[The Devoted Dabbler] Balancing Act: How any gal can pull off red lipstick.

[Jen McGowan Designs]

You don't have to be Marilyn to do it right!

Have you ever passed by a tube of red lipstick either at the drugstore or the mall and wished for a second that you  were the kind of person who could pull off red lips? That you led a life in which red lipstick didn't seem out of place? That you even knew the difference between a "good" red and a bad one? (Bad ones are orange-y. Steer clear!)  


I have. I lead a Chapstick kind of life, but I really admire red lips done well on someone else. Not done well as in the Bozo the Clown sense, but as in someone who has pulled off the look in a very clean and fuss-free way. 


Any gal can rock a red lip provided that she take one thing into consideration: Balance. Red lips look best on a woman who has achieved a balance between a strong yet groomed brow and her bold red lips. Whether by nature or with the aid of makeup, defining and filling in your brows helps to offset the boldness of a red lip and in turn creates a very clean and finished look. 


So what does a gal who still likes to get Bonnie Bell Lipsmackers in her Christmas stocking know about red lipstick and how to wear it? I read my magazines, just like you...and I have made a note of what works and what doesn't I guess it's one of those, "If you can't do, criticize." kind of scenarios, but my criticism is constructive and actually more admiration.


Anyhow, take a look and see for yourself. And next time the occasion calls for more than gloss, rock the red. You already have my utmost admiration!

Ellen P does the brow/lip balancing act to perfection here.

Dita wore the eyebrows in her relationship with Marilyn Manson.

From last month's Real Simple mag. A la distance, perfect lips and brows. And coat, and bag and shoes...

Stefani's signature. A little much with the eyeliner, but she gets points for the balance thing.

Gwyneth missed the mark (in my book). It's kind of like, "I'm Gwyneth. I can wear anything." Well, her mom should have told her to fill in her brows.

Sienna nails it! A beautiful example of a blond gal rocking the red lips!

You too, Reese. Looking good!

A Revlon ad from the 80's. Can you tell?! Those brows (and rubies) are to die for. Are those Lee Press-on Nails?

From Dita to Rita...Red lips are for everyone!

Next up:

Man Candy Monday: Jeff Bridges...Fabulous Baker Boys and before era...

See you soon.

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Posted By Jen McGowan Designs to The Devoted Dabbler at 10/13/2010 05:13:00 PM

[Jen McGowan Designs]

You don't have to be Marilyn to do it right!

Have you ever passed by a tube of red lipstick either at the drugstore or the mall and wished for a second that you  were the kind of person who could pull off red lips? That you led a life in which red lipstick didn't seem out of place? That you even knew the difference between a "good" red and a bad one? (Bad ones are orange-y. Steer clear!)  


I have. I lead a Chapstick kind of life, but I really admire red lips done well on someone else. Not done well as in the Bozo the Clown sense, but as in someone who has pulled off the look in a very clean and fuss-free way. 

Any gal can rock a red lip provided that she takes one thing into consideration: Balance. Red lips look best on a woman who has achieved a balance between a strong yet groomed brow and her bold red lips. Whether by nature or with the aid of makeup, defining and filling in your brows helps to offset the boldness of a red lip and in turn creates a very clean and finished look. 

[Jen McGowan Designs]

You don't have to be Marilyn to do it right!

Have you ever passed by a tube of red lipstick either at the drugstore or the mall and wished for a second that you  were the kind of person who could pull off red lips? That you led a life in which red lipstick didn't seem out of place? That you even knew the difference between a "good" red and a bad one? (Bad ones are orange-y. Steer clear!)  


I have. I lead a Chapstick kind of life, but I really admire red lips done well on someone else. Not done well as in the Bozo the Clown sense, but as in someone who has pulled off the look in a very clean and fuss-free way. 


Any gal can rock a red lip provided that she takes one thing into consideration: Balance. Red lips look best on a woman who has achieved a balance between a strong yet groomed brow and her bold red lips. Whether by nature or with the aid of makeup, defining and filling in your brows helps to offset the boldness of a red lip and in turn creates a very clean and finished look. 

So what does a gal who still likes to get Bonnie Bell Lipsmackers in her Christmas stocking know about red lipstick and how to wear it? I read my magazines, just like you...and I have made a note of what works and what doesn't. I guess it's one of those, "If you can't do, criticize." kind of scenarios, but my criticism is constructive and actually more in the neighborhood of admiration.


Anyhow, take a look and see for yourself. And the next time an occasion calls for more than gloss, rock the red. You already have my utmost admiration!