapplication," says Marathe. The precision applicator makes it easy to get crisp edges, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
According to Marathe, the finish of your red lipstick plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and comfort. "Matte formulas provide a bold, long-lasting effect but can sometimes be drying," she explains. If you’re looking for a striking, high-impact lip, a matte option like MAC Ruby Woo (a classic, blue-toned red) delivers that retro, glamorous vibe without needing constant touch-ups.
On the other hand, if you prefer something more comfortable and hydrating, creamy textures are your go-to. "Creamy formulas provide hydration with a lustrous sheen," Marathe shares. These offer a softer, more forgiving finish that’s perfect for all-day wear without the dryness. If you're easing into red lips, try a tinted formula for a more subtle effect—it adds a hint of colour without overwhelming your natural lip tone.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right formula is to assess your comfort level and how bold you want your lips to look.
Marathe emphasises that lip prep is crucial for achieving a flawless red lip. "Before applying any lipstick, exfoliate your lips gently to remove dead skin cells. This ensures a smooth base," she says. After exfoliating, a hydrating lip balm is essential. "Moisturising and priming your lips helps the lipstick go on evenly and last longer."
This routine not only improves the texture of your lips but also ensures your red lipstick stays vibrant and intact throughout the day.
A good lip liner can be a game-changer for achieving a clean, sculpted red lip. "Opt for a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade," Marathe recommends. "A neutral red liner is a versatile option that works with a variety of red tones."
Lip liner not only defines your lips but also prevents feathering, keeping your red lip looking crisp and polished. For an even longer-lasting effect, fill your lips entirely with the liner before applying lipstick. This creates a base that enhances the colour’s longevity and ensures a more even fade throughout the day.
Marathe shares a simple yet effective technique to ensure your red lipstick stays put: "After applying your lipstick, blot with a tissue to remove any excess product, then apply a second layer." This layering method improves durability, keeping your lipstick fresh for longer.
For matte lipsticks, Marathe suggests an extra trick: "Place a tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder on top. This helps set the lipstick without altering its colour."
A cult-favourite for a reason, this classic blue-toned red delivers a bold, retro matte finish that instantly elevates any look. Universally flattering across skin tones, it’s the perfect choice for those who love a statement lip with a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. Despite its matte texture, it glides on smoothly and stays put for hours without losing its vibrancy.
For a rich, hydrating matte red, this is a standout pick. "It delivers a striking red colour while keeping lips moisturised, making it a great option for long wear," says Marathe. The creamy formula ensures a comfortable feel without compromising on pigment, making it ideal for those who want a bold red lip without the dryness of a traditional matte.
If longevity is your top priority, this deep red liquid lipstick won’t disappoint. Known for its intense pigment and 16-hour wear, it stays put through meals, drinks and everything in between. "It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to worry about reapplication," says Marathe. The precision applicator makes it easy to get crisp edges, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
According to Marathe, the finish of your red lipstick plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and comfort. "Matte formulas provide a bold, long-lasting effect but can sometimes be drying," she explains. If you’re looking for a striking, high-impact lip, a matte option like MAC Ruby Woo (a classic, blue-toned red) delivers that retro, glamorous vibe without needing constant touch-ups.
On the other hand, if you prefer something more comfortable and hydrating, creamy textures are your go-to. "Creamy formulas provide hydration with a lustrous sheen," Marathe shares. These offer a softer, more forgiving finish that’s perfect for all-day wear without the dryness. If you're easing into red lips, try a tinted formula for a more subtle effect—it adds a hint of colour without overwhelming your natural lip tone.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right formula is to assess your comfort level and how bold you want your lips to look.
Marathe emphasises that lip prep is crucial for achieving a flawless red lip. "Before applying any lipstick, exfoliate your lips gently to remove dead skin cells. This ensures a smooth base," she says. After exfoliating, a hydrating lip balm is essential. "Moisturising and priming your lips helps the lipstick go on evenly and last longer."
This routine not only improves the texture of your lips but also ensures your red lipstick stays vibrant and intact throughout the day.
A good lip liner can be a game-changer for achieving a clean, sculpted red lip. "Opt for a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade," Marathe recommends. "A neutral red liner is a versatile option that works with a variety of red tones."
