From whence, I wonder, does red lipstick derive its magical power? That’s what I’d like to know. It’s the rainbow pegasus of lipsticks, and whenever I wear it, I feel like a magically imbued, larger-than-life version of myself.
Like, if I were flying off into the sunset on the back of a giant dragon, a la Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, I would not be wearing pink lipstick, or coral lipstick or — gasp! — a nude gloss.
HELL NO. I would definitely be wearing something red. 🙂
As a kid growing up in the East Bay suburbs (which wasn’t exactly a high-fashion hot spot), I didn’t have much direct contact with red lipstick. My mom was/is more of a Chapstick gal, so the closest I ever got to red lipstick was when I saw it on the models in the pages of the fashion magazines at the dentist’s office.
I didn’t know anything about makeup at the time, but I did know that I wanted what those ladies had on their lips.
And I wanted it badly.
And now, even after all these years, I still love red lipstick, and I have a drawer filled with them — blue-based reds, creamy reds, neutral reds, glossy reds — enough to satisfy my every red lipstick craving.
One of those cravings that never stays away long are matte reds. Like a 1940s screen siren, they’re timeless and beautiful, and I love how they can look elegant and bad-@ss at the same time.
My current crush/matte red in rotation is MAC’s new warm orangey red Matte Lipstick in Dangerous. It makes me feel like I’m in charge and runnin’ sh*t, you know? Like when people hear my heels click-clacking down the hallway, they get a little scared.
Dangerous is one of the new $16 Matte Lipstick shades recently added to the MAC permanent line, and you can find it now (and hopefully eternally) online and at MAC stores and counters.
PRICE: $16
AVAILABILITY: Permanent, available now at MAC counters, stores and online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Speaking of Game of Thrones…
**SPOILER ALERT**
**SPOILER ALERT**
(I’m serious! — don’t read ANY further unless you’re OK talking about the last episode.)
I still haven’t recovered from the GoT season finale. 🙁
All I have to say is…poor Jon Snow. I can’t even deal with it!
Honestly, I don’t even know why I keep watching the show. It’s downright cruel. Every time something inevitably awful happens to one of the Starks, I want to eat a jar of Nutella with my fingers.
Seriously, something good has to happen to one of them someday, right? JUST ONE STARK. That’s all I ask!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
elisabeth says
June 16th, 2015 at 3:38 pmYour brows look GREAT! And your skin!!!! #goalz
Karen says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:06 pmHi Elisabeth,
Aww, thanks! That’s the makeup working its magic. I’m wearing Anastasia Brow Wiz and Clear Brow Gel in my brows. The skin is Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer and Diorskin Nude Air Serum blended with a BeautyBlender.
I hope you’re having a nice Tuesday so far!
Elisabeth says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:14 pmI’ll have to try that foundation! I bought the Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide based on your review last year, and a few months back, I bought the L’Oreal Lumi, also based on your review. I’ve read a lot of beauty blogs off and on, but I’ve been a faithful reader of this blog since 2008! I can think of several things I’ve bought because of your input!
Karen says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:16 pmIt’s really, really good. I think it’s probably the best one out there right now. I just wish it was available in more shades!
I hope you’re liking the Flawless Fluide and the Lumi; both are great too. 🙂
Thank you for reading all of these years! Doesn’t 2008 feel like yesterday?!
Chelsea says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:08 pmOrange reds are the best for me (ginger, freckly, neutral undertones). Love this one! I’m terrible about lipstick though, I feel like it’s too much of a pain for everyday.
Arggggh about GoT! I have some theories about Jon Snow but now we have to wait 10 whole months!!
Karen says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:17 pmOooh, what are your theories? Do share with the class.
Chelsea says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:19 pmMy initial thought was that he’d turn into a white walker, but others are wondering / hoping if Melisandre is going to magic him back.
Karen says
June 16th, 2015 at 4:21 pmOMG! I didn’t even think of that. I was wondering what she was doing at the Wall.
I can’t deal with blood magic, though. It always seems to go wrong, you know?
Chelsea says
June 16th, 2015 at 5:36 pmSrsly, with the blood magic.
Stephanie says
June 16th, 2015 at 9:52 pmI have to agree, why else would she turn up just when he bites it? She’s there for a reason…at least I hope so. I just don’t think they would kill him off that way. He deserves a much more noble death. Plus, they still haven’t said who his mother is (though I think I know!)
Also, side note I named my foster fail Jon Snow aka JS. He’s a smart dude, when everything went down I yelled “NOOOO NOT JON SNOW!!!” he (my cat) turned up with that cute little inquisitive cat face and a little half meow as if to say “may I help you?”
Chelsea says
June 17th, 2015 at 5:44 amAww, what a good kitty!
Jennifer says
June 16th, 2015 at 5:33 pmLove the ode to red lipsticks! I’m a hardcore pink lipstick girl myself but I totally respect the reds and I have a few.
