Brick, cherry, ruby, wine, scarlet, and merlot–regardless of your favorite, one thing’s for sure: red is the trending color of the season. A longtime favorite of designers, filmmakers, and individuals alike, red conjures feelings in us like no other color can. From lust to disgust, and everything in between, it’s symbolic for sex and blood and love and religion and confidence and power and wealth. Often touted as a universally flattering color, we think there’s no better way to include everyone than in an edit featuring the magnificently magnetic hue.

1. Full Body Bordeaux

Get a jumpstart on your exercise and wellness plans for the New Year in this stunning bordeaux bodysuit. Not only is the color eye-catching, but the “next-to-skin fit” is also visually appealing. Perfect for those times when you’re feeling understatedly sexy, this piece is great for a little confidence boost at your next yoga or barre class, or when you’re just hanging around the house. Easy to layer, you can simply toss on a t-shirt or sweatshirt before heading out. Another option includes actually dressing it up for a night out. A jacket (try a blazer, cardigan, or dolman top), some jewelry, and a pair of heels are all you need to elevate this beautiful bodysuit. Priced at $98.   

2. True Red Tunic

Easy layering pieces are a girl’s best friend. Throw in a laid-back boho vibe, and you’ve got the perfect everyday top. Great for when you’re feeling effortless, you’ll want to toss on this true red tunic with a pair of jeans and boots and head out the door. An excellent length for pairing with tights and leggings, this is the ideal top to team with knee-high or over-the-knee boots this winter. Still feeling chilly? With the generous tail on this tunic, we think it will create great lines when paired with a sweater or jacket that falls at standard length. Easily dress this piece up or down with jewelry and accessories. Priced at $68.

3. Crimson Cutout Skirt

This classic straight skirt in crimson red would be a surprisingly versatile addition to any wardrobe. The epitome of day-to-night dressing, you’ll be able to wear this lace-like piece for a variety of occasions. Try flats and a blouse for work during the day, then slip on a pair of strappy heels and a silky camisole for evening. For casual weekend hanging, pair this skirt with a graphic tee and ankle boots. Easily warm it up for chilly weather with the addition of tights, a cozy sweater (monochromatic if you so wish), and a pair of booties. Priced at $128.

4. Earthy Umber Dress

The perfect sweater dress, personified, you’ll want to warm your body in this cozy, form-fitting knitwear all winter long. Featuring a red umber hue, this color is natural and understated and would look fantastic paired with other earth tones like caramel, coal, tawny, ebony, and clay. The attention to detail–oversized collar, open mesh shoulders, and pockets–ensure this dress is never boring to look at. Style it with knee-high boots and a pair of decorative socks with lace cuffs that peek out of the top. Not feeling that look? Then pair this dress with tights and ankle booties instead. Priced at $99.

5. Tattered Tomato Skinnies

Anytime you’re feeling like you need a lift, all you have to do is reach for these in-your-face tomato red skinny jeans. With major distressing around the knees coupled with bold color, these pants are definitely not for the faint of heart, but they are a great alternative to typical humdrum winter hues. Wear these with your favorite cold weather sweaters and boots, then pull them out again in the spring and summer. Want to make this look even trendier? Layer a pair of tights underneath. Fishnet, lace, and plain tights are all on-trend. Priced at $108.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than by wearing the color of love — bright red. It’s a hue that keeps coming back in style, year after year, making it good for investment pieces. It’s actually been shown that we are more attracted to people who wear red. True or not, February 14 would be the perfect time to put that theory to the test.