Lip liner not only defines your lips but also prevents feathering, keeping your red lip looking crisp and polished. For an even longer-lasting effect, fill your lips entirely with the liner before applying lipstick. This creates a base that enhances the colour’s longevity and ensures a more even fade throughout the day.
Marathe shares a simple yet effective technique to ensure your red lipstick stays put: "After applying your lipstick, blot with a tissue to remove any excess product, then apply a second layer." This layering method improves durability, keeping your lipstick fresh for longer.
For matte lipsticks, Marathe suggests an extra trick: "Place a tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder on top. This helps set the lipstick without altering its colour."
A cult-favourite for a reason, this classic blue-toned red delivers a bold, retro matte finish that instantly elevates any look. Universally flattering across skin tones, it’s the perfect choice for those who love a statement lip with a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. Despite its matte texture, it glides on smoothly and stays put for hours without losing its vibrancy.
For a rich, hydrating matte red, this is a standout pick. "It delivers a striking red colour while keeping lips moisturised, making it a great option for long wear," says Marathe. The creamy formula ensures a comfortable feel without compromising on pigment, making it ideal for those who want a bold red lip without the dryness of a traditional matte.
If longevity is your top priority, this deep red liquid lipstick won’t disappoint. Known for its intense pigment and 16-hour wear, it stays put through meals, drinks and everything in between. "It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to worry about reapplication," says Marathe. The precision applicator makes it easy to get crisp edges, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
According to Marathe, the finish of your red lipstick plays a crucial role in both its aesthetic and comfort. "Matte formulas provide a bold, long-lasting effect but can sometimes be drying," she explains. If you’re looking for a striking, high-impact lip, a matte option like MAC Ruby Woo (a classic, blue-toned red) delivers that retro, glamorous vibe without needing constant touch-ups.
On the other hand, if you prefer something more comfortable and hydrating, creamy textures are your go-to. "Creamy formulas provide hydration with a lustrous sheen," Marathe shares. These offer a softer, more forgiving finish that’s perfect for all-day wear without the dryness. If you're easing into red lips, try a tinted formula for a more subtle effect—it adds a hint of colour without overwhelming your natural lip tone.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right formula is to assess your comfort level and how bold you want your lips to look.
Marathe emphasises that lip prep is crucial for achieving a flawless red lip. "Before applying any lipstick, exfoliate your lips gently to remove dead skin cells. This ensures a smooth base," she says. After exfoliating, a hydrating lip balm is essential. "Moisturising and priming your lips helps the lipstick go on evenly and last longer."
This routine not only improves the texture of your lips but also ensures your red lipstick stays vibrant and intact throughout the day.
A good lip liner can be a game-changer for achieving a clean, sculpted red lip. "Opt for a lip liner that closely matches your lipstick shade," Marathe recommends. "A neutral red liner is a versatile option that works with a variety of red tones."
Lip liner not only defines your lips but also prevents feathering, keeping your red lip looking crisp and polished. For an even longer-lasting effect, fill your lips entirely with the liner before applying lipstick. This creates a base that enhances the colour’s longevity and ensures a more even fade throughout the day.
Marathe shares a simple yet effective technique to ensure your red lipstick stays put: "After applying your lipstick, blot with a tissue to remove any excess product, then apply a second layer." This layering method improves durability, keeping your lipstick fresh for longer.
For matte lipsticks, Marathe suggests an extra trick: "Place a tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder on top. This helps set the lipstick without altering its colour."
A cult-favourite for a reason, this classic blue-toned red delivers a bold, retro matte finish that instantly elevates any look. Universally flattering across skin tones, it’s the perfect choice for those who love a statement lip with a touch of old-Hollywood glamour. Despite its matte texture, it glides on smoothly and stays put for hours without losing its vibrancy.
For a rich, hydrating matte red, this is a standout pick. "It delivers a striking red colour while keeping lips moisturised, making it a great option for long wear," says Marathe. The creamy formula ensures a comfortable feel without compromising on pigment, making it ideal for those who want a bold red lip without the dryness of a traditional matte.
If longevity is your top priority, this deep red liquid lipstick won’t disappoint. Known for its intense pigment and 16-hour wear, it stays put through meals, drinks and everything in between. "It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to worry about reapplication," says Marathe. The precision applicator makes it easy to get crisp edges, ensuring a flawless finish every time.
