A red lip has been perceived a lot of different ways through the years and though we think that we have moved away from the stigma attached to the red lip, have we really? This is what I wanted to find out so I wore red lipstick for a week to work. I wanted to see how my co-workers reacted, if they noticed something different, or if that altered their perception of me. This is how it went down.
Day 1 – M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick – Ruby Woo
I decided to go with a really deep matte red shade, which I’ve worn for years, and from my knowledge goes well with every skin tone. Since this was such a bright red, I went with a simple clean face look and didn’t go overboard with the makeup.
The reaction: Everyone noticed that I was wearing red lipstick and gave me compliments, but nothing out of the ordinary. I usually wear nude shades or just some lip balm usually, so it is obvious that they noticed that something was different.
Day 2 – M.A.C’s Ruby Woo + Lip Balm
This time I used the same red lipstick but applied it over my lip balm so it wasn’t quite that bright, or matte, as it was really annoying to have to touch up every few minutes. This time I felt I needed some statement earrings, I was feeling super fancy.
The Reaction: “Hey are you meeting someone after work?” was the first thing that was asked, but unfortunately I wasn’t meeting anyone. Then another colleague said I was looking really good that day – which had me beaming like the happy emoji. This I attribute to both the accessories and lipstick because my outfit was pretty standard and I’d worn the exact same thing before!
Nivea Original Care Lip Balm is definitely a must-have in my bag.
Day 3 – Maybelline New York Color Sensational Powder Matte Lipstick – Get Red-dy
I was in a rush to get to work this day, and barely managed to put on my lipstick or enough makeup to look presentable. My overall outfit wasn’t the bomb either, a simple striped sleeveless shirt and jeans was all I could really manage.
The Reaction: There was none, I think I was too much of a hot mess for anyone to really notice! The good thing though is that the lipstick stayed on all day almost, so I did find my absolute long lasting lipstick.
If you like long lasting put THIS in your cart right now!
Day 4 – NYX Professional Makeup Butter Lipstick – Fire Brick
This day was tough, it was really hot and I didn’t want to put on a full face of makeup and lipstick, but I pushed through. I only used a tiny amount of my lipstick with a brush so it wasn’t as pigmented or too prominent and I just used eyeliner. I paired this look with an all-white maxi dress.
The Reaction: Immediately one of my colleagues noticed and said I’m looking really fresh and cool – which is what I was aiming for. Apart from that, everyone did talk about my dress but didn’t say much about the lipstick. I think it was due to the fact that it was more subtle and natural looking and probably more work appropriate, which is why there was no real outstanding reaction.
This coral red is also a super gorgeous shade we say!
Day 5 – L’Oreal Paris Pure Reds Color Riche Collection Star Lipsticks – Pure Fire
This day I was really feeling confident, it was the end of the week and I was going to head out after work to meet my girls, so I really wanted to dress up. I decided to go with a more rich red as I wore a blue, printed A-line skirt with a smart t-shirt.
The Reaction: After seeing me wear red lipstick all week and then dress up to the office, almost everyone thought I had a hot date that night, and to be honest I wish I did too! The other reaction I got was just how well everything was put together, and I was complimented on the shade of the lipstick. People on the street looked at me as I walked to the car as well, I wasn’t wearing a very ‘attention-grabbing’ outfit, but I guess the red lipstick added an extra bit of stare-worthy drama.
This fiery red is definitely a game changer.
All in all, it wasn’t too much of a stretch from the norm, my office is pretty cosmopolitan and savvy, so red lipstick wasn’t really a big deal. If I was in a more corporate setting, it could have had more of an impact and reaction (I think). However it was really nice to be noticed and complimented overall, so I will be stepping up my work game a bit!
