An Ode to Red Lipstick: Celebrating the Bold, Timeless Beauty of My Favorite Shade
Josephine
March 11, 2025
From childhood memories of my mother’s signature Chanel lipstick to my own evolving collection, red lipstick has become a personal and powerful staple. More than just a beauty product, it embodies confidence, femininity, and self-expression - effortlessly elevating any look. Applying lipstick is a comforting ritual, a touch of colour that transforms the day. More than just makeup; it’s a statement, a memory, and a piece of home.
How I Fell in Love with Red Lipstick
My first memories of red lipstick are all tied to my mom. For the first few years of my life, she religiously put on her Chanel lipstick every day. The scent of it immediately evokes the clicking of her heels as she came to pick me up from daycare. My mom was always the most beautiful and elegant woman in the room.
To me, lipstick - especially red lipstick - is the epitome of effortless femininity. It is bold and powerful, impossible to ignore, and hard to resist. Every woman has a perfect red - one that makes her skin more even, her smile brighter, and her presence glow. For my mother, to this day, it's a deep raspberry shade. For me, it's a classic crimson.
Lipstick is deeply personal. Maybe it sounds dramatic, but to me, it’s a hug in a tube, armour for the day, and colour when the world feels gray. It elevates any outfit, even if I’m just lounging at home. When I picture my own face, it’s rarely bare.
Though I love playing with different looks, I don’t wear much makeup daily. Often, lipstick does the job on its own. It’s the easiest makeup trick ever, and yet it never fails to make me look and feel polished.
Lipsticks and Memories
I have many favourites, each tied to moments and phases of my life.
MAC Chili : I bought this when I returned to Canada after four years and spent my birthday in Ottawa. I still wear it a lot, especially in autumn.
MAC Ruby Woo : My ultimate red during university, forever linked to parties and late nights.
YSL vinyl lip lacquer in burgundy : A winter go-to that I’ve recommended to many who also fell in love with it.
Kiko Milano Lip Marker (Apple Red) - Worn on every warm-weather trip, especially in Southern Italy (Bari, Monopoli, Lecce). This type of formula remains my favourite for beach vacations.
Red lips have been such a staple for me that at one job, people would only comment if I wore eyeliner - never about my crimson pout.
Beyond just the colour, the sensory experience and routine of applying lipstick almost daily is part of the appeal. I’m not much of a routine person, and I’ve moved a lot, but that little ritual feels like home - three minutes of self-care I never regret taking.
Beauty Ideals & Red Lips
I believe we all have an idea of what beauty is, shaped early and often in gendered ways. For me, classic ’50s icons defined beauty - their silhouettes, their fashion, their bold features. That aesthetic always felt familiar and attainable, unlike the ultra-thin ’90s trend or the hyper-sculpted look of recent years.
Growing up, I watched a lot of old Italian films, and icons like Sophia Loren reinforced my vision of beauty: enhancing, not concealing. Red lips do just that. They are anything but demure, yet they can be worn subtly.
My Current Red Lipstick Collection
Classic Reds
MAC: Ruby Woo, Chili, Russian Red*: Ruby woo is a true red, Chili a brick red, Russian red a creamier and slightly warmer version of Ruby Woo.
I wear both layered on top of each other: Etude House Dear Darling Tint in RD302 Dracula Red and Peripera Red Only. This gives me a deeper blood red. This is what I am wearing on the pictures.
[Recent Acquisition] NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman - I will update my thoughts after a little while.
(*Milani Confident is a great budget-friendly alternative to Russian Red. It was my high school red!)
Left to right: Red only, Dracula red, Ruby Woo, Chili, Russian Red
Berry, Plum & Vampy Shades
Clinique: Black Honey: a classic, very easy to wear but my lips are naturally fairly pigmented so it is a little light for my taste. I would not repurchase. Slightly overrated in my opinion.
MAC: D for Danger, Diva, Dare You. All are great! My most worn is Dare you, a lighter burgundy in a very comfortable formula. Diva is stunning but very dark so it is a little gothy on me. I like to wear it more as a stain. D for Danger is exactly the type of shade my mother favours: a pretty berry.
Rom&nd Blur Fudge Tint: Radwood. This one is more of a maroon, right between a burgundy and a brown. Brown reds do work quite well on me but it is a delicate balance to find.
Left to right: Radwood, Black Honey, Dare You, Diva, D For Danger
Red-Adjacent Brights
MAC: All Fired Up, Lady Danger. I just don't like pinks but All Fired up is a very fun colour. I would wear it if I needed a barbie costume. I just have a lot of much better option. I would not buy again. Lady danger is stunning in summer when I go from ivory to champagne… It does make your teeth look a little yellow though but all orange lipstick do.
Rom&nd Blur Fudge Tint: Rosiental. This one is similar to Bond Girl (see below) but a brighter summery version. I have worn it to weddings as it is soft and flattering. Quite a romantic shade.
Left to right: Lady Danger, All Fired Up, Rosiental
Soft, Sheer Reds
Burt’s Bees: Red Dahlia. This looks like Clinique Black Honey on me but more red, less brown. I consider it a lip balm more than anything. The tinted aspect barely shows for me. It is gorgeous layered on top of the below tint though! I would repurchase or find something similar.
Etude House: Dear Darling Water Tint in Cherry Ade is effortless and easy but pulls a little pink after a little while. I would also not consider this long lasting despite the fact that it is a tint. I used to have Benetint and this is basically the same formula. I like it and I love to wear it on days where I want a little something but it looking natural.
Charlotte Tilbury: Bond Girl (name has changed). This is gorgeous but sadly it's more of a MLBB* on me than a soft red. It is a beautiful formula and shade but not for me. I wear it but I would not repurchase.
Rom&nd Glasting Water Tint: 04 Vintage Ocean - Definitely a warmer tone! It pulls a little orange and brown sometimes but overall looks brick red and subtle. An easy intro into bolder lips with none of the drawbacks.
Left to right: Cherry Ade, Bond Girl, Vintage Ocean, Red Dahlia
Tips for the Perfect Red Lip
Lip liner is a must – A universal red like MAC Ruby Woo lip pencil works with most shades.
Blotting is key – For a long-lasting, matte look, apply in thin layers and blot between applications.
Avoid lipstick on your teeth – Use the finger trick: place a clean finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull it out. The excess lipstick that would’ve transferred to your teeth stays on your finger instead.
Always carry a backup – If your lipstick isn’t foolproof, keep a ‘purse red’ for easy touch-ups.
Finding Your Perfect Red
Undertone: Are you cool, warm, or neutral? Cool reds lean blue (raspberry, beetroot), warm reds lean orange (bell peppers, tomato). If both work, you’re likely neutral, more red options for you!
Depth & Brightness: Think about the colours that suit you in clothes and makeup. Do you look better in deep or light shades? Muted or bold tones?
Formula & Lifestyle: Consider your needs: dry lips? Go hydrating. Hate touch-ups? Choose a matte liquid formula. Love the beach? A stain might be your best bet.
Commitment: If red is just for special occasions, there are great budget options. If you wear it daily, a luxury bullet might be worth the splurge. Want variety? Try travel sizes.
I’ve linked every lipstick I mentioned in this article. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you).
Red lipstick is my go-to accessory, but I also love handmade fashion - check out my crochet wardrobe project!
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