If you’ve been reading this blog for any longer than a day, you may have picked up on my red lipstick obsession. And I don’t use that word lightly.
Red lipstick can conjure up scary images. Maybe you think it would be easier to avoid it altogether. But that would be sad. You’d be missing out on a lot. So to prevent sadness over missed red-lip-opportunities, I present to you 6 of my favorite reds. Here’s why you need them now.*
*Or shall I say, why you need something similar now. Because some of these are no longer available. I know, I’m evil. Please don’t throw things.
left to right: Ellis Red L201, Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in 01, Revlon Fire & Ice, Le Metier de Beaute Red Velvet Lip Creme, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Cherries in the Glow, Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Cherry Ice
In my crazy slightly deluded opinion, everyone should have:
- A universally flattering red. I remain firmly convinced that Ellis Red L201* (review and swatches) is the most wearable red you will ever come across in your entire life. For those who want a starter red. Not a gloss, not a berry red. An easy-to-wear, unmistakably red, red.
- A classic red. You know the ones. They could be blue based, red based, or neutral, but they manages to come off as elegant and almost understated while still being red. It boggles the mind. My latest find in this category is Kate Moss for Rimmel 01 (review and swatches).
- A no-holds barred, eye-searingly bright red. Ok, maybe this one shouldn’t be on the list. But if you want to try one, just for fun, head over to your drugstore and pick up a tube of Revlon Fire & Ice (review & swatches, I believe the ‘vintage’ version was LE). Which strangely, looks washed out in that picture. I assure you it’s much, much louder.
- A stunning, killer red. Not to be confused with the retina-searing version mentioned above, this red is bright without being visible from 10 miles away. It garners more attention than your average classic-red, in a classy way of course. Recently, the gorgeous Xiao of Messy Wands sent me a tube of Le Metier de Beaute Red Velvet Lip Creme (LE), and it fits the bill perfectly.
- A red gloss. For the girl who just wants to dip half her toe into the red lipstick pool. Or the girl who needs something red and shiny to top off her red lipstick (guess which one I am). Revlon Cherries in the Glow (swatch) is an old favorite, with its non-sticky texture and light tint of red.
- And finally, something sparkly. Because when you load up a red lipstick with sparkles, magic happens. My favorite festive red is Revlon’s Cherry Ice (review and swatches).
Now it’s your turn. How many reds do sane people usually have? What are some of your favorite reds? Have you tried any of the ones on my list?
Full Disclosure: Items marked with an asterisk (*) were submitted as press samples. For more information, please see my disclaimer.
I have ten reds, and I have all the ones on your list except the le metier. YAY! And I love them all and agree with your opinion. I do love Mac Russian Red though
Hmm seems like a nice reasonable number to me
MAC Russian Red is very pretty, but I’ve never been particularly tempted to try MAC lipsticks. Dunno why.
I WANT that Le Metier!!! It’s so freaking gorgeous.
I have…I dunno how many reds now. Maybe a handful?
Oh god, I know. Would it be too sadistic of me to do a full review on that? LOL how big is this handful exactly?
Well, now I perversely want to send you another red lipstick to add to the pile. One that will SEND YOU OVER THE EDGE. I mean, sane people usually only have one, I think.
Only one? What a novel idea!
Oh and this isn’t all…these are just my favorite reds. I think I fell off the edge awhile back, Lizbob.
Haha. Being sane is overrated.
And no fun.
mmhmm you have a point there!
Drooooooool. I think I only have two red lippies, Chanel Dragon and Revlon Red Velvet lip butter. I used to have Jordana Sweet Strawberry, which would fit under the “red gloss” category (at least in terms of finish––sheer and glossy––if not actual product form). I clearly need to beef up my stash! The Ellis Faas one looks gorge, as does the LMdB (*sob* that it was LE!).
You got your hands on Chanel Dragon?! Protect it well because this Lipstick Bandit is going after it! Sob indeed. Console yourself with Ellis Red?
Hahaha, yeah, it was my first really high-end purchase (and first red lipstick as well). I bought it when it was being discontinued because I figured better safe than sorry––a decision I do not regret! Maybe they’ll bring it back someday?
Oh, I hope they do! Although that would probably make some people angry LOL. Good splurge, I applaud you
Mannnnnn that LMdB is so pretty…. why does it have to be the LE one???? ;_;
I know
Strongly believe they should add it to the permanent line, it would sell so well.
I actually don’t own a red lipstick! I do own 1 red gloss though–MAC Russian Red maybe? Something like that…anyway, my sister gave it to me because she thought I should own at least ONE red lip product, being the self-proclaimed makeup junkie that I am. Haven’t touched it once….sorry sissy!
What??? Please promise me you’ll try it at least once! Get something from the drugstore
Ooooh, all the reds you picked out here are awesome! No wonder they’re your favorites. I only have 3 red lippies, but I think I need MOAR now.
Thanks Maggie
Which do you have? I think you need more too, but then again, I’m crazy.
Argh! I may *may* have only the Ellis Red in your list and even then I’m not sure! :O All look so good and here’s the thing – I don’t think any one of them are available here (Except maybe the Revlon Cherries in the Glow gloss ) Boohoo!
Wahhh, what?? Not even the other Revlon color? *cries with you*
Concur that the LMdB is HOT. I like red lips but only wear them every so often, mostly because I’m such an eyeshadow girl and I don’t want them to compete (can you say garish??). However, I own three red lippies – MAC Russian Red, MAC Dare You, and MUFE N*somethingorotherIcan’tremember*. All lovely. I could easily go down that slippery slope to buying a ton, but I will refrain and live through you instead, m-kay?
nahhh not garish, how bout bold?
But feel free to live through me, I’m not stopping anytime soon!