If we could have it our way, every day would be National Lipstick Day. No, we’re serious. There are so many reasons to love a good lippie – the limitless shades and options available from the nudest nude to black, the way it transforms your look and adds to your confidence, and how it brightens your complexion and makes you look less tired. But because there is a designated National Lipstick Day (July 29), we’re commemorating it with a list of our favourite bold lipstick looks from celebrities that you can file for everyday inspiration.
Photo: Instagram / hyunah_aa, watanabenaomi703, yoona_lim
ALSO READ: 9 COLOUR-CHANGING LIP BALMS…AND THE SECRET BEHIND THE MAGIC
We’re kicking off the list with this throwback Instagram post from Zoe Tay, that shows just how classic and relevant a nice bold lipstick is back in 1994, and now, 15 years later. Because, seriously, we can drop the timestamp from this post and you wouldn’t know it’s not that recent. So, yes, a bold red lip is always a good idea. And choose one that leans towards a deeper rose shade to add a bit of edge to your look.
Photo: Instagram / zoetay10
ALSO READ: THE LIPSTICKS K-POP STARS LOVE
Diana Ser’s one of the few local celebrities who rocks a bold lip regularly, and we love how it just elevates her everyday look. And if you ever thought that a bold lip may clash with your brightly coloured outfit or accessories, this picture will make you think again. The key is to keep to two solid colours to keep the look chic and not messy.
Photo: Instagram / dianaserlye
ALSO READ: 9 COLOUR-CHANGING LIP BALMS…AND THE SECRET BEHIND THE MAGIC
Singapore actress Rebecca Lim is not one who’s often seen with a bold lip, but here, she works a red lip for an event appearance and keeps it simple with the rest of her makeup and hair.
Photo: Instagram / limrebecca
ALSO READ: THE LIPSTICKS K-POP STARS LOVE
Wonder Girls’ Hyuna shows that a Korean gradient lip look can also be bold and striking – just use a hot pink shade in the centre of the lips and work out the gradient towards your lips’ outline.
Photo: Instagram / hyunah_aa
ALSO READ: 9 COLOUR-CHANGING LIP BALMS…AND THE SECRET BEHIND THE MAGIC
There’s a reason why the lipstick shades that Korean actress Park Shin Hye sports always sell like hotcakes – her lips just look so good in any colour. To make a bright pink shade like the one pictured appropriate for work, keep the rest of your makeup minimal and don’t go overboard with the blusher.
Photo: Instagram / ssinz7
ALSO READ: THE LIPSTICKS K-POP STARS LOVE
Girl Generation’s Yoona shows a foolproof way to rock a bold lip – by matching it to your outfit. We think any colour from a bright coral to a deep plum works, but the rose pink that Yoona is wearing really brightens up her skin tone.
Photo: Instagram / yoona_lim
ALSO READ: 9 COLOUR-CHANGING LIP BALMS…AND THE SECRET BEHIND THE MAGIC
You don’t have to keep to hot pink and chilli red shades when you think of bold lip colours. Try a pinkish-purple ombre lip like the one Jolin Tsai is wearing here to keep things fun and unexpected.
Photo: Instagram / jolin_cai
ALSO READ: THE LIPSTICKS K-POP STARS LOVE
Even if you want to look professional, you don’t have to keep your lipstick neutral, as proven by Rainie Yang here. The coral-slash-reddish orange lipstick colour here hits the right balance between between being too bold or too subtle and adds to a modern, confident woman look.
Photo: Instagram / rainie77
ALSO READ: 9 COLOUR-CHANGING LIP BALMS…AND THE SECRET BEHIND THE MAGIC
Victoria’s Secret angel and supermodel Ming Xi shows that even if you don’t wear eyeshadow, eyeliner or a lot of makeup, a bold red lipstick still gets your red carpet- and work-ready instantly.
Photo: Instagram / mingxi11
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If you find Japanese celebrity Naomi Watanabe familiar, you’ve probably seen her in the SK-II videos on your social media feed. The actress-comedian is rarely spotted without impeccable makeup and has collaborated with Japanese makeup brand Shu Uemura on a couple of limited-edition lipstick collections too. The brick red shade she’s wearing here compliments her fair skin tone and grounds her fun look so it doesn’t look too crazy.
Photo: Instagram / watanabenaomi703
ALSO READ: 9 COLOUR-CHANGING LIP BALMS…AND THE SECRET BEHIND THE MAGIC