Lady In Red — New NARS Special Edition Rita Audacious Lipstick

Remember Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5,” one of the songs that ruled the airwaves in 1999 (however hard to comprehend 17 years later!)? Well, Señor Bega was a greedy one when it came to the ladies, coveting a little bit of Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Erica, Monica, Mary, Jessica, and Tina  — that’s literally more women than there are days of the week! Despite the philandering nature of the “Mambo No.5” lyrics and the somewhat irritating nature of the song itself, when I saw the new all-red, limited edition version of the iconic NARS Rita Audacious lipstick, all I could think was, “A little bit of Rita is all I need.” Granted, when it comes to NARS Audacious lipsticks, I’m just as greedy as Bega was when it came to his women — I do, after all, have lipsticks named Angela and Sandra (ha!). But the NARS Special Edition Rita Audacious Lipstick ($32 at NARScosmetics.com), in her brand new red party dress, is a head-turning beauty. She’s the type of gal who is so enchanting that the music seems to slow down as she enters the room, the camera focusing on her graceful gait and shy smile. She’s Rita Hayworth in Gilda: mesmerizing, sensuous, and irresistible.

If you’re already acquainted with the NARS Rita Audacious Lipstick shade, this is your chance to stock up on the lush red hue while adding a pop of color to your vanity — after all, the red rectangular tube will surely stand out in a sea of black lipsticks. And if you’re not familiar with the Rita shade, this is the perfect opportunity to invest in an alluring scarlet red hue that’s perfect for the holiday season and beyond. The festive packaging also makes this version of Rita all the more apt for gifting.

Here are swatches of the Rita shade so you, too, can commence swooning:

As you can hopefully see from the photos above, there’s an old Hollywood glamour to this scarlet hue, which is indulgently creamy and yet feels weightless on your pout. Moreover, it provides complete coverage with a single stroke, and the depth and dimension of the hue will give your look a healthy dose of drama.

Here’s a shot of me wearing the Rita lipstick hue:

If I couldn’t help smiling in these photos, it’s because that’s how much I love Rita!

As for her lovely new dress, it’s as show-stopping as that Oscar de la Renta gown with the ruffled train that Blair Waldorf (played by Leighton Meester) wore on Season 4 of Gossip Girl, as unforgettable as Blake Lively’s Versace gown at the 2009 Emmy Awards, with its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit, or Rihanna’s chiffon Alaia gown at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

Apparently François Nars decided to heed the advice of designer Bill Blass, who famously said, “When in doubt, wear red,” and outfit Rita in a dazzling red tube and matching box. But, of course, it’s the lip color shade itself that’s the true stunner. As François Nars said, “The perfect raid lipstick is a woman’s best accessory.” Couldn’t have said it better myself!