With Zoe at her book launch
I first began flirting with bright lips a few months ago when Paula told me she needed to go shopping for a bright orange lipstick. I tagged along and bought a couple, one from Napoleon (Hara) and one from MAC (Morange). They were pretty full-on so I toned them down a bit with a neutral Bloom lipstick (Charleston) underneath.
I did the bright orange lip thing a little bit but mostly, I reverted to my default lipstick look: pinky browns.
Interestingly, that’s one colour I know I can NEVER wear in clothes but for some reason, it’s pretty much the only colour I wear on my lips. And have done for YEARS.
Why? I have no idea. Nobody ever told me this colour suited me. I just made it up and went about amassing dozens of similarly coloured lipsticks, some may say compulsively.
Occasionally over the years, I have worn red lipstick but it always seems so high maintenance and too dramatic and I wear a lot of colour and red lips never seem to go with coloured clothes. They’re too strong.
Wearing MAC's Morange on the Today Show
Then I read Amazing Face and learnt that bright lips are not a trend anymore – they’re now a classic, almost a neutral. This came as a surprise. So did Zoe Foster telling me I could wear bright pink. Really? Yes. As in fuschia. And bright coral. Apparently my yellow undertones mean I can wear any colour I like which is delightful news to someone who has 153 pinkybrown lipstics and 429 brownypink ones.
Naturally, I went nuts, buying up every bright pink, orange and coral lipstick I could find. I bought Rimmel (Shocking Pink and Kiss Me). I bought Revlon (Haute Berry, Pink Velvet, Kiss Me Coral and Orchid Beach). It’s fun. And you don’t have to bother with much eye make-up when you wear a bright lip. And I bought Shiseido – a sheer bright pink shiny lipstick whose name I forget.
And can I tell you? Bright lips are fun. Especially in winter. As Zoe says, buy a cheap one and have a play before you commit to anything pricey.
But it’s the fastest way to get out of a rut. Go on. You know you want to.
Fergie
Comments
79 Comments so far
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I discovered the benefit shop in Paddington this week where the gorgeous Irish girl insisted I try the coral tint for my cheeks and lips. I never would have gone down the orange road but so glad I did! I totally rocked the Xmas Eve party in my corals!
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I have to say thats the nicest pic I’vee seen of Fergie
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Bright pink looks best with a hint of tan (or bronzer), with NARS Schiap being my colour of choice.
All brights look better with a matte finish. Too glossy and it looks a bit Barbie.
http://covetedcanvas.com
Xx
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I’m in the exact same boat! I was never game enough to rock the bright lips, however after some experimenting- im running around with the pastel pinks, the bright pinks and bright red! So so fun!
http://www.katieperry.com.au/
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I have never been one for lipsticks because for some reason, after having a sip to drink or a bite to eat my face would become covered in whatever shade was on my lips. The brighter the colour, the bigger the smudge.
But that was before I discovered lip pencils.
Last night I debuted my bright red lip penciled lips, at dinner, followed by drinks, without a single smudge. And today, as I look back through the photo’s, I know that pencil will become a regular in my purse, I might even try a bright pink next weekend.
Viva la lip pencils!
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I love bright red lips. I always put on bright lipstick when I want a lift. My favourite is Mac Russian Red with some clear lipglass over the top – it always gets comments. I’m inspired, I think I might invest in a bright pink today.
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I don’t wear anything BUT bright pink lipstick … OMG am I finally in fashion?? I find pale colours on my lips totally wash me out and if I have nothing but foundation, mascara and lipstick on, I look made up with pink lips.
(although I can still JUST dip enough out of the old tube with a cotton bud if I really need it!!)
But corals … no way! They make me look totally void of colour on my face!
Buying new pink lipsticks can be a nightmare as I find so many of them are orange based.
Used to have a fabulous perfect red lipstick but Estee Lauder stopped making it and after 3 years of trying I’m yet to replace it
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bright lipsticks are a great look.
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If you’re after a pop of bright colour, without the maintenance of lipstick, try Clinique chubby sticks. I have whoppin watermelon and chunky cherry and am always surprised at how much colour they provide, along with stacks of moisture. They’re really easy to apply. Can’t recommend them highly enough.
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Must try. Thanks for the tip.
