Fifty Shades of Red

CEBU, Philippines - No color can probably match the passion and seduction of red. Suffice to say, no color has the power to immediately turn heads than red. Red is, in one word, sexy. Red is confidence and it is power.

On a woman, no lipstick shade is more sensual, more perfect to leave on your wine glass than red – be it fire engine red, or a more subdued, summery watermelon red. 

Nothing compares to the subliminal hint of sexiness than leaving lipstick stains on a wine glass – or a champagne flute. Really, it doesn't have the same effect as leaving lipstick marks on tumblers or a mug. But don't get me wrong. This article won't be about which cutlery best complements what shade of color. This write up is entirely dedicated to dangerous, fiery, seductive, red lips.

Red speaks confidence. Leaving red lipstick stains on your wine glass betrays the kind of confidence that speaks to everyone that you are not scared to make a fashion statement. Wearing red is screaming without even opening your mouth. It's pride and exuberance all rolled into one powerful color. 

Unlike its more subdued cousins – pink and nude – red effortlessly stands out. You cannot hide behind anyone or anything when you have red lipstick on. You command attention with red lips without necessarily wanting it. With red lipstick, you cannot kiss your man without leaving clear evidence that you did. But be wary, as leaving this powerful color on your teeth could take you from sexy to trampy in a split sec.

And although your man may argue, red isn't all the same. It can be categorized according to shades and hues. If there are fifty shades of gray, consider that there a thousand shades of red.

Here's a rundown of the hottest and sexiest red hues. Try this at home – or on your man.

1. Watermelon

What's as hot as a summer holiday? Definitely watermelon red lips that can travel between coral and classic red. Think about lounging by the pool in a vibrant Ferragamo maxidress with your lips drenched in this warm shade of melon red. Bright, punchy, and ultra perfect for celebrating by the sea, this leaves a melony mark after your lips part with the champagne flute.

Try: Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Colour in Wild Ginger

2. Fire

If you base it in terms of wine glass collection, consider the classic Fire Engine Red a definite head turner. On a scale of 1 to 10, give this a 15 when it comes to setting your lips ablaze. Raw and alarming, this is a perfect shade to leave on a wine glass filled with chilled chardonnay.

Try: Nars Semi-matte in Heat Wave

3. Rose

Soft, gentle, sophisticated. Let this shade of red bloom from a perfect smile. Living up to the personality of one of the world's most favourite flowers, the rosy red tones of this shade comes in a velvety feel that simply melts on your lips. Gentle, like the flower it was named after. 

Try: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin in Excessive

4. Classic Red

If you're the type who doesn't give a damn about what people will say, don't even bother wasting your time trying to search for the 'right' shade of red. You've got the confidence to wear the color with pride and you know that what you deserve is an all-around classic red lippy that will give you that Hollywood glam vibe stat. Classic red is the first born between fire and watermelon that reached star status thanks to Madonna and Marlene Dietrich. This shade is worthy of kissing all glasses in the vicinity.

Try: MAC in Ruby Woo

5. Berry

This shade is not for everyone. It's difficult to pull off. If you don't get it right, you'll definitely look all wrong. Berry is the deepest shade of red one can muster but it will prevent you from acquiring 'wine lips'. The berry shades are the mature reds so if you're dating an older guy or stepping in the board room with the need to command respect, this is the shade for you to slather on your puckers. 

Try: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pourpre (FREEMAN)