1. Patchuli Jelly Wedge Sandals by Melissa
These red-hot wedges by Brazilian label Melissa are made from sculpted, durable PVC. The navy blue ankle strap and sole contrast nicely with the bright red of the shoe. Wearing these, you’re ready for anything from a hot date to a walk in the rain.
$145, Saks Fifth Avenue

2. Priti NYC Nail Polish in Japanese Rose
A super easy way to incorporate some red into your life for Valentine’s Day is to simply change your polish. This color, called Japanese Rose, is a semi-sheer, fiery rose red that will look hot on anyone. Priti NYC’s polishes are all made without any nasty chemicals, so you can feel good about having that special guy kiss your hand.
$13.50, Priti NYC

3. Monogrammed Drawstring Jewelry Pouch by Clare Vivier
Treat your jewelry (and yourself) right by getting a nice case to store your favorite pieces in. This drawstring pouch by Clare Vivier is ethically made by hand in Los Angeles. Customizing it with gold-embossed initials adds that special touch that makes something a true keepsake.
$70, Clare Vivier

4. Peace Cord Hope Red Bracelet
Handmade with red braided parachute cord and a silver frosted button emblazoned with “ARZU means Hope,” this bracelet is a gift that gives twice. Your purchase directly helps create employment opportunities for the female artisans in Afghanistan who make them, under fair labor conditions. If you don’t love red, there are plenty of other colors to choose from as well.
$15, Peace Cord

5. Baggu Medium Leather Bag
Although if features the same simple shape as Baggu’s popular grocery bags, this version is made, in New York City, from soft natural milled leather. It’s a fancy version of your favorite carry-all, and comfortably fits over the shoulder.
$112, Baggu

6. Tomato Pointelle Ankle Sock by PACT
PACT’s spring collection is inspired by getting back to our roots and features designs symbolizing the heritage of farming. (And they’ve also launched a crowdfunding campaign for urban school gardens.) Made from single-sourced organic cotton in GOTS certified factories, these socks are as comfy and conscious as they come. Try wearing them with your favorite pair of heels.
$8, PACT

Images courtesy of the designers and labels featured. Collages by Johanna Björk.

The post On Trend: 6 Gorgeous Reds for Valentine’s Day appeared first on EcoSalon.

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day by dressing up in head-to-toe red, and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

However you feel about Valentine’s Day this year —  giddy writing love letters or turning up the volume on that breakup-tunes mixtape — it gives us a chance to break away from the ordinary. And when it comes to fashion, it’s a good excuse for dressing head-to-toe in red and adding in a sprinkle of hearts and roses.

Orla Kiely Prom Dress
This sweet little sleeveless dress by Orla Kiely has a gathered skirt and bow. The pattern, which is actually small coffee cups keeps it from being too cutesy. Made from 100% organic, Fair Trade certified cotton in India.
Approx. $94, People Tree

Tiny Heart Necklace
This tiny heart necklace is sweet and simple, a discreet way to whisper to the world that you still believe in love. Handcrafted in San Francisco, by designer Kris Nations, using recycled 14k or sterling overlay.
$35, BTC Elements

Erica Weiner Sweetheart Necklace
When Erica Weiner found a small quantity of these vintage heart necklaces from the 70s, she thought they seemed to just ache to be inscribed with a message. Make your perfect Valentine’s statement and write your message with teeny tiny letter stamps.
$65-80, Erica Weiner

Apple & Bee Hearts Tote
With inside pockets and lots of great compartments, this super practical organic cotton tote will make a great shopping companion, spreading the message of love wherever you go.
$37, Apple & Bee

Hovey Lee Allott Necklace
This elegant heart-shaped pendant is designed for everyday wear, yet the genuine pink peach shell, lends it a unique glowy sheen. Available with 14kt gold-filled  or sterling silver chain.
$76, Hovey Lee

Alkemie Single Rose Ring
Roses are the ultimate symbol for love, and unlike a dozen red ones this ring will not fade. Handmade in Los Angeles, using 100% reclaimed metal and Austrian Crystal. Available in silver patina as well.
$154, Alkemie

Pink/Red Heart Lady Dragon Shoes
These new Anglomania Lady Dragon shoes by Vivienne Westwood and Melissa brings a more glitzy side with gold edged mirrored hearts that make your feet ready to party. Made from Melissa’s signature earth-friendly rubber.
$230, Vivienne Westwood

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Forget the muted tones, embrace fall in all its splendor.

