The 10 Wintry Lipsticks Our Editors Will Be Wearing All Season
Rich scarlets, inky blackberries, creamy hot chocolate shades—if there’s one truly great thing about cold weather, it’s getting to wear the lip colors that are just too intense to pull off in the spring and summer. (That’s pretty much the only great thing.)
We’re fanatical about lip color, so we seize every opportunity we get to invest in more, even if it’s something as basic as a change of season. Regardless of whether they’re brand-new, already well-loved, or classic cult favorites, we’re fully embracing these 10 wintry shades right now.
(Top row, from left to right)
NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below ($27)
The rich, balanced tones of this true blood red—it contains neither blue nor orange, so it’s really perfectly neutral—make it flattering on all complexions, so if you don’t know where to start with red lipsticks, make a beeline for the NARS counter to snatch up this foolproof shade.
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($17)
A perennial favorite of editors and makeup artists alike, Ruby Woo is the quintessential red, an old-school blueish shade that makes teeth look crazy white.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Birkin Brown ($32)
This deep, creamy chocolate color is just the right moody choice for segueing into cooler weather, and it’ll help you nail the season’s highly coveted ’90s-inspired look.
Illamasqua Matte Lipstick in Box ($26)
Redder-than-red Box is a highly pigmented scarlet that will not budge, no matter how many hot toddies you drink.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Morocco ($6)
Affordable, super comfortable to wear, and freakishly vibrant, the bold orange-red of Morocco is the perfect choice for those who have a hard time parting with their bright summer colors come winter.
(Bottom row, from left to right)
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Venezia ($24)
If you can’t afford for your lip color to fade, even during the shortest days of the year, this shocking red is totally transfer-proof—and the shade is pretty much perfect for those days when you need to bring some life to a washed-out winter complexion.
Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope in Entourage ($50)
Get ready to part with a solid chunk of change: This lipstick—with its rich, dimensional hue of a top-shelf red wine—is our top pick for the season. Between the velvety formula, lightweight feel, and insane color payoff, there’s no more luxurious way to spend $50.
Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Red Amour ($27)
A classic red that seems to echo the favored colors of the holiday season, Red Amour is a creamy, wearable shade that you’ll want to wear all over the party circuit.
Chanel Rouge Allure in Envoûtante ($35)
A soft plum with just a hint of shimmer, this one actually pairs wonderfully with a smoky eye. Who would have known?
MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense in 49 ($20)
If you want something really dark and dramatic this season, this satiny semi-matte blackberry shade is the perfect way to get it without going all the way goth.
