"My smile's pretty hard to miss," says Dolly Parton, "considering I'm a gal who likes her lipstick -- the redder the better." Dolly has her finger on the pulse, as usual. 80% of American women use lipstick regularly and over 25% won't leave the house without wearing it. This year the ritualistic pleasure of putting on and wearing lipstick has never felt so good. September has traditionally been the month to test new fall lip colors, and the juicy plums, rich wines, cherry reds, and fiery oranges look and feel positively intoxicating. The most important makeup in your stash can instantly change your face from drab to diva. That's why we swiped it on before Zoom meetings while wearing pajama bottoms. It's the secret weapon of pulling ourselves together, regardless of what's going on inside or around us. Now that we can see and be seen in person, it's time to burst into fall with eye-catching shades that make a statement and make your words mesmerizing. Be bold, have fun, and kiss somebody just because you can.
•Reds with blue undertones make your teeth look whiter
•Choose creamy, hydrating formulas
•Wear color that is bright and richly pigmented
•Storing lipstick in the refrigerator can prolong its life
•90% of women say wearing it makes them feel better
•Experiment with different colors because trying new things applies to more than just lipstick
Pinks & Berries: Milani’s Color Fetish in Voyeur is an eye-popping fuchsia loaded with oils and shea butter to give a great color payoff. For a dark raspberry, try Gucci Glow & Shine Care Lipstick in Jody Wild Mauve.
Blue-Reds: MAC's Ruby Woo, Chanel's Pirate, and Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Red are classics for a reason: they pack of punch of color and look great on everyone.
Fire Power: The fiery red of Pat McGrath's revolutionary MatteTranceVendetta delivers a modern matte finish to lavish your lips in one stroke. This one will stay on through lunch, dinner, and a good-night kiss.