Red Haute it is!

Red is the colour of fashion and passion and hence is patronised all over the world by women for its ravishing glamour appeal. L’Officiel asks five women from different age brackets flaunt red and share their bond with red lipsticks.

It is difficult to fathom glamour without the power of red. The ability of a good red lipstick is hard to quantify; and it is perhaps because of this reason, that red lips never lose favour on or off the ramp. This year too, at A/W 15 showcases, red lips were omnipresent in a variety of shades. For Antonio Berardi and Julien Macdonald, it was ox-blood, and for Céline and Carolina Herrera, it was bright red. Similarly, darker reds were seen at Dolce & Gabbana, and crisp red lips were a signature at Cristiano Burani, and the slight cherry hue made models stand out at the Vanessa Seward show.

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Red lips are like LBDS (little black dresses); they never go out of fashion. However, to some, wearing this bold colour can be a tad intimidating, making many women apprehensive of wearing and pulling off this colour. So is there a code to wearing red? And the answer is both yes and no. While no force can stop any woman in any corner of the planet from wearing red, there is also a simple how-to-wear-red guide that will help you wear red with immaculate finish.

The cornerstone for selecting a shade of red is to pick a red that will best suit your age. Though we do suggest that anyone can wear any shade, albeit knowing how to get it right counts! And to make this advice believable, we have five women telling which shade of red to bank on.

When choosing your red, the darker your skin tone, the darker the red, it is better. In your 20s, almost everything goes, yet the tip though is to keep that conviction in check. And when it comes to the 30s, make it your own. Also, you can wear any red, but avoid a very glossy look, and go for a subtler tone instead.

For a woman in her 40s, red lips are all about glam. Try a tinted red balm, and eventually go for a nice ox-blood red, if you are not used to wearing red. Rocking a red lips look is a great way to standout and feel special. Women over 50, too can pull off a daring red lip; just go for the right shade, and opt for darker red, like a berry red.

So let’s hear it from the horse’s mouth or do we say lips on which shade of red to wear when?

Arunima Sahni, Fashion management student.

Do you think red lipstick has anything to do with age?

No, I don't think so. I think red is classic, and goes well with any age. Perhaps, one needs to just change the shade of colour with age.

Do you think, red essentially is a colour for occasions, after the sun goes down?

I think, it depends a lot on your skin tone, but I think the right shade of red can be worn from day to night.

What is the right shade of red, as per your makeup mantra?

To be honest, I don't use a lot of reds, but when I do, I love using the one from Tom Ford; it’s a coral colour and perfect for someone of my age.

One tip you want to share with our readers for using red in their 20s.

Choose a red, which matches your skin tone, so you don't look too old or too young.

Aakanksha Jain, Fashion stylist.

Which is your favourite shade of red? And what brand?

Rouge Dior by Christian Dior.

Do you experiment with reds, or do you stick to one shade of red? Also does your makeup repertoire boast of different reds for different occasions?

I prefer to stick to one shade of red; as any red lipstick on itself is very powerful and convincing. One stroke of a red colour lipstick can instantly enhance one’s look. Contrary to popular notion, of trying different shade for different occasions, any shade of red on itself is exceptionally versatile. So, whatever the occasion or event–you just have to pick the correct shade and that can cast a spell.

Who do you think, carries off reds really well in the industry?

It's Dita Von Teese, who looks brilliantly committed to her signature style of red lips.

One tip you would like to share with our readers on wearing red?

It’s about opting the right hue and texture. The easiest way to pick a red lipstick is to know your undertone. Cool undertones mostly look best with cool reds, while warm undertones look great with warmer shades of red. Ladies with neutral undertones can look stunning in any shade of red.

Do you think wearing red is classified by age?

A ruby pout is a timeless look! Women of a certain age think they can’t pull off a vivacious red pout. But red lipstick should never be off-limits, it’s a timeless, classic look that women of all ages can vaunt. Though yes, one could make it look richer and deeper with the elegance of age.

Thenny Mejia, CEO, Healthcare Outsourcing Business

Which is your ready-to-go red colour lipstick?

Crimson and ruby red. M.A.C has a really nice collection, when it comes to red lip colours, so my constant is Ruby Woo from M.A.C, and I top it with my Shiseido Luminizing Lip Gloss.

Do you try different reds or you like to stick to what you use?

I love experimenting, and thus I have six different shades of red at present. I also love lip tints, as they moisturise the lips really well, while adding colour at the same time.

How often do you wear red to work?

During the day, I don't prefer a lot of reds; I think it’s a little too loud for workplace. But I try a little bit of subtle red sometimes, especially on Fridays.

Who according to you, amongst popular faces, carries off red really well?

I love Kareena Kapoor, she can carry off anything, and red just looks perfect on her. Also Kate Hudson and Deepika Padukone, I think red just instantly looks good on them.

Any tip you want to share with our readers on wearing red lipsticks?

It’s all about confidence, as colour gives you that. Don't be shy, see yourself in the mirror and appreciate yourself. Simply just go out there and get your favourite red colour.

Latika Khaneja, Director, Collage Sports Management.

Do you have different reds for different occasions?

Yes, I think just as there are different reds for different ages, the colour of your lipstick changes with occasion. I think for the day, go with a subtle red, and in the nights go for a darker berry red.

Which is your constant red? Do you experiment with reds?

I love my Russian Red from M.A.C, and I do try out other shades as well. I think when you are my age, red just adds colour and brightens your face.

Who do you think carries off red lips well in the industry?

I really admire Rekha; her red is like a statement and it complements her age very well.

One tip, you want to share on the art of wearing red lipsticks?

Break into red, don't be afraid, get used to it. Apply it a few times, if you not very confident just dab it and start with a more lighter subtle red.

How To Achieve the Perfect Red Lip

1. When trying to achieve a nicer lip, it is important to moisturise your lips thoroughly. Apply a clear lip moisturiser and leave on for two minutes. Dab the excess of the lip moisturiser with a tissue.

2. Line your lips with a red lip liner and fill in the lips with a lipstick. This will prolong the wear of your lipstick throughout the day. It’s important to find a lip liner that will complement your lipstick.

3. Gently dust a priming powder over your lip liner. This sets the product, making it last longer.

4. Using a lip brush, apply your chosen shade of red to the lips. Since you've already used a lip liner, the lipstick won’t come out.