Rihanna – the queen of bold beauty looks and unapologetic glamour. She slays the red carpet with captivating makeup that ranges from sultry and smoky to soft and radiant. In this blog post, I’ll break down one of her signature looks, providing a comprehensive guide to help you recreate her red carpet magic at home. We’ll dive into flawless skin prep, her sultry eye look, and let’s not forget – that bold, iconic red lip!
Get the Look: Rihanna’s Glowing, Red Lip Glam
Let’s be honest, a Rihanna makeup moment simply isn’t complete without a perfectly sculpted pout. While Riri rocks many stunning lip colors, this guide focuses on her classic: a vibrant, show-stopping red.
Skin Prep
Rihanna’s radiant complexion is always the perfect canvas for her bold makeup. Here’s how to achieve her signature glow:
- Cleanse & Hydrate: Begin with a gentle cleanser and follow with a nourishing moisturizer. Well-hydrated skin ensures seamless makeup application.
- Primer Power: Choose a primer based on your skin needs (oil-control, blurring, hydrating). Primer smooths texture and keeps your makeup looking fresh for hours.
- Foundation & Concealer: For Rihanna’s flawless base, choose a medium to full-coverage foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Apply with a brush or beauty sponge for a blended finish. Use concealer under your eyes, around your nose, and to cover any blemishes.
- Set & Contour: A translucent setting powder locks in your base. A touch of bronzer around your hairline and below your cheekbones will add warmth and subtle definition.
- Blush & Highlight: Opt for a peachy-toned blush for a natural flush, and use a shimmery highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bones, and the tip of your nose.
Eye Makeup
Rihanna’s eyes always exude understated glamor. Here’s how to achieve the look:
- Eye Primer: Ensure your eyeshadow lasts all night by applying an eye primer.
- Neutral Base: Using a fluffy brush, apply a matte shadow close to your skin tone from lash line to the crease. Blend well.
- Soft Definition: Blend a slightly darker shade into your crease to softly define your eye shape. Add a warm brown under your lower lash line and smoke it out gently.
- Subtle Sparkle: Apply a hint of shimmery eyeshadow to the center of your lid and the inner corner of your eye for a touch of sparkle.
- Liner & Lashes: Line your upper lash line with black eyeliner to add subtle definition. Finish with your favorite volumizing mascara or natural-looking false lashes.
The Bold Red Lip
The centerpiece of this look, that stunning red lip, is easier to achieve than you might think!
- Prep Your Pout: Exfoliate with a gentle lip scrub, then apply a moisturizing lip balm for a smooth base.
- The Power of Lip Liner: Using a red lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick, outline your lips and slightly overline the center of your top lip for a subtle plumping effect. Then, lightly fill in your whole lip with the liner to ensure an even base.
- Lipstick Time: Apply a matte, long-lasting red lipstick. Blot with a tissue for extra staying power and reapply for another coat of intense color.
- Clean Up: For a super sharp line, use a tiny bit of concealer on an angled brush to tidy any edges around your lips.
Product Recommendations
| Product Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Primer | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer |
| Foundation | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation |
| Concealer | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer |
| Bronzer | Fenty Beauty Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer |
| Blush | Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush |
| Highlighter | Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter |
| Eyeshadow Palette | Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette |
| Black Eyeliner | KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner |
| Mascara | Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara |
| Red Lipstick | Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint (shade: Uncensored) |
| Red Lip Liner | MAC Lip Pencil (shade: Cherry) |
Finishing Touches
- Brows: Frame your face with well-defined brows. Enhance their natural shape using a brow pencil or powder that complements your hair color.
- Setting Spray: A final mist of setting spray locks your makeup in place, ensuring it lasts through even the most glamorous events.
The Rihanna Attitude
“The best thing about makeup is you can use it as a tool to make yourself feel however you want.” – Rihanna
Rihanna’s beauty philosophy encompasses more than just the products used. It’s about the confidence and attitude she exudes. While recreating this look, remember to channel your inner Rihanna. Own your style, wear that fierce red lip with pride, and rock that glowing makeup like the boss you are!
Adapt and Personalize
While this guide is inspired by Rihanna’s signature style, there’s always room for personalization. Make this look your own! Here are some ideas:
- Switch Up the Red: Play with different shades of red lipstick, ranging from classic blue-reds to warm brick reds, to discover what best suits your complexion.
- Smokey Eye Variation: For a sultry look, deepen the crease shade and blend a shimmery brown or champagne onto the lid.
- Lighter Coverage: Swap the full-coverage foundation for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for a more natural, everyday version of this glamorous look.
FAQs
- Q: Is this look suitable for beginners? A: Absolutely! While the full look might look a bit elaborate, break it down into steps and practice at your own pace. With a little patience, anyone can conquer this makeup look.
- Q: How do I know what shades work for my skin tone? A: Visiting a makeup store and requesting guidance is a great starting point. They can help you find the perfect shades of foundation, concealer, and red lipstick. Alternatively, research online resources for identifying your skin’s undertones (warm, cool, or neutral).
- Q: Is it necessary to use high-end products? A: Definitely not! While using products from Rihanna’s own Fenty Beauty line seems fitting, there are excellent, affordable alternatives. Drugstore brands offer fantastic options for replicating this look.
Your Red Carpet Moment Awaits!
There you have it, your comprehensive guide to recreating Rihanna’s red carpet glam! Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment, have fun, and channel your inner bad gal.
If you try this look, do share your results! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see your stunning recreations.
Shine bright, beauties!