The history of the hue The red lip has been traced all the way back to Mesopotamia, when women used crushed precious jewels to decorate their lips (by far the most luxurious recipe to date!). Other recipes have included everything from seaweed to crushed carmine beetles, even fish scales to create a pearlescent effect!
Some of the most famous red lips in history belonged to Queen Elizabeth I, who used a recipe of beeswax and red dye from plants, and paired her striking red lip with a pale face, and Cleopatra, who mesmerized Mark Antony with her sumptuous pout.
Red lips on the red carpet
Though the trend began long ago, the red lip was perfected on the red carpet. It's even become a trademark of certain celebrities, and has a long line of loyal followers.
Current stars who rock rouge lips include Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift but Hollywood legends like Clara Bow, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe made ruby red lips famous.
How to expertly apply a red lip
Lipstick should be the very last step in your beauty application. You don't want to smudge your perfect pout once it’s done.
1. Begin by applying a faint outline using a lip liner in the exact same shade of lipstick you're using and trace the outline of your lip. If you're new to the product, don't worry about drawing one continuous line.
2. Follow up with your lipstick. Apply your lipstick in an upward motion. For the upper lip, start at the outer corner and work your way up to the middle, and repeat on the opposite side. For the lower lip, begin in the middle, and work your way up to the outer corner. This creates a fuller looking lip!
3. Blot and touch up where needed to ensure your lips are symmetrical and you're good to go.
The colour of the season is oxblood, so opt for a rich shade of red with just the hint of brown. This colour looks sultry paired with a bronzed face and a smoky eye.
Try it: Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Moscow, $32.
For a classic red lip, keep skin clean and bright, with black liner and mascara, minimal blush and highlighted cheekbones and eyes.
Try it: Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Forbidden Apple, $32.
For a rosy red pout with a high gloss finish, top a dark red lipstick with a clear gloss. Keep eyes soft, but play up your cheeks with a blush in a similar hue.
Try it: Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Melon, $6.
Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.