Bold and Beautiful! The Red Lip Returns

What makes a bold, red lip so timeless? Trends come and go, but year after year we return to the classic red—arguably made famous by the flapper movement of the 1920s. The iconic rouge color has often been said to represent passion and sexuality.

Autumn is the perfect time to fall back in love with this iconic hue and refamiliarize yourself with best application practices. We turned to Lover Cosmetics owner and make-up artist Ashley Maurin Rodden for help.

“If you’re a bit timid, but you want to try a bold lip, I would suggest more of a sheer red gloss that’s going to get you there without being super dark,” says Rodden. Those used to darker hues (or those ready to go for it) can head straight to the matte and cream red lipsticks. If you’re in a place where you can reapply, Rodden suggests a cream or satin formula. Otherwise, go with a long-wear formula with a long-wear lip pencil.

Rodden keeps a few tricks up her sleeve. “I struggle when I wear a cream-based color or any kind of gloss—my lipstick feathers and bleeds.” She suggests an Invisible lip pencil. “You actually paint it on the outside of your lip line right above the lip to keep your lipstick from bleeding.” Other handy products include the Rosebud Lip Salve and Lover’s Smoothing Lip Balm—dab these over a matte lip if you start feeling dry.

Is there a best red hue for you? Not really, according to Rodden. “I wear every color in any color under the rainbow. I don’t think people need to be pigeonholed. You should pick the color you like best and feel the most confident in—otherwise you won’t wear it!” Her personal pick for fall is a deep wine.

Our advice—just go for it! “I guarantee you’ll get tons of compliments,” says Rodden. A bold lip gives us all a bit more confidence and prepares us to take on whatever season’s coming next.

Lover Cosmetics Invisible long-wear lip pencil, $18.