personal picks: red lipstick
I’ve had many people ask me what my favorite red lipstick is, and the answer really isn’t easy because I don’t have just one! I did a video for my YouTube channel going over my favorites, but just in case you can’t view it, here’s a breakdown of the red lipsticks I’ve used; many of which are quite affordable for those of us on a beauty budget.
( click for larger view and sources.)
- NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in “Hot Red”
- M.A.C. Lipstick in “Russian Red”
- M.A.C. Cremesheen Lipstick in “Dare You”
- M.A.C. Cremestick Liner in “Red Enriched”
- N.Y. Color Liquid Lip Shine in #556
- N.Y. Color Lipstick in “Retro Red”
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Certainly Red”
I have also heard good things about Bésame Cosmetics red lip color, but have yet to try them–anyone have any experience? I’m thinking of a few of their lipsticks as splurge sometime around my birthday in May. lol!
( click for larger view and sources.)
A word about technique… I have found that two things can increase the longevity of bright reds (since they like to transfer very easily!): wearing a liner all over my lips and lightly blotting the lip color after applying it (before using a gloss). Taking off a bit of the excess really helps! I have tried some of the long-wearing lipsticks in the past, and haven’t been terribly pleased with their staying power or the fact that my lips become horribly dry after a few uses. So I make do with keeping a tube of my favorite red and a cute compact mirror in my purse at all times for quick touch-ups!
So, I’m interested: do you have a favorite red lipstick? Do share!
Posted on March 2nd, 2009 to beauty, video.
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dreaming of warmer days »45 lovely thoughts to “personal picks: red lipstick”
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lauren says:
I once found my perfect red, from Chanel no less, then proceeded to never wear it! You have inspired me to break out the red for spring!
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Sal says:
I’ve never done a red lip – ever! But now I’m curious to try out the look. Thanks for another lovely tutorial.
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Miss Sunalee says:
Definitly Clinique ! I’ve searched for years for the right red, couldn’t find it, bought one from MAC but I’m a bit allergic to it and then, last summer, Clinique decided to sell really red lipsticks. So I’m a happy girl now ! By the way, it’s nr. 13, “flamenco”.
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sarai says:
Casey, you MUST try the besame reds, they are fantastic. Besame Red is a really really bright true red, Red Velvet is a lovely deeper red, and Cherry Red is a very blue-based rose red.
Russian Red is my favorite, but I like MAC Viva Glam as well, for a darker red. Delux Beauty also makes a great red (I think it’s called Lloyd? I can’t recall).
I’m sort of curious to try other vintagey lip colors like coral.
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Helen says:
I love ANY reds! Well, mostly pillar box red which I think suits my skin better, orangey and brownish ones make my skin look too sallow. Currently I am using a chanel one in audace and a collection 2000 one in sultry. These are two extremes really! Collection 2000 is a budget make up line in the uk that is very popular with teenagers hehe. I think that one cost about £3 whilst the chanel one was £20, but they’re both good in different ways. I wear the cheapo one most though because I don’t want to use up all my chanel! I love red lipstick.
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denisebrain says:
Great choices! My new most favorite is Besame Red Hot Red. I love the neutral (not really leaning pink or orange) and very bright shade. Besame Red is great, an old-school vintage red that skews toward pink.
This is a great piece from a red lipstick diva, including a list of her favorites: http://www.marieclaire.com/hair-beauty/trends/articles/red-lipstick-lipgloss-beauty
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Lauren says:
I tried Besame cosmetics and wasn’t that impressed. I love their packaging and the colors, but they just didn’t stay put. The first time I took their lipstick with me in my purse the lipstick broke off right at the base and I have had to use a lipstick brush ever since. I got their eyeshadow and blush as well, and while they were nice, I prefer MAC because they stay longer.
My absolute favorites are MAC Viva Glam I and Russian Red, but my all time favorite is a discontinued Benefit color called Bachelor Pad. I wore it yesterday with their She Laq and I didn’t have to put it on again all day!
