THE PERFECT LIPSTICKRed carpet-worthy tips by Isamaya Ffrench

From a soft nude to a classic red, we ask makeup expert Isamaya Ffrench how to find the perfect lipstick. Watch this episode of THE PERFECT X to find out what to look for in a lipstick, a shade everyone should own and which mistakes to avoid.

Story Featuring

By Stories Editorial

7 January 2024 · 3 min read

Welcome back to another episode of THE PERFECT X, but not as you know it. This time, our host, fashion journalist Dino Bonačić is joining forces with make-up maestro Isamaya Ffrench and diving inside the beauty cabinet to bring us the crème de la crème of lipsticks.

The internationally renowned artist has worked with some of the biggest celebs in the game — Rihanna, Madonna, Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner are all fans — and has collaborated with luxury fashion house after luxury fashion house. So, it’s fair to say that when it comes to nailing the perfect lipsticked look, Ffrench is the one to ask.

So, what makes the perfect lipstick?

If you’re wearing something on your lips all day, it’s got to feel comfortable and good.

How important is the brand when buying a new lipstick?

Not that important. You can have luxury makeup, you can have accessible makeup and as long as the ingredients are good, you’re good.

What is the biggest mistake you've made when buying lipstick?

Going for the wrong nude. You need to test nudes in different lights because they will change.

What’s a lipstick colour that everyone should have regardless of their age, skin tone or hair colour?

A classic red.

Chic goth lip

It’s dark, mysterious.

It is. It’s a MAC matte lipstick. I love black lipstick. If you’re going to wear it, just do super clean, glossy eyelids. Chic goth.

Overlining the lips, what’s the tip?

I love to use an eyebrow pencil. A soft brow pencil just to give it a fake shadow. It makes a lipstick fuller.

When it comes to the ingredients, is there anything we should look out for?

Something that adds moisture value. So whether that’s a Vitamin E, a Hyaluronic Acid or something that’s going to make your lips feel good and moisturised all day.

“I use a soft brow pencil to give a fake shadow and make a lipstick fuller.”

- Isamaya Ffrench

Shop the look

Classic nude

A Charlotte Tilbury nude. Very chic. When do you do this look?

When the lipstick is in a supporting role. If you’re doing a smoky eye or a cat wing or you’ve got big statement accessories, the finishing touch should be a nude lip.

What is the recipe to getting a perfect match in a nude?

It’s just trial and error. Your skin changes seasonally. It’s about having a few [shades] throughout the year.

“Your skin changes seasonally. Have a few shades of nude throughout the year.”

- Isamaya Ffrench

Shop the look

Burgundy beauty

Your final beauty look is a brownish burgundy Estée Lauder lipstick. How do you build that look around the lipstick?

It’s about complimenting the lip, so whether that’s a contrasting accessory or a contrasting eye look. In this instance, I had the burgundy and then I had the pearl earing. It’s just about the contrast.

Layering gloss over lipstick?

Always start in the centre of the lip. You don’t want a full glossy mouth ’cause that’ll make the lipstick bleed. Just a touch in the centre is all you need for that glossy effect.

How do you do bleeding in a good way?

Do a classic lip shape and then you take a Q-tip or a cotton bud and blend it out. It’s a foolproof way of having your lipstick last all night without worrying about smudge.