avon iconic lipstick + glimmersticks lip liner (and red lipstick tips!)

Red is a powerful colour. According to ColorMatters, it is all about extremes. This colour symbolizes passionate love, seduction, anger, and adventure, among other things. It conjures up images of strength and an inner fire. Red is never shy or reserved. It always makes a statement and turns heads. No wonder there are so many popular quotes about red lipstick! A few of my favourites include:

• "Beauty to me is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick." (Gwyneth Paltrow)
• "She has a way with words, red lipstick, and making an entrance." (Kate Spade)
• "Heels and red lipstick will put the fear of God into people." (Dita Von Teese)
• 
  

See? A great many makeup lovers have been inspired by a bold and statement-making red lip. Though I love a powerful lippie as much as the next person....I tend to choose more neutral colours or perhaps a bold purple colour, if I feel like mixing it up. That being said, I love a good red every now and again. More recently, I've been reaching for the Avon Iconic Lipstick in Holly Red and pairing it with the Avon True Color Glimmersticks Lip Liner in Clear. Used together, they create a fabulous finish. Want to find out how these products perform? Here is everything you need to know.

Review: Avon Iconic Lipstick + Glimmersticks Lip Liner

Avon Glimmersticks Lip Liner in Clear. I'll be honest, this was my very first time trying out a clear lip liner. In the past all of my liners have been carefully selected based on how they would work with certain lipstick colours. The benefit of a clear lip liner is that it works with all colours and prevents any bleeding or feathering from happening. I feel like this lip liner did just that. It kept the red lipstick exactly where I wanted it to be. That was super helpful, especially because red can be such a tricky colour to wear. However, I am definitely not used to a clear lip liner so I think this will take a little bit of time to get used to. 

Avon Iconic Lipstick in Holly Red. There is nothing quite like a bold red lip. Though there are many different shades of red, I tend to prefer something that is a little bit....bright. Thankfully, Holly Red delivers on that. The shade is vibrant and exciting and the quality is fabulous. I love how pigmented it is, the creaminess of the product, and the ease of application. I also really enjoy that animal print on the lipstick tube itself. That absolutely goes well with a fabulous red lipstick shade. 

Want to see both of these products in action? I paired them with a super simple makeup look to really let that bold red lipstick colour pop. Be sure to let me know in the comment section below what you think of the shade and the finished makeup look.

Bonus: Red Lipstick Tips

One of the most common reasons to skip out on red lipstick is well, the hassle. Red is a far more high maintenance shade tan say, a neutral pink or soft brown. One wrong move and bam! Your perfectly applied lipstick is ruined. For a long lasting red that looks good and feels comfortable, check out my previous post, Beginner Series: Make Your Lip Colour Last. A few addition red lipstick tips to keep in mind are as follows:

• Prevent the colour from bleeding by using a lip liner or applying a powder to the lips before you apply the red lipstick shade. This will give the colour something to stick to, helping it stay in place.
• Don't be afraid of a little lip balm. Some makeup artists recommend applying lip balm prior to your red lipstick application while others prefer to dab on a little afterward. The choice is yours, just remember to keep those lips hydrated!
• Clean up any edges after application with a concealer or powder. This will give your lips the shape you want and keep everything in place.
• Base the intensity of your lipstick on the occasion. For instance, if you are heading out for a casual daytime activity, opt for a creamier or softer shade of red. If you are going out for dinner and drinks, choose a bolder red. 

Highlight your powerful side with a dazzling red lipstick. Whether you opt for a shade from Avon's Iconic Lipstick line or put a shade from your makeup collection to good use...you are sure to wow.

Do you like wearing red lipstick? Share your own application tips in the comment section!