In the world of beauty, red lipstick has long been celebrated as a bold, classic statement, but not everyone feels comfortable with such an in-your-face look. Traditionally, it was believed that while there might be a perfect red for every skin tone, there wasn't necessarily one for every personality. However, a new trend is challenging this notion, introducing sheer, barely-there reds that transform the iconic makeup staple into something muted and effortlessly wearable, even for the faint-hearted.
The Rise of Understated Reds
Merit, a brand renowned for its understated makeup catering to aesthetically cool, time-poor women, has embraced this shift. Their latest offering, the Signature Lip Blush priced at £25, is a soft, comfortable lip balm with a natural matt finish, hailed as perhaps their cleverest formula to date. In the shade Kitten Heel, a classic, sheer tomatoey red, it manages to make bold colour appear as subtle as a nude. This innovation is so pretty and face-brightening without drawing excessive attention that even those who shy away from colour will feel inconspicuous and confident.
Viral Inspiration from the 1990s
The muted red trend gained significant traction when Disney+ released Love Story, a series exploring the tragic yet lightweight relationship of Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr., which quickly became their most streamed series of all time. Bessette's chic, minimal aesthetic from the 1990s sparked a frenzy among beauty enthusiasts, leading many to hunt down her signature products.
Key items from her collection include FACE Stockholm's sheer, semi-matt, brownish-red Cranberry Veil lipstick, which sold out for weeks and is now rationed to a maximum of five units per customer at £20. Another favourite is Bobbi Brown's deeper-toned Crushed Lipcolour in Ruby, a sheerer, slightly shinier reformulation of Bessette's original shade, available for £29.
Affordable Alternatives and French Influence
For those looking to avoid customs duties on Cranberry Veil, Glossier offers a compelling alternative with their Generation G Lipstick in Zip, priced at £20. This translucent toffee-apple red is designed to mimic the appearance of having applied a regular lipstick and blotted it several times with a tissue, resulting in a soft, subtle, and slightly blurry finish.
This classically French approach to lipstick, which emphasises a natural, lived-in look, inspired makeup artist Violette to create the Bisou Balm for her eponymous brand. The shade Amour Fou applies and feels like a moisturising balm but leaves a natural flush on the lips, reminiscent of the effect after a lengthy kiss.
Styling Tips for Sheer Reds
The beauty of these sheer reds lies in their versatility. They look best when paired with little or no eyeshadow and a matching, perky-looking cream blush applied lazily with fingertips. This creates a cohesive, effortless makeup look that enhances natural features without overwhelming them.
If you prefer to define your lipline with a pencil, opt for a nude liner rather than a red one to maintain the pared-back feel. A great option is MAC's Cool Spice, priced at £20, a 1990s shade originally known as Spice, which Bessette famously wore. This subtle touch helps keep the focus on the soft, blurred effect of the lipstick.
Overall, the emergence of sheer red lipsticks represents a significant shift in beauty trends, offering a more accessible and understated way to embrace colour. Whether inspired by viral series or timeless minimalism, these products cater to a wider audience, proving that red lipstick can indeed be for every disposition.
