Get in the holiday spirit with lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip stains in all shades of red made for the merriest time of the year.
by Taylor Borde
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Best Red Lipstick For Every Skin Tone
Rihanna has done it again with Fenty Beauty's Stunna Lip Paint. It's the perfect universal red that's said to look incredible on everyone's skin tone, and its weightless 12-hour hold is second to none. A lip-defining precision wand makes it easier than ever to add a little sass to a classic LBD. Forget feathering and flaking—this smooth, matte formula behaves so you don't have to during your annual holiday outing. If this isn't a good excuse to get on the naughty list, then we don't know what is. ($24; sephora.com)
Let's start with the packaging—I mean, can it get any more luxurious. The sleek gold tube is enough to make our grabby hands gravitate toward this YSL lipstick. Now onto the the color payoff: Rouge Rock isn't too orange or too blue, making it the ideal shade for light or dark skin. Jojoba oil and a velvet complex work together to create a creamy formula for smooth application and long-lasting comfort that can last through any seasonal soiree (even that lengthy buffet). With one swipe across your lips, you'll have a sensual pop of color that won't fade or smudge for a full six hours. ($38; nordstrom.com)
If red lipstick seems a little intimidating (we're right there with you), the Generation G Matte Lipstick is for you. This sheer lipstick is great for the "no lipstick" kind of girl with a just-blotted look that's just enough to punch up your office outfit for festive drinks after work. Whether you prefer a subtle flush of red or something with stronger color payoff, Generation G can do both. Just give this poppy red lipstick one, two, or even three swipes to build up the gorgeous color to your desired coverage. ($18; glossier.com)
This ultra-intense red-orange will surely get you in the holiday spirit. Bite Beauty's Amuse Bouche in Persimmon is well worth the pricetag, hand-crafted with lip-quenching nutrients, vitamins, and omega oils that preserve healthy lips while delivering bold pigmentation use after use. Made with edible oils and fresh-pressed fruit, this creamy lipstick has a delicious citrus flavor that your S.O. will keep coming back for long after the season is over. ($26; sephora.com)
Of course the O.G. liquid lipstick has a stunning red perfectly suited for Christmas. With one swipe, this matte formula glides on and locks into lips for hours of wear through dinner, drinks, and a kiss under the mistletoe. Once you commit, there's no going back with this life-proof lipstick with 24-hours of staying power. Not a fan of this cool-toned red called 'Outlaw'? Good thing Kat Von D has 42 other shades to choose from. ($20; katvondbeauty.com)
Take a walk on the darker side with the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, a moody scarlet red. This chubby pencil has earned its cult-favorite status with its velvety texture that effortlessly glides on like a matte lipstick all the while being able to line, define, and fill in any sparse areas. Vitamin E keep your lips kissable with a smooth creamy texture while the matte color makes a statement. Pro tip: Keep your outfit simple and let this winter red do all the talking. ($27; sephora.com)
We had to included this makeup artist fave in our roundup. It's beloved by many—celebs and beauty-obsessed babes alike—and for good reason. It's a classic red that Marilyn Monroe herself would wear on her signature pout. Ruby Woo's retro matte formula is the matte-est of them all with a completely flat finish, reserved for only a select few shades. Trade out your designated on-the-go lipstick for this red-hot shade that will add a little heat to any holiday party. ($18; nordstrom.com)
Urban Decay knows how to bring the drama. The Melted Matte-Tallic lipsticks sparkle and shine with every small movement, giving you with 3D texture and depth that's out of this world. With all the festive lights wrapped around trees, buildings, and seemingly any other hanging space, you'll be shimmering all night long thanks to its metallic sheen. Forget those gritty glitter lipsticks you used to play dress up with. This cool-toned reddish blue is a major upgrade with a buttery-smooth formula that is a must for your next girls' night out. ($21; sephora.com)
We're a big fan of the NYX Lip Creams in general, but have to call out this vampy shade for the holidays. It offers the same lightweight, creamy consistency, matte finish, and too-good-to-be-true staying power as all of the other colors, but something about this shade, called 'Madrid', seems perfect for a cozy date night or even on a "dress up a sweater and leggings" kind of day. Did we mention they smell absolutely amazing as well? ($7; target.com)
This lip gloss is cool. This lip gloss is poppin'. We swear Missy Elliot had this shimmery NARS gloss in mind when writing that song. Lustrous color meets serious shine uncomparable to any lipstick. Let this pigmented gloss shine on its own or layer over your fave lipstick or lip liner for a more intense look. Santa won't be able to miss you with this much sparkle, even if you do misbehave. ($26; neimanmarcus.com)