cherries in the snow

Red lips are a quintessential favorite for the holiday season and this year it has been my go to look for all of the festive affairs I am attending.  I like the fact that it is a great for both day or night and well, nothing shows more confidence and sophistication than a perfect pair of red lips.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for this look:
First, white teeth.  No one can get away with not paying attention to teeth these days--so make sure your dental hygiene is up to date and get yourself in the routine of using something that can keep your smile sparkling, such as Plus White 5 Minute Whitening, Go Smile, or Zoom,  There are a ton of products out there, both from your dentist and on the store shelf.   And remember, friends share this info with friends, so check with one of your girls if you aren't sure what to try.  The good news is that red lips actually make teeth look whiter, another reason to feel the love.
Second, lip liner.  You have to use it.  Reds can bleed off of your lip line easily, so you want to make a perfect outline of your lips before applying the color.  I am a huge fan of the Chanel lip liners because they are so creamy yet precise, but Loreal Colour Riche Lip Liner comes a close second--Always Red is the perfect color for matching my lipsticks or blending my own shade with a couple different colors.  And I always apply a lip balm after lining my lips and believe it or not I love the Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker.  Hello 1980.
Third, find the perfect shade of red for your skin tone and coloring.  This is the fun part.  Take some time to check out the goods in your local drugstore where you can find the iconic Revlon "Cherries In The Snow".  This classic lipstick shade was launched in 1953 and has been a favorite ever since with its bit of fuchsia tint to the perfect pop of red.  I love Maybelline's Ruby Red & Loreal's Spiced Wine as well.  On to the department store, and in my opinion, no one does a red lip better than Chanel.  Chanel's Rouge Allure Laque is so gorgeous that I get compliments from both women and men every time I wear it.
And don't forget a touch of gloss, to give your color a bit of sparkle or bring the red color down in intensity if you wish.  Again, Chanel Glossimer's are worth every cent, and as the fab French salesgirl at the downtown Nordstrom told me last week, no one should be without the color Spark in the winter.  I agree.  Lest, I sound like a giant Chanel ad, I have to mention that my newest favorite line is Face Stockholm.  I have been impressed with every product I have tried, from lipgloss to foundation.
It might just be a little brave thing to rock the red, I know it isn't everyone's comfort zone, but its fun to think outside the box sometime--you might surprise yourself.  I don't think any body says it better than the fabulous Gwyneth Paltrow..."Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."
Pucker up, baby.