Getting Dramatic. Natural lipstick reviews continue.

On left: Dr. Hauschka Lipstick in Mezzoforte (04) On right: NVEY Eco #356

Last Friday I wrote about my burgeoning love for lipstick. Yet, and this is just my opinion, to fully embrace the lipstick-love one needs a couple high drama colors on hand. For me, that means busting out of my “warm brownish pink realm” and into the red zone.

Finding a red lipstick that compliments your skin tone is quite a challenge. Those of you who have gone on the perfect-red-lipstick-hunt already know this. If the red has too much orange it can leave you looking clownish and if it’s got too much purple or blue, it can wash you out faster than pulling an all-nighter. The key is finding a red that has subtle nuances of warm or cool tones that essentially looks neutral on your lips.

Since I have warm/olive skin, lippies that lean warm with orange or brown are best for me. (If you have cool skin with pinkish or reddish undertones, red lipstick with blue or pink are best). Dr. Hauschka Lipstick in Mezzoforte has a warmth that is spot on. It’s a deep orange-red with a hint of copper which steers it away from over-the-top drama. There’s no shimmer, and it’s not matte or glossy, just creamy perfection that I now expect from Dr. Hauschka. As I mentioned in the last post, Dr. H’s lipsticks have the same formula as their lip care stick which provides excellent hydration and feels soothing.

NVEY Eco also makes fabulously pigmented lipsticks, but unlike Dr. H lipsticks, they do necessitate a dab of balm for added moisture. Of course that’s just my preference and I know many of you would be thoroughly pleased with its ample hydration from ingredients like organic castor oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and vitamin E. My red color pick from NVEY Eco is #356, a brownish ruby color with a subtle shimmer. I do need to be careful not to apply too much of #356, as its rich brown-leaning tone creates a garish look on me if applied with a heavy hand. Luckily, one swipe gives light to medium coverage, no blotting necessary. On my lips, #356 is a stunning berry that I have been enjoying on evenings out.

My favorite look with both of these red lipsticks is a nude blush (Alima Bisque), lots of mascara (Dr. Hauschka and Gabriel are my current faves) and a touch of champagne eyeshadow (NARS All About Eve or Alima Jacquard from their “Perfectly Tailored” collection for fall). Dr. Hauschka’s Lipliner in 02 works well with both Mezzoforte and #356. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite red lipsticks and what you like to pair it with.

My swatches left to right: NVEY Eco #356, Dr. Hauschka’s Mezzaforte (04), Dr. Hauschka’s Lipliner (02)

Dr. Hauschka Lipstick in Mezzaforte is  $25 at Beauty.com. NVEY Eco is $27.95 and is available at SkinBotanica.com. All items in this review were purchased by me.

Posted by ~Trish

Photos by ~Trish