Colours of Make-Up Design

BY ANNIKA RAYMAN

Nothing beats a RED LIP

In this third issue of UCoD, we meet our first Primary colour, Red.

A primary colour is one that cannot be truly made out of combining any other colours together. There are variations of red, but true red stands alone with blue and yellow as ancient visual markers that have been observed, used, and interpreted for millennia across the globe.

Red is something that transcends time; it is practically primordial. It is in our genes as humans to revere it, to be attracted to it and also to fear it. The most intense of the primary colours, red evokes some of our most basic natural reactions and responses. Red can raise our blood pressure, heighten desire, caution our actions or even make us feel more powerful and more confident. It is no wonder that red is used so often in so many different commonplace aspects of our lives, red is often perceived as the colour of life.

Here we have a modern twist on a classic Bridal look using a red lip. We balanced the lip with a soft, neutral shimmer eye with light liner, lashes and defined brow to make sure the eyes still pop and are not lost, gentle contouring and face framing with an even, clean complexion. For the twist, we opted for a K-Beauty inspired ‘lollipop lip’, where the center of the lip has more concentrated colour than the outer edges, similar to a mouth that has been eating a lollipop or popsicle for a period of time.

Photography by Flashing Lights Photography- flashinglights.ca | @flashinglights.ca

Due to its bevy of meanings and interpretations, the positive aspects of red sometimes fall to the wayside with more focus on the “negative”. Whether good or bad, the innate power of red is undeniable, and can and should be harnessed by makeup artists to properly educate and serve our clients.

A red lip is like a diamond tiara. You either want to wear it everywhere or you keep it at home not knowing what the heck to do with it.

There is nothing, NOTHING, like a red lip. The bad rap of a red lip being “too aggressive” “too bold” or simply “too much” to be feminine is utter balderdash. The integral sensuality and attraction that is instantly commanded by a perfectly applied red lipstick is a force of nature, human nature, and is the core of femininity and sexuality as a whole for all genders and orientations. Red’s ability to increase the heart rate of the viewer, to emit an air of passion and romance, to alert others of the wearer’s power, while giving the wearer a boost of confidence are all amazing, positive effects that can be harnessed when placed with a balanced makeup look.

Depending on your client’s make up purpose, you may find a variation of red to be a suitable choice, while also taking into consideration their unique skin colour and undertone. A cooler bright cherry red or warmer scarlet can be youthful, energizing, and playful on the correct skin tones. Fire-engine red with stronger orange hues is cutting edge and fashion forward. For a more sophisticated or thoughtful look, reds with larger hints of blues and purples like maroon and burgundy make the perfect colours for headshots and formal occasions. For a Bride or a new CEO, a true red lets others know that they are running the show. And let’s face it, sometimes our clients need a little extra help in the confidence department! If not for that, what are we really there for?

A red lip is like a diamond tiara. You either want to wear it everywhere or you keep it at home not knowing what the heck to do with it. Marilyn Monroe was famous for her

One Bride, two looks. Look at the difference of this client’s perceived personality when we changed her morning fuchsia look to her evening floral look. Both dramatic and eye-catching, the deeper toned red lip paired with the black and glitter eye gives this Bride an air of regal sophistication while also a fun twist that is reception ready to shimmer in the strobe lights.

Photography by JARTS Photography - jartsphotography.com | @jartsphotography

porcelain skin, ruby red lips and sultry bedroom eyes framed by look at me jet black liner and the softest crease-work. Conversely, stars like Angelina Jolie have been seen pairing their red lips with blown out, smoky eyes that capture attention and don’t let you go. They key is in the balance.

Styling your client appropriately depends on what they need the make up for and then the other details like outfit colour scheme, comfort-level with makeup etc. comes into play when determining the parameters of balance. Balance for classic

Western bridal make up for example is going to differ greatly from balance of make up for an art director hosting an opening gala. More or less creativity on the part of the artist is given with each purpose of the makeup, and what is appropriate for the client to exhibit.

Taking an account of these factors separates you from being an artist and being a professional make up vendor. We are all creators, creating for a purpose is what we are hired for.