A red lip is non-negotiable for me in December, and with every passing year I find myself getting more adventurous with it. There was a stretch when I wouldn't have dreamed of wearing red lipstick, and when I finally caved, it would end up smearing, wearing off in minutes, and transferring straight onto my teeth — not exactly the look I was going for. Fast forward to now, and I've discovered formulas that genuinely work for me and that I trust to hold up. As I've grown more confident with reds, my collection has expanded into a lineup I absolutely adore. So today I'm sharing the whole lot with you!
Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red (Review) Red Carpet Red was the first Charlotte Tilbury lipstick I ever owned and the very first red I fell head over heels for. There's something undeniably indulgent about owning a luxury red lipstick saved for special moments, and that's exactly the role this one plays for me. I've since picked up a handful of budget-friendly alternatives and dupes, but I still reach for Red Carpet Red when an occasion calls for it — something about pulling it out just sparks joy. I adore it!
Rimmel The Only Matte Take The Stage (Review) On the topic of high-street dupes for Red Carpet Red, Take The Stage absolutely earns a spot in that conversation. The formula here really echoes Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution — impressively long-wearing without feeling overly dry — and the shade itself is a remarkably close match. Take The Stage runs a touch brighter than Red Carpet Red and perhaps lacks that polished, luxe finish of its pricier counterpart, but for what it costs, it's a red lipstick worth owning.
Rimmel 01 Rimmel 01 is one of my longer-standing lipsticks, and without fail I dig it out every holiday season — though I should probably swap it for a fresh one at some point… It doesn't last as well on me as the two mattes I've already mentioned, so over the years I've reached for it less frequently, but it still deserves a mention as a lovely red, and the more satin finish might appeal to anyone who isn't a matte fan.
KissMe Liquid Lipstick in Poison Apple This is the most recent red to earn a place on my ultimate red lipsticks list, and I haven't stopped raving about it since I first tried it. I feel a tiny bit guilty suggesting it, since you can't purchase it on its own and can only get it through the KissMe subscription from Live Glam, but honestly, every shade in the range is gorgeous so it's well worth signing up. This is the first red liquid lipstick I've truly fallen for, and it simply does not move. If you need a red that survives an entire Christmas dinner, look no further.
Tanya Burr Let's Travel The World Lipgloss I realise glosses aren't exactly the current beauty obsession, though I have a feeling they'll stage a big comeback in the next few years, but I remain a devoted gloss fan, particularly the ones from Tanya Burr. Whether worn solo or layered over one of the lipsticks mentioned above, Let's Travel The World is absolutely stunning. It's surprisingly pigmented for a lipgloss too, which is a huge plus. You can see it in action in an older makeup look of mine, worn on top of Red Carpet Red.
Clarins Lip Oil in Red Berry And finally, my little red-inspired pick is the Clarins Lip Oil in Red Berry. I've been reaching for my lip oils again lately since the temperatures have dropped so dramatically, and they're really the only products that keep my lips properly nourished. I'm a fan of every tinted shade they've launched, and Red Berry leaves my lips looking wonderfully healthy with just a whisper of red. Like the others, it can be worn alone or layered over a lipstick for a glossy, high-shine finish.
Which red lipsticks are your favourites at Christmas?
SHOP THE POST
Sally
