It’s pretty rare to get a compliment from a stranger, but to get several of them from different people? Some would say that’s near-impossible. However, in the last couple of years of living in London, it’s happened to me a few times – all because of a particular red lipstick I wear most days. A bold lip colour is something I’ve become well known for, with friends gifting me red lipsticks for birthdays and kind colleagues leaving samples of new releases on my desk.

Red lipstick has been a huge part of my personality ever since I first discovered make-up in my schoolfriend’s room aged 14. Back then, it was all Dream Matte Mousse foundation, sparkly eye shadows and lip glosses, but as soon as I discovered a red lip, I was completely converted and haven’t looked back since. Fifteen years later, and it’s still rare that I’m found without a red lip, whatever the occasion. I don’t wear that much make-up – usually just a spot of concealer and blush – but even if I’m going bare-faced that day, I’ll still apply my signature red lipstick. 

However, finding the perfect red lipstick has been quite a journey, and I’ve tried many lip products along the way. I’m not especially picky about many parts of my day-to-day life, but the right shade and feel of red is something I’m particular about. I’m not too fond of an overly matte or shiny lipstick; I like it to be an in-between consistency: not too drying on the lips but still veering more towards a matte look than a shine. A red lipstick should also be long-lasting and able to withstand some wear and tear throughout the day. I don’t want to have to keep reapplying lipstick all morning if I dare to have a coffee.

Most importantly, though, is to get the colour right. I like my reds to be less of a bright or vibrant shade and more of a deeper burnt brownish-red. It’s been tricky to find the right one. Much like Goldilocks and her choice of porridges, lipsticks are often too bright, too pink or so dark that they skew more brown than red.

And then I found Elf’s O Face satin lipstick in the ‘Spicy’ shade. Honestly, I am obsessed. So much so that I’ve nearly come to the end of my current one. I’ve never fully finished a lipstick before, so that this one is already down to its last legs (I bought it last year) speaks volumes about how much I’ve used this one.

Its redness is deep and rich, and I only need to use a couple of swipes on my lips to get the full effect of the colour. It feels creamy and soft once applied, it’s comfortable and it’s incredibly long-lasting. If I’m going into the office during the day and have plans with a friend in the evening, I only need to reapply it at the end of the working day. It’s a product that feels as though it should be more expensive, but it’s a relatively affordable high street find.

Elf’s O Face lipstick in ‘Spicy’ is my perfect shade of red, and it’s one I am unlikely to deviate from for a long time. It’s also the one I get complimented on the most – by friends, family and strangers alike.

Images: Shahed Ezaydi; courtesy of brands