I hear you about the Chapstick wearing mom. My mom rarely wore makeup when I was a kid–I was probably in junior high before she really got into it.
When I was little and we lived in Arizona, I had a really glamorous babysitter named Lola who “painted her face” every day. She did this at the kitchen table and I would sit and watch her. It was fabulous!
Jennifer recently posted … Stuff I’ve Gotta Share + You’ve Gotta See
Laarni says
June 16th, 2015 at 6:47 pmthe GIF! hahahaha.
OH YEAH! I was starting to be sleepy (I watched the finale almost 12 midnight here) and suddenly I saw Snow getting stabbed? WHAT WAS THAT? I can’t accept it. Huhuhuhu
Eesha says
June 16th, 2015 at 9:19 pmHi Karen,
I am also totally a red lipstick aficionado… I also have a drawer full of reds!
And guess what this red lipstick moment came in my life from my mom, but, my mom has just stopped wearing reds for some reason!
Eesha recently posted … Two Miraculous Skin Care Products I am Hooked To!
Reyna says
June 17th, 2015 at 3:36 amGurl, your makeup is on point!!!
Been a long time follower and only recently started commenting because i just had to express how much i love your blog!
Keep it coming and keep enabling me to buy more makeup!
With love from Australia!
R
xx
Kiss & Make-up says
June 17th, 2015 at 3:39 amI scrolled past the GoT part with my eyes closed, lol! Warm reds really look fantastic on you, Karen. I guess we all have ‘our’ color like that 🙂
Kiss & Make-up recently posted … Review | Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Crush, Quickie & Indecent
Noirojos says
June 17th, 2015 at 7:31 amThat gisf is e v e r y t h i n g! People are saying (re: Jon) that he’s part Targaryen and “fire cannot kill a dragon”, so I’m thinking this dude’s still alive…he’ll probably warg into Ghost until something is done with his body. It would make sense seeing that Kit said he wouldn’t be on the show (…this season…), so he could easily hang out in a wolf.
But you know what, I’m more worried about Sansa! That jump?! Girl must have at least a few bones broken… Ugh I really don’t want to wait a whole year, but the book readers have been waiting 5 DDD:
Vanessa says
June 17th, 2015 at 7:47 amLove it!
It feels silly, but I can totally relate, except with purple. It’s been a rough… three weeks, and I’ve busted out the purple as therapy. Not only do I love the color, but it transforms me to warrior queen. Then, suddenly, I’m taking care of business. Trouble? None here 🙂
LindaLibraLoca says
June 17th, 2015 at 12:55 pmYes, yes, yes to all you have said about red lipsticks. They are my instant pick me up, my power source, my obsession!
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Feeling like a goddess – Antipodes Divine Face Oil
Karen says
June 17th, 2015 at 1:22 pmDo you have a favorite red? I have so many that I love!
LindaLibraLoca says
June 17th, 2015 at 1:29 pmI think I have a favorite for any occasion. Revlon “Really Red” as a stain during work days, Astor VaVaVoum to glam up my life, Lipstick Queen Saint Coral for summer days out and about, Revlon “Sizzle” for navy inspired outfits… I could go on and on.
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … Feeling like a goddess – Antipodes Divine Face Oil
Karen says
June 17th, 2015 at 1:37 pmAdding all of these to my wish list. 🙂
I think you need some NARS reds in your life! They make some amazing red shades.
LindaLibraLoca says
June 18th, 2015 at 11:34 amI definitely need some NARS reds, but for now, no more red lipsticks for me. They don’t even fit all on one picture!
Fancie says
June 17th, 2015 at 1:43 pmLmao!! That gif is just too hilarious. I just watched it way too many times lol. You look great in that lipstick though! Red isn’t the first color I typically reach for but I like that this one has a hint of orange. Orangey reds look pretty good on me. I may have to try this out
Fancie recently posted … On Wednesdays We Wear Pink!
Karen says
June 17th, 2015 at 1:53 pmHi Fancie,
If you like orangey reds you’ve gotta try Lady Danger!
Iris says
June 17th, 2015 at 6:08 pmI’ve always loved the look of red lipstick. I started wearing it when I was 11 or 12 even when my parents said it was inappropriate for my age. I still wear it occasionally. It makes me feel so glamorous.
The colour you’re wearing looks great on you. 🙂
Jessica says
June 17th, 2015 at 10:09 pmAwww all the feels for Jon Snow! I think it’s fortunate that Melisandre went back to the wall and has’t been killed yet. I believe she may be able to ressurect him. As we saw, she sees something special in him and won’t let him go so easily.
I’ve also heard the warging into Ghost theory as mentioned above. This isn’t a spolier cause it’s just me guessing… and the next book hasn’t been released yet, so everything is all guesses! 🙂