The Red Spread - Day #14 (Product Highlight)

Hey y'all, it's clear y'all love some MAC Ruby Woo so I had to do a product highlight before The Red Spread was over.  Here are some interesting facts about Ruby Woo:

-Ruby Woo was the country’s best-selling shade of 2013. 

-Ruby Woo first launched in 1999 as part of collection with a new formula called Retro Matte. It is considered a matte version of MAC's  Russian Red.

-Ruby Woo is an blue-red which means it's great for cool tones, but somehow it also looks great on everyone.  

-It can be drying like most matte lipsticks so preparation is a must! That includes exfoliation and priming  

Finally,  if you want that Ruby Woo look without paying the Ruby Woo price, a dupe (makeup speak for duplicate) is Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick in Siren in Scarlet. Can you tell which is which?

On the left: MAC Ruby Woo ($16.00); On the right Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick Siren in Scarlet ($7.49).  I lined with MAC Lip Pencil in Cherry for good measure.

Never mind the ash I'm out of lotion.  I swatched both colors on my hand so you can see it.  On the left is Ruby Woo and on the right is Siren in Scarlet 

Some great Ruby Woo looks from this month's Red Spread:

Rockin' Ruby Woo solo-dolo

Added touch of shine with lipgloss and Ruby Woo

Keeping Ruby Woo in Line with dark liners

Tomorrow is the last day of the Red Spread!!! A final recap on red lipstick and things you need to know tomorrow.  If you any questions that need answer please send them here.

The Red Spread - Day #13

Slipped and fell on the ice today thank goodness I had on makeup to make me feel better about it.  We are 3 days out from the end of February and I'm pretty sure I'm going to put on black lipstick just because (jk I don't own black lipstick).  So colored gloss is something that I very recently began exploring.  The thing that has always given me hesitation is the high sometimes shimmery gloss and the color.  I was always concerned that I would end up looking crazy in the face.  However, I've learned that colored gloss can be your friend, especially if you don't want to super-commit to lipstick, colored gloss can give you that color with that fun shine that's perfect for casual Saturdays, brunches, or later-night activities.

That's my baby girl Bella, she wanted to play catch and has no respect for personal space.  Today I have on SEPHORA Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Cherry Red.  No liner needed, prepped my lips with Majestic Roots Naturals Lip Balm. 

The Red Spread - Day 12

It was sunny today so that can only mean Spring starts tomorrow (let me dream!) . One of my favorite things about lip stains is the intense color. That being said, you have to be deliberate with your application. For mistakes I like to keep a q-tip handy and use makeup remover or coconut oil (if you're not up on the 101 uses for coconut oil get on it) to clean up. I'm convinced one side of my lips is crooked or something because my first applications always look a bit imbalanced but I'm also a stickler for details, so it could just be my OCD.  I also make sure to leave a bit of time between my lip balm or primer before my lipstick/lip stain to make sure it doesn't slide off, and the result is this:

It was sunny out so I was lightweight feeling myself but it's still cold.  Today I have on Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo by NYX Cosmetics.  I also lined my lips with SEPHORA Collection Lip Liner in Pleasant Plum (it's been discontinued I think)  I'm getting so good at picking up the deals y'all!

As always I'm looking for your favorite red lip stain and lip gloss looks for the final week of the Red Spread,  Send me your best looks at blackgurlzboldlips@gmail.com!  

This Ain't Lipstick! - Info Post #4

By now I have faith that y'all are scouring your nearest Sephora, Ulta, Blue Mercury, MAC and drugstores for lipstick. I believe it's happening so don't fight me on this.  While you're clearing the counters for the perfect shades, consider 2 lipstick alternatives: lip stains and colored glosses.

Lip stain

As the name suggests, lip stains are much more concentrated in color than lipstick and leave the color on your lips. If you've ever woken up from a night of wine drinking (cause wine is still on sale at Walmart, thank you Heavenly Father) and your lips were purple that's essentially the effect of a lip stain. Lip stains are often matte, I haven't seen one that had significant shine, and so they can also be drying on the lips.  However, proper preparation will promote perfect performance and prevents a parched pucker.  Info Tip #2 has all the info you need on prepping your lips.  Also because of their staying power a little goes a long way.

Colored Lip Gloss

Lip gloss has been with us forever, from the rollerball in the tube to LipSmackers to NARS.  Lip gloss has come a long way and it's most recent innovation: decentcolor is keeping lip gloss present.  Colored lipgloss gives you the high shine with the color.  It can also be a bit more sheer for those who want the look but don't want the heavy color.  With lip glosses I find comparing formulas to be helpful because some lip glosses can be heavy.  Lipgloss can also be messy when it smudges so invest in a you-colored lip liner to line the perimeter of your lips and keep that gloss where it belongs.  As with lip stains, lip prep is important and should be followed.

What are some of your favorite red lip glosses and lip stains? Send them to blackgurlboldlips@gmail.com    

 

The Red Spread - Day 11

Self-love is the most important and yet probably the most difficult for people to master. Oh yeah I be deep sometimes y'all.  V-Day is about showing that special someone or someones how much you care, but what about showing yourself some love? I spent V-Day shopping for a coat and while I didn't find what I wanted I was happy to have the chance to look good doing it. Remember in all things you do to love yourself first! 

Today I'm showing myself some love with Hourglass Opaque Rouge in Icon lined with MAC Lip Pencil in Burgundy

Cecilia was riding my wave and has on the same only she lined hers with MAC Lip Pencil in Nightmoth

Sharonda is giving us face with MAC Ruby Woo with MAC Prr Lip Glass

Des is fresh-faced and full-lipped sporting Ruby Woo with MAC Lip Pencil in Cherry