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I JUST bought shocking pink today, thinking, red lips looked so good (using Zoe’s Amazing Face tricks) so why not try something bolder! You get me, Freedman.
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Can I just say I have the biggest girl crush on Zoe!! Love her
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and the hottest of bright lips awards goes to Fergie and Zoe who both look faaaaabulous
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Yeah, nah….
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Love bright lips! Haven’t worn them since the 90′s but tried lately and think they are great to detract from tired eyes – one of the 12 ways to fake awake for the sleep deprived…
http://www.foxinflats.com.au/2011/04/tired-tips-for-sleep-deprived/
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Urgh, not with pink skin. Not rosy. P-i-n-k, yikes!
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Ugh – another dreadful remnant of the 80′s dragged out of its crypt. Leave fluorescent makeup alone in its rightful death. Please!!!!!!
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I know – how can something that clearly goes in and out of fashion be a classic?!
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ok so i have a question, i have pink skin undertones (very pale skin, dark hair) so am wondering what colour lipstick i would most suit..ta
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I’m the same: very pale skin with pink undertones and dark hair. The other day when I bought a Clinique lipstick, the lady at the counter recommended reds with a blue undertone, bright pinks, NOT orange, but orangey pinks were okay. I’d go to a makeup counter and ask for some advice. You don’t have to buy the colours they use and it gives you a good idea.
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I don’t know what colours would suit me or how to tell this. I can’t even figure out if I’m a ‘cool’ or ‘warm’. I can’t tell if my arm veins are more blue or green.
I have a thing for peach lipstick at the moment but I don’t have any yet. I think I saw it on primped and now I must have it.
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Yay! I love wearing bright lip stick I used to back in the day ( before kids) then it all became subtle lip gloss central, but the right bright lipstick can do wonders!
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Is it possible to wear orange lippy & same colour shoes? Or is that being tragic? Advice needed please :0)
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Depends on what else you’re wearing, but sounds like it would be cool to me
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I wore an orange dress and red lips on the weekend. I don’t think it matters, they’re far apart (feet and lips)?
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Ohh I LOVE bright lips
It takes no time and just makes me feel so much better! I usually go for bright blue based pinks and fuchsias but just brought my first red lipstick that I actually suit my pale skin 
thank you Illamasqua ‘drench’
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I am wearing Revlon’s Colorburst lipstick in Coral today!
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Ok ppls i need some assistance – people are talking about being ‘pink’ and ‘yellow’ and ‘;blue’ im guessing they’re talking about some kind of tone rather than being literal… so how on earth do i work out what i am and what suits me? Im in my mid twenties and can’t even work out what eyeshadow suits me and now we’re thowing coloured lippy into the mix? ah help!
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LOL, I hear your pain. There must be a tone guide out there somewhere……..
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I hear there’s some great how-to-choose-the-right-lipstick-tone-for-you tips in Zoe’s book, Amazing Face?
Kindest,
Definitely not Zoe Foster.
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I never wore bright lippie until it was introduced to me by the amazing make-up artist at work, now I can’t live without it! MAC Lady Bug (deep red) Crosswires (deep pink) and Vegas Volt (hot orange) are the best.
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I love Crosswires!
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I love the bright orangey-reds. Mia and Zoe, I think you look very 40′s glam. Especially with those clothes – love it.
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Hate to be a party-pooper but it’s that kind of consumerism that is destroying the planet. Why not just buy one shade of orange and one fuschia? Just saying…
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I loooovve red lipstick! It’s been a lifetime of searching to find the best red lippy ever – Chanel’s Passion (if you please). Mmmmm, I think I’ll wear it tonight….
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I second this. It was this Chanel lip colour that started my obsession with lipsticks. There is nothing like pulling out a Chanel red lipstick to touch up your lips. The design of the case is also great….the lid doesn’t accidentially fall off in your handbag.
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Very cool photo of Fergie…I like it, she looks all womanly and glamorous, and dare I say, grown-up. Wonder if it’s the lipstick?
I got talked into a bright orange called Vegas Volt at the MAC counter…it matched the earrings I was wearing perfectly. Unfortunately, didn’t match much else about me. I am on the lookout for a wearable orange now. Already in love with MAC Cockney and Ladybug reds…but am yet to find an orange that works. It’s great reading everyone’s suggestions.