It’s going to be a red hot fall, at least inside our closets. Red, in hues ranging from dark rust to neon-bright, is one of the hottest colors right now, and will also carry nicely into the spring. If you want to be really daring and on-trend, wear red from head to toe. You’ll be guaranteed to turn some heads.

We love this genius convertible dress, which will work double or triple duty as it transforms into different shapes. The ladylike handbag, poncho, fitted turtleneck, cable knit sweater, and flat boot are all key pieces for the fall. Being fashionable hasn’t been this comfy and cozy in a long time.

Clockwise, from top left:

J.Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Bright Red
$176, jbrandjeans.com

Vintage Fire Engine Red Wool Poncho
$122.33, WoozWassVintage on Etsy.com

Matt & Nat Clint vegan suede handbag
$95, mattandnat.com

Cotton Turtleneck from American Apparel
$30, americanapparel.com

Shabd convertible Shoreline Dress in fire
$545, shabdismyname.com

Covet Cable Knit Sweater
$125, shopfuturestandard.com

Swedish Hasbeens Chelsea Unisex Boot
$408, swedishhasbeens.com

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ColumnRed is a commitment color for lips and a strong fashion accessory.

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard, “I want to wear red, but I can never find the right color for me,” I’d have a vacation home on a tropical island somewhere.  Good news! Every single one of you can wear red lipstick. It’s one of the most universally flattering colors and never goes out of fashion.  Whether or not you feel comfortable with fire engine red lips or a sultry cherry colored mouth is another story. Luckily there are innumerable variations on that rouge hue to suit any skin tone and any comfort level and I’ve compiled a list of reds with “green” ingredients.

Now, it wouldn’t be much of a suggestion list if I just looked on the internet for some random red shades of lipstick to suggest.  Instead, I took the time to test out several shades from various natural brands, both on myself and any willing friend with skin darker than mine. The most interesting part of the experiment was walking around almost everyday for the last week and a half with different versions of red slicked across my kisser.

First, I had to give up the idea that red was a party color and couldn’t go with casual clothing in the daytime.  Not all reds work for shorts and a tank top, but the more sheer ones can. Second, I needed to wear more foundation to take out the extra pink in my skin tone and use a bit more eye makeup to create a balance in features. Third, I had to be much more attentive about upkeep and applying lipstick with precision rather than the usual smoosh around on my mouth and run.

This is a commitment color, and definitely not low maintenance. So you’ve got to be willing to spend extra time with your makeup application and reapply diligently. If you take that challenge, then you are ready for the perfect red mouth to be your newest fashion statement.

Pro tip: Shape is incredibly important. If you have small, thin lips you’ve really got to emphasize rounding out and lifting up the cupid’s bow of the top lip and bottom center. Otherwise you’ll have two horizontal lines of red across your face, and that’s not cute.

For all the brands I’ve reviewed they range from very natural, pure and organic, to natural with some synthetics. Almost all of them use carmine, an ingredient that for some people is a turn off because it’s made from crushed beetles.  However it’s the only way to get a bright red in lipsticks at this point in time. Also with natural formulations, long-wear isn’t really possible. So don’t expect most of these to last for hours on end without some touch ups.

In alphabetical order here is the red round up:

Ava Anderson has two reds that in the tube look completely different but on the lips their difference is quite subtle. This very hydrating, pepperminty, natural lipstick is carmine free and goes on incredibly sheer, but if you are willing to put a few coats on, it does build up to a rather bright color that looks dewy.  The taste is pretty neutral. The wear isn’t super long, nor does it really stain the lips but they are carmine free.

Beach Rose is a bright and classic looking red which tested well on light, medium and very dark skin tones. (On very dark skin it just showed up more subtly and had to be applied with many layers, but the effect solicited some happy cooing).

Hot Cider appears to be a deep purple just by looking at the lipstick but upon application it turns into a more orangey red that is slightly deeper and less bright than the former color. This is great on someone with pink undertones in their skin.

