My Photoshoot Glam with a Red Lip That Steals the Show

This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

There’s something about a historical setting that calls for a makeup look as grand as the location itself. For my latest photoshoot at a beautifully preserved landmark, I wanted a makeup style that felt timeless yet undeniably bold. I focused on creating a captivating look centered around a classic red lip—a true power move that brought elegance and a touch of drama. With layers of stunning makeup essentials, I channeled vintage glamour and modern edge, creating a look that felt powerful and refined against such an awe-inspiring backdrop. Let me take you through each product that brought this vision to life.

The heart of this look was the unforgettable red lip, and Fenty’s Stunna Lip Paint in “Uncensored” delivered pure magic. With just one stroke, this richly pigmented, universal red gave my lips an intense color payoff. Its long-wearing formula meant my lips looked bold and beautiful without touch-ups, even under the camera’s scrutiny. The lightweight, fluid texture felt comfortable all day, making it the perfect centerpiece for my vintage-inspired look.

To create a flawless, camera-ready base, I used this NARS foundation, which combined full coverage with a soft matte finish. It blurred imperfections while maintaining a natural, skin-like appearance. This foundation stayed in place throughout the shoot, even as I moved between indoor and outdoor scenes. It didn’t cake or settle into lines, so I felt confident that my complexion would look smooth and even from every angle.

Brightening my under-eye area was crucial for a polished look, and this Mini Born This Way Super Coverage Multi-Use Concealer did it effortlessly. Known for its hydrating yet high-coverage formula, it covered any dark circles or redness, creating a radiant, awake look. I also used it to highlight my cheekbones and brow bone, which added dimension and enhanced my facial structure under the camera’s lens.

To lock in my foundation and concealer, I reached for this HUDA BEAUTY setting powder, known for its finely milled, silky texture. It kept shine at bay and created a soft-focus effect that looked stunning on camera. I lightly dusted it over my T-zone, helping my makeup last through the long hours of shooting while giving my skin a beautifully smooth finish.

Defined brows were key to balancing out my dramatic lip and eye makeup. This precise Brow Wiz® Ultra-Slim Precision Eyebrow Pencil let me create natural-looking strokes that filled in sparse areas, resulting in full, defined brows that perfectly framed my face. With its smooth, blendable formula, I could achieve a polished yet effortless look that stayed in place all day.

For my eyes, I wanted a bold yet classic touch, so I used this 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil – Naked Cherry Collection to create a smudged, smokey line along my lash line. The pencil’s creamy texture allowed for easy blending while its waterproof formula ensured it wouldn’t budge. It gave my eyes depth and definition, complementing the red lip and adding a mysterious edge to my look.

This Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes Mascara transformed my lashes, giving them a lifted, voluminous look without any clumping. Its unique brush allowed me to coat every lash from root to tip, creating a fluttery effect that was both dramatic and elegant. This mascara was the finishing touch that framed my eyes beautifully, adding to the look’s overall impact.

I chose warm bronze and gold shades from this I Need a Warm Eyeshadow Palette to create a subtle, radiant eye look that allowed my lips to remain the focal point. These shades provided just the right amount of shimmer, enhancing my eyes without overpowering the red lip. The palette’s blendable formulas allowed me to create depth with ease, making my eyes look warm and inviting.

In the end, this bold makeup look perfectly matched the historical location, blending classic beauty with a contemporary edge. Each product played a role in enhancing my features and maintaining a polished look that stood out. From the rich, red lip to the luminous skin, I felt like I had stepped into an era of old-world glamour, but with a modern twist. This shoot reminded me of the power of makeup to transform and transport—sometimes all you need is the right red lipstick and a few essentials to make a moment timeless.