I wish I could watch your video but my sound on my computer is not working! I’ll have to bug Matt later so I can see it on his
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Tina C. says:
I’m a big, big fan of MAC’s Dubonnet.
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Diana says:
I think people forget about red. they hop on these trends and this never fails. great post!
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Dolly Dahl says:
I tried SO many red lipsticks, NARS, MAC, all the big brands and seriously the best one I’ve found (for me anyway) is made by Rimmel and available in Drugstores.
I swear by Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Scream (#076) is amazing. I use it in all of my photos. It’s nice and moist and doesn’t dry my lips out, but it’s not all glossy either. It’s really the perfect mix. If for any reason I can’t find Scream, then my back up is Temptation (#166)
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Leah says:
I really love the look of red lips, but don’t wear it myself for one simple reason – I worry I’ll look too much like my mum! I mean, I already look quite similar to her anyway… I dunno… maybe I am being really silly. I did enjoy your video though Casey.
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Kelly says:
My favorite is a lipstick from L’Oreal, only sold at Targets in the US, called “Target Red.” It’s cheap, it’s a “true red” and is classic and fun.
I found a very close color from Covergirl Outlast – it looks almost as good on, and I think it really does last a long time, won’t kiss off, etc. (important when I’m with my boyfriend!). I *think* it’s called “ever red-dy” – I don’t have it with me right now to check! I don’t think I would have ever picked it up on it’s own, but it was packaged with another shade I did want called “Eternal Flame”
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kari & kijsa says:
Love those MAC colors!!
blessings,
kari & kijsa -
Frankie - Swell Vintage says:
oohhh very handy! x
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Mervat says:
I have been following your blog for quite some time. I loved your wedding pics..very tasteful and beautiful. Congratulations! As for red lipstick, I never know which shade to go for. I try it on, find it is too flourescent, remove it and then apply a gloss. Can you recommend a red lipstick for olive skin?? Thank you.
Mervat. -
Kate says:
I just made the switch from really dark eye makeup to bright red lips and less eye makeup- and the first lipstick I bought was Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Royal Red. I’m really not used to lipstick yet (how on earth do you eat?) but the color of the red is fantastic! I can’t wait to wear it with summer dresses!
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Sara says:
Hi Casey,
I’m a really big fan of Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmers in Merlot. I’ve been trying to stick with all-natural, non-toxic, non-animal tested beauty products, but honestly, natural or not, this is one of the best that I’ve come across. It’s really moisturizing and highly pigmented, so you only need a bit for great colour, and it has good staying power. Also, it’s well priced and it doubles as a really great cheek stain. And as an added bonus, it has a nice minty, tingling feeling. It’s definitely one to try! -
Brook Owens says:
The ultimate best lipstick ever for the real vintage look is MAC RubyWoo . Its a vintage matte and it never comes off. I wear it everyday with MAC mahogony lip liner. Its divine! I have some new pics on flickr of my pin curled hair and my lipstick…
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Marie says:
That’s a very cute video of you. You’re like a starlet with those pretty curls!
My favourite red lipstick is from MAC. They have a Pro-Longwear line where the lipcolour comes on one side and the lip gloss is on the other side. The lip colour has a long sponge-tipped applicator that works really well.
My favourite colour for that is Betwixt. It’s a really nice red with some shimmer to it, a tinge on the orangey-red tone like your “Dare You” lipstick colour.
The best part is that you paint on the colour, let it set for a bit, add the gloss, and then the colour won’t come off. I don’t reapply at all during the day and it’s still there when I come home at night. It only comes off with make up remover or if you eat oily foods. It was perfect for my friend’s wedding, so all the bridesmaids had this lipstick line in different colours.
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Jennine says:
no one does red lippy like you!
