If you have been reading Loveaudrey for a while you may have gathered I have a bit of a ‘thing’ for red lipstick.

OK. That’s an understatement.

I have a massive ‘thing’ for red lipstick. It borders on obsession in fact. While I can think rationally about my need for most cosmetics, a tube of rouge perfection sends me into a spin that ultimately concludes with its purchase. Such frivolity isn’t entirely in vain though. I use the crimson portion of my lipstick collection more than any other and, if I felt bold enough to claim a signature look for myself, red lipstick would be it.

It makes sense then that before I could even picture a venue or a dress, I knew I’d wear red lipstick on my wedding day. The only question was which one?

In keeping with my generally indecisive nature I changed my mind a number of times in the run up to the big day. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say the final decision wasn’t made until the very morning of the wedding.

In the end, it just had to be Chanel. They do red so well…

Chanel Rouge Coco in No. 19 Gabrielle is a bright blue based red with just a hint of a glossy sheen. It reminds me of my beloved Dragon, but with a different texture and feel on the lips. This is my first Rouge Coco and I have to say the formulation, which promises to deliver 8 hour hydration from one application, is incredibly comfortable to wear and held up remarkably well on a day filled with talking, drinking, eating and lots of kissing…

There’s no denying red lipstick is high maintenance. Luckily, I had my incredible makeup artist Katy on hand to achieve the perfect application. Before I left she reassured me that Gabrielle had been applied in thin layers over a base of red liner, meaning it wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while! Nonetheless, I still have a few top tips for those of you hoping to be scarlet lipped brides on your wedding day…

• It’s an obvious one, but make sure your lips are in the best possible condition for the big day, especially if you’re planning to marry in the winter like we did. Red lipstick can be very unforgiving, so avoiding dry and flaking lips is a must. I started a love affair with Lanolips 101 Ointment in the weeks leading up to the wedding, and I wouldn’t hesitate to credit it with keeping my lips kissable in spite of the cold weather.
• Be prepared to spread your rouged lips around a little. I left a nice smear on my husband after our first kiss as man and wife and deposited delicate smudges on to the cheeks of numerous guests. Like the trail of an exquisite perfume as it lingers long after its wearer has left, I re-imagined this faux pas as my glamorous bridal calling card.
• Prep your bridesmaids to keep an eye on your lip line. My sister was great at detecting even the slightest hint of a fuzzy edge and was on hand to help me correct it instantly.
• Carry the right tools with you. Even if you’re wearing the longest wearing of longwear lipsticks you might still find you need a full reapplication at some point. You simply cannot wing it when you’re wearing red, so make sure you pack a lip pencil and a brush for this very task. I stowed my Chanel Precision Lip Definer in No. 37 Framboise in my clutch bag as it manages to be both at the same time.

Are you planning on wearing red lipstick on your wedding day? Any fans of Gabrielle? Which Rouge Coco should I buy next?!

Loveaudrey xxx

All images {apart from the product shots which are my own} photography copyright (c) 2012 Eliza Claire