Bright lipstick and a matt bronzer = happy face for me.
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Yes! A thousand times yes!
I definitely suggest wearing your brighter lips with some bronzer (and mascara). Keeps it modern, not ’80s. Looks terribly fresh and put in efforty, even though it’s super quick to do.
Also, take a little extra time with your foundation and concealer (be sure to conceal the eyelids) because somehow bright lips throws more focus onto the skin.
Zoe!
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Thanks! Zoe! (Foster!) … I believe I learned the bronzer/bright lip magic trickery combination from you
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A few weeks ago kids asleep, hubby out I had some wine & started mucking around with bright lipsticks & red. I bought a Chanel rather bright but hot red lipstick sometime ago on a whim. I have to say I was so impressed by the instant lift it gave to my face. I’m blonde & very fair…..so fair I look washed out without any make up on – I always wear a tinted moisturiser when I leave the house.
I’m just trying to pluck up the courage to wear red out to dinner next week…..
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this post inspired me to go out and get new lipstick. just bought Very cherry and toffee tango by maybeline… they had a buy one get one free!
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Where WHEREEEEEEEEEEEE? I simply must go. Maybelline is my fave make up!
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Priceline
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I went to priceline in Melbourne! hopefully its a national thing if you’re not in melb!
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I’m in Perth and did the same thing ;P
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Does anybody have any lipstick recs for olive eg Asian skin? I can never find a colour that suits (but to be honest probably haven’t tried enough!)
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Mary Kay do a great lipstick called apple berry! Amazing =) I recieve so many compliments when I wear it =) We share the same skin colour hun
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LOVE bright fuchsia! It’s my signature lippie!
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I just can’t do it. I feel like a drag queen whenever I wear bright lippy.
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Not a fan of bright lipstick myself. Like you Mia I only buy brown lipstick as it suits my colouring. I swear I would feel (and probably look) like a clown if I wore something bright like that.
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You have inspired me to apply some of my natio red lip stain
I’m a blue based colouring, so coral and orange are terrifying thoughts for me. I think I need to buy this book!
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I would love to wear bright lipstick, but i just don’t think it suits me. Those pictures in the gallery look amazing, but i just end up looking like a cheap hooker. But this article has inspired me to give it another go. Off to price line I go.
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Dear Zoe Foster,
I am going bankrupt because of your book.
I purchased 3 new foundations in the last month due to recommendations in your book and primped.com.au. I am now beauty OBSESSED. I don’t even care about clothes anymore, just pretty pretty make up!
I might even venture into the cosmetics department at a department store which I never do, JUST TO TRY A CORAL LIPSTICK, particularly, the Tom Ford for Estee Lauder one you recommend.
Maybe you could start writing about shares or something equally as dry so that I may not go bankrupt!
Love me
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I’m in the same boat. Since I got Amazing Face, far out my bank balance has been depressing. And my makeup case has grown…by 2. Makeup over clothes, food, everything lol terrible.
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Primped is honestly the best website. Zoe’s neutrogena healthy defence recommendation was honestly the best moisturiser I have come across. My skin is super super oily and it is the only one that doesn’t make my face totally shine city after 4 hours!
I am still sticking with my cheapie make up though, just lots of it.
Primped recently rated the new rimmel one with the blue lid that adapts to your skin tone. I am in love with it!
I’m currently trying to convince myself to spend $60 on biotherm night cream like Zoe recommends and that Shu emera cleansing oil she also recommends. They are big spends for me!
The idea of getting all the free beauty products makes me want to be a beauty editor, lol. I get no perks from being a lawyer, I wouldn’t even know how to do my own house purchase!
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Don’t buy the Shu Uemura oil, you really don’t want to be cleansing with mineral oil. MooGoo makes a much better cleansing oil or you could make your own.
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Where do I buy that from, I just looked for it on primped.com.au and I couldn’t find anything!
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http://www.moogoo.com.au
Australian made, Australian owned
I’ve heard great things about the oil cleanser from MooGoo
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I’ve just purchased the moogoo cleansing oil. Hope it is good!
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I absolutely love moogoo oil cleanser. The bottle gets a bit messy after a while but it is superb!
