A matte red lip is a modern beauty classic, but it’s not always easy to get right.
Even liquid lip colours can be drying, and you’ve got to ensure precise application to avoid any feathering at the edges.
So when we saw models sporting a velvety red lip backstage at the Roland Mouret show at London Fashion Week, we made a beeline for MAC make-up artist Lucy Bridge to find out how it’s done.
"It’s a slight nod to the Seventies today," Bridge says of the look.
"Sophia [the brand’s artistic director] was inspired by Sigourney Weaver, but we didn’t want to do all elements of the look on one model so we separated eyes and cheeks, and then lips and brows.
"On the lip, we’ve used MAC's Ruby Woo Lip Pencil, and the new Powder Kiss Liquid Lipstick in MAC Smash."
Powder Kiss isn’t available to buy yet, but in the meantime does Bridge have any tips for how to create the perfect red velvet lip at home?
"I think that it’s all about having a really good base," she says.
"So you need to scrub your lips and get rid of any dry skin because if you’re going to put a matte lip on there it’s going to show more."
You don’t have to rely on lippy to find your perfect shade.
"I like using eyeshadows because you get the true density of matteness," Bridge says.
"And I like to use a flat brush with a tiny little bit of water on it to really press the pigment in."
So you can take any red pigment, from a blusher for example, and press it onto the lips for a powdery finish.
Or if you want a shortcut to scarlet perfection, try MAC's Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Feels So Grand.