Ecco Bella has a cool red lip crayon they call Cranberry, which is pretty accurate for the shade it turns.  It’s a pretty and very vibrant color after a few swipes back and forthwith the pencil, which offers great control.  It’s fairly waxy, and does leave a good stain but the wear wasn’t quite as long as I’d hoped given they call it a long wearing product.  The smell and the taste are pleasantly neutral.  This color is great for anyone with dark hair that has cool tones in it and is flattering on a variety of skin tones from fair to dark.

Dr. Haushka makes two reds suited perfectly for those looking for a distinctly cool or warm tone.  Their lipstick is pretty heavily pigmented, moisturizing and has great wearability.  I detected a bit of minty flavor with theirs, but it wasn’t overwhelming.

No. 4 is a rich warm red with orange undertones great for a redhead or someone with pink undertones and caramel colored hair.  No. 6 is the cooler version that borders on a berry red, perfect for blondes and brunettes, especially those with more olive/golden complexions.  Both colors could work on just about anyone.  Because No. 6 is more berry, it’s a bit more audacious as a statement.

Mineral Fusion’s lipstick has lots of pigment and a waxier feeling that gives it great longevity.  Flashy is an orangey red, that is slightly lighter than Dr. Haushka’s No. 4 so it’s a great option for someone looking to do a sophisticated, warm red that isn’t screamingly bright but still holds its own where pigment and wearability are concerned.

Youngblood’s Vixen is the endurance queen. This one has got some synthetics in its mostly natural formulation, and is worth mentioning because it’s a cool red that screams, “I’m here for the party and not leaving ‘till dawn!” Talk about a bold red that just won’t quit.  Even in the world of traditional lip colors I’ve yet to come across something so vibrant that doesn’t need to be touched for hours. This color would work on anyone brave enough to put it on.

Hopefully you’ll be inspired to take on the summer with a mouth as hot as you feel and try out some of these great shades. If you have any reds that have rocked your lips in the natural category, leave a comment below.

Editor’s note: Got a celebrity look you’d like to copy or a trend you’d like to see incorporating healthy, non-toxic makeup? Send your questions to High Definition columnist Kristen Arnett at beauty@ecosalon.com

New York City based Kristen Arnett is an internationally renowned makeup artist and founder of the Green Beauty Team, styling high profile celebrities and runway models as well as a sought after beauty expert, educator and teacher for other makeup artists.

Image: Davide Todini

Makeup: Kristen Arnett

The post High Definition: Red Lips For All appeared first on EcoSalon.

Color – seven simple hues with complex connotations. I still remember the moment I met Roy G. Biv in sixth grade science class. Mr. Biv and his mnemonic for the visible color spectrum still produce nostalgic perceptions of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This color taxonomy is an efficient way to organize over six million colors into seven simple hues. Each of the six million colors has unique characteristics, charisma, and emotional implications, but for the sake of sanity, I will relish in the over-generalization of hues and only recognize six. At the risk of offending the amiable Mr. Biv, I also plan to neglect indigo.

Color envelops life, painting every aspect of our environment, consciously and subconsciously affecting our psyche. Among the wealth of scientific studies and results, there sits a practical and applicable cup of knowledge on color. Hues communicate psychological and emotional impact. Although personal impression and perception ranges, general information can help guide your color choices. Selecting the correct color can create an interior atmosphere to suite your space, aesthetics, ambiance, and psychological needs. Never underestimate the power of color.

Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color.

Where better to start than red? To some extent, the distinctive attributes of red will be present in color variations – cranberry, cinnamon, flamingo pink, cardinal, etc.

RED projects stimulation, force, and intensity. Often considered the strongest color, red provides concentrated psychological impact. Red is like a sexy negligee for your walls, saturated red lips – dramatic and dangerous. Save red for use in active areas that can handle tension, it can be unsettling and unsuccessful in spaces suited for relaxation.

Want to expand on color a little more? Soak in the knowledge of these basic color applications. Come back next week for a flirtation with sunshine – yellow.

(Photographs by Gaelle Le Boulicaut, VivaTerra, and A Creative Mint.)

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