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gladys says:
Red lipstick is SOOO difficult there are SOOO many different reds and it’s trial and error to find the right one for your colouring.
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rachel says:
My favorite is Smashbox “Legendary”
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NoirGirl says:
I feel like such a copout, but I don’t wear a red lip. I’m still in the “au natural” stage.
I actually don’t wear any makeup at all. Just cherry Chapstick so my lips don’t look washed out. I’m really enjoying all the red lipstick discussion, though and your video is adorable! I love all your title cards and transitions. -
Kate says:
Thanks for the tips! I use a few different reds, but probably my favorite “retro reproduction” lipstick is “Tangee,” which changes to compliment your skin tone! It’s a bright pink on me… probably later than 1940′s, but still has a cute vintage flair. One tube has lasted me a LONG time!
For those interested, the link below is the company I got mine from. God Bless!
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Darlene says:
Hi Casey! Great video! Thank you for the list of colors to check out. About Besame….I was tempted for a long time, and a few months ago they had a sale. $6 each, can’t beat that. So I bought three lipsticks from the red line, a lip liner & an eyeliner. The lipsticks came in the metal bullet container and were inside of a velvet pouch. Charming. The colors were ok, nothing you couldn’t find elsewhere. The great disappointment was the lip liner (there were two colors, one on each end) – when I rolled it up to use it, it broke off when I tried to apply it. I have wondered if they get a lot of complaints or returns from this type of problem. But, the packaging etc. is great. I think that must be what sells it, because I’d be surprised if many people just **had** to go back for more. Peace, Sunshine & Red Lipstick……….Darlene
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Darlene says:
Hi Casey! Great video! You & your new hair cut look great! Thank you for the list of colors to check out. About Besame….I was tempted for a long time, and a few months ago they had a sale. $6 each, can’t beat that. So I bought three lipsticks from the red line, a lip liner & an eyeliner. The lipsticks came in the metal bullet container and were inside of a velvet pouch. Charming. The colors were ok, nothing you couldn’t find elsewhere. The great disappointment was the lip liner (there were two colors, one on each end) – when I rolled it up to use it, it broke off when I tried to apply it. I have wondered if they get a lot of complaints or returns from this type of problem. But, the packaging etc. is great. I think that must be what sells it, because I’d be surprised if many people just **had** to go back for more. Peace, Sunshine & Red Lipstick……….Darlene
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Darlene says:
Sorry for the double post! I had forgotten to tell you your hair looks great, & my glitchy computer fouled it up.
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penny says:
i have been dying to try M.A.C’s red lipsticks, so will keep these in mind!
i really need to get some lip-liner too..
thanks for the tips! xx -
Meg says:
Great post!
I’ve been using Besame’s lipstick for several years (just now nearing the end of my first tube!), and while I’ve tried some other reds by other companies, I keep coming back to it. I use “Besame Red” which is just a pure, vivid red that doesn’t turn color when you put it on.
Pros: Super-concentrated, long lasting color; adorable design; small size fits easily in an evening handbag; flattering vintage shade
Cons: Will smear if worn over balm; stains skin if applied outside the lipline; lids used to pop off; formula can be drying
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Rhiannon says:
Wonderful!!! I’ve always been afraid to try red lips too . .. They seem to be made for you (especially with your new ’40s film star hair!) but on me it looks . . . not very good!
Thanks so much for this video!
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Mel says:
Wow you look so 1940s with the red lips and your hair! I wish I could try out red lips, but I have such a baby face that when I do, I look like Jon-Benet or some oversexualized child star.
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Penelope says:
Oh, I love red lipstick, and it looks so incredibly lovely on you! Being on a very strict budget, I usually stick with the NYC lipstick, because I don’t tend to wear it as much as my other makeup products, so I would feel too guilty spending more money on it!
I stumbled upon your Flickr, and fell in love with your style immediately! Thank you for the video!
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Penelope says:
Oh! And I’m also the “ShipInaBottle” that’s added you to Twitter =)!
