Nicola Coughlan, the sparkling actress who brings Penelope Featherington to life in Netflix’s megahit Bridgerton, has become more than just a character. At the recent Netflix Bridgerton Premiere or any other event she attended her beauty look featured wing liner, soft glittery eye makeup, loads of mascara, and a red lip. This isn’t just any red lip, though. It’s a statement—a nod to Hollywood glamour with a modern twist, perfectly complementing Penelope’s blossoming confidence and Coughlan’s own captivating personality.
In Bridgerton’s first two seasons, Penelope, the seemingly unassuming wallflower, hid behind soft pinks and barely-there nudes. But season three marked a turning point, both for her character and Coughlan’s red-carpet choices. As Penelope embraces her alter ego, Lady Whistledown, and steps into her own power, a bolder lip becomes her signature. It’s a subtle yet powerful symbol of her newfound confidence and a departure from the demure looks of previous seasons.
Coughlan’s own red carpet evolution mirrors Penelope’s in Bridgerton. Gone are the days of playing it safe. Now, she confidently rocks a bold red lip, owning the spotlight and proving that makeup can be a powerful tool for self-expression.
Decoding the Look of Bridgerton:
Coughlan’s signature red lip in the show Bridgerton isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. It’s a carefully curated look that balances classic Hollywood glam with a modern edge. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Forget the harsh crimsons and fire engine reds. Coughlan’s red leans towards the cooler side of the spectrum, often with a hint of blue undertone. This shade flatters a wider range of skin tones and adds a touch of sophistication. Think cherry red with a hint of plum or a classic blue-red.
- Matte reigns supreme. A matte red lip creates a bold, statement-making look that’s perfect for the red carpet or a night out. However, Coughlan occasionally ventures into a soft satin finish, which offers a touch of glamour with a bit more dimension.
- Precision is key. A clean, well-defined lip is essential for a polished look. Opt for a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade to create a defined border and prevent feathering.
Here’s how you can achieve this look:
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: how to achieve that perfect red lip yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a clean, well-moisturized canvas. Exfoliate your lips to remove any dead skin cells and apply a hydrating lip balm. Allow it to sink in for a few minutes before proceeding.
- A lip primer creates a smooth base for your lipstick, ensuring it goes on evenly and lasts longer. Look for a primer that fills in fine lines and prevents feathering.
- Using a lip liner in a shade that matches your lipstick, carefully line your lips. Start from the cupid’s bow and follow the natural curve of your lips. You can slightly overline for a fuller appearance, but be subtle to avoid looking unnatural.
- Apply your chosen red lipstick. Use a lip brush for ultimate precision and control. Start at the center of your lips and work your way outwards. Layer for a more intense color payoff.
- Once your lipstick is applied, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clean up any smudges around the edges.
- To ensure your red lasts throughout the night, apply a translucent setting powder with a light touch.
Product Picks for Your Perfect Red Lip:
Here are some editor-approved recommendations:
- Lip Primer: For a flawless base, try MAC Prep + Prime Lip or Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir.
- Lip Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Medium or NARS Powermatte Lip Pencil in Cruella are excellent choices.
- Red Lipsticks: For a classic matte finish, consider MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo or Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored. If you prefer a touch of satin sheen, try Armani Beauty Lip Maestro in 400 or Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick Matte Revolution Cinematic Red
Advanced Techniques and Tailoring the Look:
While Nicola Coughlan’s signature red lip is a showstopper, there’s room for individual flair. Not everyone has the perfectly pouty lips of a Hollywood star. But Makeup can be your friend. Here’s how to adjust the application based on your lip shape:
- To create the illusion of fuller lips, overline slightly beyond your natural lip line, especially at the cupid’s bow. Apply a touch of highlighter to the center of your lips to further enhance volume.
- Opt for a sharper lip line to define the shape and choose a lipstick with a slight sheen to avoid looking too heavy.
- A lip brush is your best friend here. Use it to meticulously apply your lipstick, ensuring even coverage. Consider a lip liner with a built-in blending brush for a seamless finish.
- Remember, a red lip is a statement piece, but it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Here’s how to create a cohesive makeup look around your bold pout:
- Keep the eye makeup simple and elegant. A soft smoky eye in brown or grey tones complements the red lip beautifully. Classic wing eyeliner with a touch of mascara creates a timeless look. For a more daring approach, try a subtle cat-eye for extra drama.
- A touch of blush adds a hint of warmth and prevents the face from looking too stark with the red lip. Stick to soft pink or peach shades for a natural flush.
- Fill in your brows with a brow pencil or powder in a shade that matches your hair color.
- A velvet red lip offers a touch of luxury, while a satin finish adds a touch of glamour. You can even try a red lip gloss for a sheer, glossy look, perfect for a daytime event.
Everyday Red Lips:
You can rock a red lip for everyday wear too. Here’s how to make it work for your daily routine:
- Apply a sheer red lip tint for a subtle pop of color. Layer it for more intensity if desired.
- Use a red lip stain for a long-lasting, low-maintenance look with a natural finish.
- If a perfectly defined red lip feels too much for daytime, try “blurring” the edges with a cotton swab for a softer, more diffused effect.
To Conclude:
Nicola Coughlan’s red lip in Bridgerton is more than just makeup; it’s a symbol of confidence and self-expression. So, the most important element of achieving this look isn’t the perfect shade or technique, but the confidence to wear it with pride. Experiment, have fun, and find your own red lip magic.
After all, as Penelope Featherington herself might say in Bridgerton, “The only rule is that there are no rules.”
Also Read:
5 Best Lipstick Shades That Will Light Up Your Look!
How to find that perfect Red Lip Shade every time?
How to choose the perfect nude shades that don’t wash you off!
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