Series: Michiko Fujiwara, December 2018 | Evolved Matte Red Lipstick

My Best Items of the Latter Half of the Year: Matte Red Lipstick

As December arrived, various media outlets announced their best cosmetic awards for 2018. I served as a judge for several of them, which allowed me to discover products I might have overlooked and reaffirm the excellence of others. In that sense, award wins are a moment of recognition for the hard work of brand representatives, but they also serve as a great opportunity for us consumers to learn about wonderful products. Now, for the final installment of this series this year, I'd like to feature items I particularly favored in the latter half of the year: matte red lipsticks.

Photographs & Text by FUJIWARA Michiko

The Evolution and Effect of Matte Red

It's no exaggeration to say that lipstick in the latter half of the year was defined by red, starting and ending with it. Among these, what truly felt unique to this year were matte red lipsticks. Their defining characteristic is a depth of texture that cannot be simply described as matte. While matte, they offer a light feel, a sense of moisture, or a subtle sheen, making it difficult to predict the exact finish without actually applying them. The range of matte finishes varies by brand, but a common trait is that none are purely matte in the traditional sense.

Furthermore, this sophisticated texture significantly enhances the effect of brightening the face and making the skin appear clearer and more radiant the moment it's applied, compared to regular red or conventional matte lipsticks. Another key characteristic is that they create the impression of fuller, plumper lips.

If you've previously worried about your lips becoming dry and chapped, or hesitated to try red lipstick for fear of looking too bold, now might be the perfect time to reconsider and give it a try!

Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge 999 (Parfums Christian Dior)
A red that brightens both skin and mood the moment it's applied, with beautiful color payoff. Its soft matte finish glides on smoothly, leaving lips feeling moisturized and lending a subtly feminine aura throughout wear. The luminous satin-matte texture makes lips appear fuller, adding a touch of allure. It truly embodies the essence of a queen among red lipsticks.

Rouge Allure Liquid Powder Lip Colour 960 (Chanel)
A liquid rouge with a completely new texture. It glides on effortlessly, yet dries to a soft, diffused finish that imparts an innocent impression. It's also perfect for achieving a charming, "bare-lip" look. The ultra-fine color pigments give lips a plump appearance, which is a delightful bonus. Its easy application makes it an ideal choice for red lipstick beginners.

Rouge Pur Couture The Slim 21 (Yves Saint Laurent)
Much like its square, slim bottle design, this lipstick offers a bold, stylish red that creates a chic, modern look. Its creamy texture feels pleasant to apply, and the color's long-lasting wear is a welcome feature. A statement lip is a key element for a youthful, fashionable impression, and this product delivers precisely that color and finish!

For tips on applying dark matte lipsticks, please refer toMarch 2018in this series.