A classic blue-toned, Madonna red, I don’t think I’ve ever seen this lipstick fail to suit. MAC Russian Red is a cult favorite for good reason, an excellent matte formula (many level the accusation that MAC mattes are drying, and this can be the case, but it has never been an issue for me with Russian Red) that works on any skin tone. It’s been on MAC’s bestseller list, and often at the top, since it launched in the 80s.
Ah, it’s from the 80s, no wonder I like it so well.
There are many reds I love (need a new post on favorite reds, I see), and many I love from MAC (again a topic deserving of its own post), but I return to Russian Red again and again.
I’ve mentioned before how much I admire Lisa Eldridge, the famous British makeup artist who has done so much to bring professional knowledge and application techniques to anyone who wants to learn them with her YouTube channel. Not to mention I could listen to her talk all day long (and have…). If you’re into makeup I’m sure you know her already.
She recently posted a great video on how to choose a nude lipstick, similar to some videos she’s done in the past on other shade ranges, and I thought it might be helpful to see a few of her best lipstick videos rounded up. This is geared toward anyone who might be on the lookout for a new shade in one category or another, or who just loves lipstick, or who thinks they might love lipstick (with the right support and encouragement). She includes tips for shade selection, application, style of wear, and great product recommendations in all of these. I especially like the videos on red and dark lips.
What I find most interesting here is how she is able to speak in the abstract about the approach to shade selection, using herself as an example but expressing clearly and quite eloquently the thought process behind the personal task of zeroing in on just the right shade for you. I defy you not to want to try some lipstick on after watching these. Also, this color selection applies to anything you might wear, not only lip products.
Nude lips
The latest, and one of the trickiest.
Red lips
She shows so many iconic reds in this one. The application tips are especially versatile, with a range of intensities.
Dark lips
Lots of great autumn picks in here.
Bright lips
Don’t wait for spring
Orange lips
The recommendations are toward the end of the tutorial, which is a beautiful look, as a bonus.
