Girl Hot vs Guy Hot: Red Lipstick

Who knew red lipstick would be so contentious?

We think crimson lips are smokin’: after all, when Gwen Stefani and Scarlett Johansson sport a pout of red armor, it’s undeniably glamorous. But it’s seems opinion is divided in the real world, split between the “Old Hollywood” devotees, and those who’d rather be naked in public.

We had a feeling that guys wouldn’t be on board with it (mostly out of fear of accidentally wearing it themselves following a spontaneous kiss), but the women we queried also had volumes to say:

Cat, 25, who lives in New York City and is one of the most glamorous girls we know, says, “Unless I’m in a costume, red lips are just not for me.  I just don’t have the skin tone or lip shape.  Certain people can pull it off: Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera, Dita Von Teese. Basically if you can pull of that old Hollywood glamour look, then red lips are for you.  Otherwise, stick with the neutrals!”

Robin, 31, North Hollywood, takes the completely opposite viewpoint, saying, “I think real women can and should wear red lipstick, not only celebs! When I wear it, I make sure to blot it a lot, so it ends up being more of a stain than full-on lips. I like doing this and wearing very little eye makeup for a young and fresh look. I think it’s pretty in a classic way, not really sexy or badass. Guys tend to dislike red lips, however, or at least my boy does. From what I’ve read and those men I’ve talked to, they like a more natural look and red definitely looks “done”.”

Katherine, 30, from Maine, says, “I love wearing red lipstick on special occasions, with a hot little red dress, or once in a while to work with a red sweater. I feel like it’s more “ok” for us non-celebrities to wear red lipstick when you’re already wearing red because people think “oh she matched her lipstick to her outfit.” I think there’s a shade of red for every woman. It shouldn’t just be for celebrities. Red is classy, classic, and classless. And you can quote me on that!”

Robyn, 30, from Long Island, says, “Well, I’m a fan but I don’t think everyone can pull it off. You definitely need to have the right complexion and must have white teeth. I love it on Gwen Stefani but wouldn’t do it myself.”

Jo, 27, in New York, says, “I would be nervous about wearing it on a date—not just for his sake but for mine. It would get all over him, all over me. But it’s a nice safeguard for a first date.”

Elizabeth, 28, Los Angeles, says: “Red lipstick only looks good on brunettes and Courtney Love (and the latter may be a stretch).”

Dee, 30, from Oregon, says: “Oy.  I have very mixed feelings about red lipstick.  I love it and I love wearing it, but it requires a
boldness that I don’t always have and I often end up taking it off before I leave the house.  I also think that finding the “right” red can be very difficult and must be very well thought out – otherwise you end up looking like a clown. However, if worn thoughtfully and correctly, Red is always badass.”

As for the boys, they universally seemed to associate it with sex, but were still mostly against it:

Dave, 32, from London, seemed to think I was trying to trap him with my red lipstick questions (hmm…where is this coming from?): “Jesus, are you trying to get people into trouble??! We can’t type answers to this – some of us are married!!!!!”

William, 35, San Diego, had a measured response, saying: “It could be very sexy with the right outfit and going to the right place (party, club, etc.).  But, for everyday or work, it might be a little too much!”

After putting up with days of my stalking him for an answer, Toph, 29, Boston, finally IMed me the following: “Not a fan.  Too messy.  Plus, when I cheat on my girlfriend, I don’t want a trail of evidence.” (He’s kidding, ladies! We think.)

And then, in response to my short and simple email question, “Do you like red lipstick on girls?” Nigel, 30, Pasadena, replied: “I like ‘em trashy, so yes.”

Finally, Phil, 25, Philadelphia, told me: “I’m not a fan of makeup, period. Red is…ugh…it’s like shouting at you, like you’re trying too hard for me to notice you. I want you to put makeup on, like, I don’t even know it’s there.”

Sigh. Poor red lipstick: you’re the overdeveloped preteen girl of makeup. (Everybody thinks you’re beautiful, but the girls are a little wary because they’re kinda jealous, and your sexiness is utterly terrifying to the boys. They’ll learn.) So, no red lipstick on a first date, we’ll give you that…but a life entirely devoid of the red pout? We say nay!