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Breathless says:
I love Besame Velvet Red. They stay ut forever and the packaging is really nice and vintage-looking!
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Miriam says:
My favourite is cheap and not so exclusive, but very good; Maybeline in the colour Rouge Passion, nr 535 (in sweden at least).It’s got the perfect red shade for my lips, it’s moisturizing and affordable for daily use. But I’d like to try MAC! Everyones saying that they are the best…
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super kawaii mama says:
Yes, I’m a MAC Russian Red girl, but my other favorite is called Moulin Rouge – by Boots No.7. But for longevity nothing beats MAC. It is even better than all those so called ‘stay on” types that are so drying.
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Fleur says:
i live in Russian Red And Viva Glam by Mac!
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Deanna says:
I love Besame Red, but I had the same trouble with the lipstick breaking off at the base. I’ve become a devotee of Lipstick Queen– http://www.lipstickqueen.com/product_frame.htm — There are two formulas, Sinners with lots of pigment, and Saints with less pigment. Gorgeous colors!
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SwingDoll says:
Oh! I haven’t been to your blog for a little while, and what a nice surprise to find when I come back! Red lipstick intrigues me but I’m not sure if I can pull it off. I think I need a blue red. I have tried some odds and ends we have lying around the house but my mother always thinks they look too “severe” on me. Maybe I just can’t wear red lipstick, or maybe it is because I don’t normally wear a lot of makeup so it is too big of a contrast.
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Jaime says:
L’oreal’s HIP line has a nice black cream eyeliner, similar to gel eyeliners, and the lip gloss in Turbulent is a GORGEOUS red, shiny lip gloss with lots of pigment.
PS I just found your blog the other day and went to Target and got the eyeliner and some red lipstick to experiment since I love vintage style. Your blog is a great resource -
Amyliz says:
I just got MAC matte lipstick in Ruby Woo and it’s amazing. I also like the deep red of NARS lip crayon in Cruella. Together they are a dynamic duo! Just thought y’all should know. Enjoy!
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Arxsyn says:
I read an article about a company called Bésame that’s inspired by vintage makeup and aesthetic in its packaging and marketing. It’s marketed as a luxury line bringing back the retro glam and reputedly high quality stuff. The lipstick tubes are tiny but they’re highly pigmented. The founder, Gabriela Hernandez, spent a lot of effort recreating vintage shades–she even copied Marilyn Monroe’s favorite red lipstick!
With a brand name that translates into “Kiss Me” from Spanish, what could resist?
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Victoria says:
So I adore red lipstick and am always on the look out for new brands to try and this is really helpful so thak you. But i was also going to say that if you wanted to splurge M.A.C. has a brand called LipMix that has a red..I think is just named red and it comes in almost a squeeze tube that you apply with a brush and it is wonderful. It goes on really matte and is a true red that stays well. It can dry out a little bit durning the day though if you don’t condition your lips before heand though. The other splurge is, and you’re going to laugh but I recieved this as a gift, is at Sephora they have a line by tattoo artist Kat Von D and her lipstick in Hellbent is amazing. it goes on really well and lasts really well. it is more of a red pink so it goes well with fair skin tones and if you add a clear gloss over it at the end of the day it makes the best pink lip gloss.
But thanks you for this article about other colors… now I can’t wait to try new reds.
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Meg says:
Mac Ruby Woo! It’s so retro matte…makes me feel like Marilyn Monroe
Never comes off, and you can use it like a stain if you apply lightly. Perfect -
Amy says:
November 27th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I just discovered Lipstick Queen by Poppy King, available at Bloomingdale’s. Lovely vintage reds, great texture and staying power (so far). The sinner line is beautiful!
Thank you ever so much for taking time to share your comment! Although I try to answer questions, I am not always able to respond to each comment individually. But please know that I appreciate from the bottom of my heart every comment I receive!