Few beauty looks have endured quite like red lipstick. Its appeal lies in its ability to feel both timeless and personal: a single swipe can be bold or understated, polished or playful, and there’s a shade to suit almost everyone. Yet even a classic can feel daunting, particularly as we get older and hear that mature makeup should be kept minimal.
But timeless doesn’t mean predictable, and makeup should still be fun. Celebrity Traitors star Jerry Hall, 70, just reminded us that it’s a look that works for everyone, as she appeared alongside her daughter Georgia May Jagger, 34 – both wearing the look with effortless confidence.
The mother-daughter duo were seen at the Paris fashion week, looking stylish on the front row of Saint Laurent fashion show. Their all-black outfits kept their style simple and chic, allowing their shiny pop of red lipstick to take the spotlight.
‘Red lipstick is timeless because it instantly creates impact while still feeling incredibly classic,’ says makeup artist Sofia Isabella, who works at Charlotte Tilbury, where Jerry recently became a new muse for the brand. ‘It’s one of those beauty looks that can completely transform the face without needing much else.’ From old Hollywood glamour to modern red-carpet beauty, she says, red lips have an ‘effortless confidence’ that never goes out of style.
There’s no age limit on wearing one, too. ‘I love that red lipstick isn’t about age, it’s about finding the right red for you,’ says Isabella. That can mean experimenting with undertones and intensity, rather than deciding that a particular shade is off-limits.
How can I find the right shade of red?
‘If your skin has warmer or golden undertones, look for reds with a little warmth, such as tomato, brick or orange-red shades,’ she advises. Cooler undertones can be complemented by blue-based reds, cherry or berry tones, while neutral complexions can often wear both.
Colour analysis can offer a useful starting point, including when choosing clothes, but Isabella cautions against treating colour rules as absolute. ‘Sometimes, the most flattering red is simply the one that makes you feel amazing when you put it on.’ Her practical tip: test lipstick directly against your complexion instead of relying only on traditional undertone guidance.
How can I keep red lips looking smooth and youthful?
Preparation helps make a bold colour feel comfortable and polished. Isabella starts by smoothing and hydrating the lips with Charlotte Tilbury’s Life Changing Lip Mask, then removes any excess balm before applying colour. A lip liner can define the natural shape without dramatically changing it, and lightly filling in the whole lip gives lipstick something to grip.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Life Changing Lip Mask
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Life Changing Lip Mask
The finish is a matter of preference. For a softer, more modern look, apply lipstick at the centre of the lips and blend towards the edges, keeping the outline less crisp. For classic red-carpet glamour, use a precise liner and a little concealer around the outer edge to sharpen the shape. Isabella’s caveat: choose a concealer that isn’t too light.
For lasting colour, she suggests building in thin layers: apply lipstick, blot gently, then add another layer instead of one thick coat. ‘Lip liner is your best friend,’ she says. She also mixes in Inglot’s Duraline for a longer-lasting finish.
Find a shade and application that feel like you, and wear it with confidence. A red lip can be pared back or full-on glamour, bringing ceremony to getting ready. If you’ve been saving yours for a special occasion, take a cue from Jerry and Georgia-May: the best time to wear it is whenever you want to.
