It happens. You waltz away from the makeup counter feeling like you've scored the best lipstick ever—only to come home, swipe it on again, and realize with belated horror that it looks awful. Maybe fuchsia just doesn't flatter you after all, or that nude shade you nabbed is a lot paler than you first thought. Something about the color, the finish, or the formula just isn't right, and there goes your 900 or so bucks.
The solution? One gorgeous, versatile red to serve as your crimson canvas. Play the cosmetics chemist and layer your lipstick with others in your stash for a custom-made shade that'll make you proud to pout.
THE BASE
IMAGE revlon.com
Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Gladiolus, P625, Watsons
This versatile blue-toned red is an old Hollywood dream.
COMBINATION #1: Red + Neon Fuchsia = Dark Pink
IMAGE NARS.com
NARS Lipstick in Schiap, P1795, Rustan's
Bright neon pink too flashy for your taste? Layer for a dark mauve shade that's equal parts sweet and grown up.
COMBINATION #2: Red + Skintone Nude = Your Perfect MLBB color
IMAGE zalora.com.ph
Happy Skin x Preview Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Too Cool, P699, Greenbelt 5
Some nudes that look great on others may risk looking corpse-y on you depending on your skintone. Fight unflattering paleness by mixing yours with a tiny dash of fire-engine red.
COMBINATION #3: Red + Brown = Deep Wine
IMAGE sephora.com
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Prayer, $21, sephora.com
If your brown shade is giving you an unwanted '90s throwback, blend the two colors to create a sexy wine. Cheers to your inner vamp!
COMBINATION #4: Red + Orange = Sunset Vermilion
IMAGE maccosmetics.com
MAC Lipstick in Sushi Kiss, P1000, SM Megamall
You're not the only one who feels that orange can be a tad garish. Why not create your own gorgeous sunset-hued lip?
COMBINATION #5: Red + Plum = Berry
IMAGE smashbox.com
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Femme Fatale, P995, Beauty Bar
Purple is pretty hard to pull off. Ease into violet by wearing a rich berry smile instead!
