A High-Maintenance Lip for a High-Maintenance Holiday
No matter what your stance on Valentine’s is, whether you’re that girl drumming your fingers as you wait for the big bouquet and jewelry (present company is included)… or you are channeling Jessica Biel in the Garry Marshall extravaganza Valentine’s Day…
… regardless, this is the day that you have to use the excuse to pull off the perfect red lip.
A red lip is all too easy to do wrong, but when you get it right, you get everything right.
Flawless.
Because I have seen too many awfully executed red lips, I am not about to DIY this one. I have to confess, I generally end up grabbing makeup at Target or on Amazon. And the result is a less-than-perfect skintone match and a woeful lack of confidence that I am doing it right. Thank goodness for Woo – the new little makeup shop on the corner of Selwyn and Colony.
Woo is bright, charming, and friendly.
The atmosphere is relaxed and relaxing, the ladies are attentive without being pushy or sales-y in the slightest… it is important to them that people know they are more than welcome to just stop in if they’re not ready to buy anything. You are quickly known by your first name. It’s a place that breathes return customers.
To say nothing of the excellent taste of the professionals who work here, and the extensive stocking of all the best products.
Ann Mendelsohn, one of the cosmetologists, recommends Fresh Sugar Lip Polish for me…
“To create a smooth, creamy lip, it is essential to start with exfoliation,†she explains. And since we’re in February, it is also essential to condition, condition, condition.
“Natura Bisse Lip recovery balm, Bobbi Brown Lip balm, and Chantecaille lip potion can all be used night and day for maximum benefits!†Ann explains.
“I love Chantecaille!†raves Ann. “Their Cerise lipstick is on the top of my list – ANYONE can wear this red. It’s enriched with Vitamins A and C and SPF 8 for added protection. This is a long wearing hydrating formula.â€
A red anyone can wear is a solid score. Though the trick, Ann explains, is in the liner. It can make or break a red lip.
The reason the liner is so crucial is that deep red lipsticks have an unfortunate tendency to bleed throughout the day. The liner keeps everything in place, and ensures you look like Beyonce, not a tipsy great-aunt.
This is one reason why the red lip is VERY important to get professional help with. Only a cosmetologist like Ann could mix and match the liners to the lipsticks so effortlessly, expertly taking into account your skin tone.
Ann pairs the Chantecaille Cerise with the Chantecaille Desire lip definer.
She also puts this Laura Mercier Ruby lip pencil:
… with this Red Amour lipstick:
and topping it off with:
Lauren, one of the other amazing cosmetologists at Woo, is partial to Bobbi Brown (which Woo also carries).
She suggests this Old Hollywood Rich Lip Color:
To be combined with this Sangria Lip liner:
… and topped with this Popsicle 3 Lip gloss:
I’m so excited to FINALLY be able to go into this Valentine’s Day with a lip that perfectly emphasizes my diva-ness on THE Holiday for the High-Maintenance.
Woo Skincare and Cosmetics
2900 A Selwyn Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28209
704-333-0443
Mondays-Saturdays: 10am-6pm