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Me too! I own a ridiculous amount of make up now. But God I love that book
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I was in DJ’s last night and went to buy the Tom Ford for Estee Lauder lipstick in Ginger Fawn and the sales guy said they had sold out across Australia as it was the most popular colour. He also said they are updating the packaging and releasing some new colours, so the line will relaunch on September 16th.
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LOVE bright lips, it makes you look like you’ve put effort in. It’s my go to if I can’t be bothered doing full makeup.
For the ladies who don’t like how lippy colour fades, the Revlon lipstain pens are fantastic. Pops of bright colour and last for hours despite eating, drinking whatever. I love ‘Passion’ (a bright pink) and ‘Victorian’ (a darker pink).
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omg you are so right about the Revlon lipstains! I think they are called “just bitten” I havent bought one yet, but I have tested them on my hand, and they DO last for ages..
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These can bleed like crazy if you have any fine lines though, so prep well.
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Love bright lipstick. My favourite’s are Tom Ford’s True Coral and Cherry Lush, MAC Lady Danger, Girl About Town and Candy Yum Yum, Nars Schiap and Chanel Dragon and Coromandel.
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I look good with bright lips, most colours are ok cos I am yellow AND pink (though more pink) and I have quite full lips (smalll lipped people can look even smaller lipped with a birght colour) but I just caaaaaaan’t be aaaaarsed.
Always with the reapplying cos it looks so dumb when it’s half wearing off. It gets all over your coffee cup, water bottle, clothes, hands and sometimes face.
Did anyone see that ep of American Idol when the contestant must have got some red lippie on her mike and she smeared it all over her face while she was singing.
That, friends, is the problem with bright lippie. The potential for humiliation, for a klutz like me, is too too great.
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Ladybird, you’re dead right about the effort and recipe for mess-ups with bright lipsticks.
May I elegantly suggest ladies concerned of such things read this post:
http://www.primped.com.au/blogs/zoes-blog/how-do-i-apply-my-lipstick-so-that-it-you-know-lasts
… which will teach you how, with the use of long-last liquid lipsticks, lip brushes and the new “texta” style stains, you can get authentically long last colour and the kind of carefree experience we’ve previously only dreamed of?
I may?
Many thanks.
Zoe!
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Hi Zoe, thanks for the link – great advice! Just a question – you say not to use the top coat ‘balm’ when applying lipstick (I use Max Factory Lipfinity and find the balm makes my lips softer and glossier). Why is this?
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i love bright lippy but i am always eating or drinking that i just mess it up so quickly. I also forget its on so tend to smudge the shit out of it!
i may go to priceline and buy some lippy now to give it another go!
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I love bright lipsticks. I have a Revlon matte lipstick which is beautiful pink. I think it’s called Desert Rose or something like that. I also bought this gorgeous hot pink one in Vegas, by NYC (dirt cheap makeup over there: my sister in law almost lost her shit)
I put the Revlon one on after seeing this post, feel a lot prettier now! Hehe
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Oh yes Hara!!! Anything bright coral on my lips justs boosts my complexion x 1000 (I am pale olive). y fave look at the moments is a high ponytail, a coat of mascara (no eyeliner), a wash of blush and bright lipstick. Makes me feel all ‘modelly’!
I also love red but I am nervous wearing it as it always makes a beeline for my teeth!
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I actually hate lipstick. I have bought less than a handful over the years (and I’m in my mid-30s) and, currently, I don’t even own one. Ditto for nail polish.
Sure, I think lipstick can look nice – but it is SO impractical. I feel like I can’t eat anything, drink anything or kiss anyone – and it doesn’t take long for it to start looking faded and shabby.
I like lip balm. Strawberry Carmex in a tube is my favourite – it looks glossy and smells sweet. I also like Palmer’s Cocoa Butter lip balm.
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Quite often I find myself at the makeup counter with my wife, thinking “what would Zoe Foster recommend” ?
I’ll have to buy a copy of the book !
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You truly are a Sensitive New Age Guy Bradley! How many other husbands know of Zoe’s book, let alone to quote it?!
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Are you being sarcastic Bradley? My partner has not heard of Zoe Foster and would rather chew glass than go cosmetics shopping with me. You are truely one of a kind.
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