Any beauty lover knows the power of a good red lip to immediately add confidence or complete an outfit. Whether you choose to pair it with a simple coat of mascara or a full-on cat eye, a red lip can take your look from blah to bam in seconds.
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Since we’re always on the hunt for the elusive perfect red, we asked 10 collegiettes from all over the country (and one from the UK!) to do the impossible and pick her absolute favorite red lipstick and tell us why. Red-dy, set, go!
Becca, a junior at Brown University: Tom Ford Lip Color in Wild Ginger ($50 at Nordstrom)
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“It’s such a beautiful color, a little bit more orange than a classic, old Hollywood red, but I like that it’s a nouveau-classic shade. I normally wear dark, neutral coloured clothing, so lipstick is an easy way to make my outfit a bit fresher and more interesting.”
Kristina, a junior at the University of Rhode Island: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Red Revival ($8.29 at CVS)
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“I love a good red lip! Whenever I decide to go for a red lip I never wear a cat-eye because I think it’s too much. My eyes are big as it is and I want my lips to be the main focus!”
Marin, a senior at Northeastern University: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Roomiest Rose ($17 at Sephora)
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“It’s not super red but I like it because it goes on really well and gives a classic feel to my look.”
Olivia, a senior at the University of Southern California​: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Stand Out ($18 at Bare Escentuals)
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“I love the rich, wine color—it makes me feel sexy, but I can still wear it to work. It’s a bold enough color that you don’t need too much eye makeup either, but I like it with a bold brow.”
Vivian, a senior at Middlebury College: Noyah Lipstick in Deeply in Mauve ($18 at Noyah)
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“I think it’s a good color for a dreary day with a cozy sweater and glasses!”
Tory, a senior at the University of Vermont: Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Are You Red-dy ($7.49 at Ulta)
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“I love to spice up a simple outfit by putting on this bright red; it draws attention to my face! It also really completes an outfit for going out on the town. It says ‘I’m conquering the night!'”
Parisa, a junior at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland: Boots Seventeen Lasting Fix Lipstick in Showcase ($7 at Boots)
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“I love it because it’s so long-lasting and such a gorgeous, bright color. It really makes your eyes pop paired with a subtle smokey grey shadow for a night out but it’s even amazing to dress up a casual outfit with winged eyeliner in the daytime.”
Alexa, a senior at Saint Anselm College: ULTA Lipstick in Totally Berried ($8 at ULTA)
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“I love the dark shades, usually with just a cat eye and a tight bun! When my friends and I were abroad it made us feel European-chic!”
Nicholette, a junior at Texas Christian University: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic ($6.84 at Walmart)
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“I usually pair red lipstick with simple makeup, but lots of mascara! I use bright colored lipsticks as an accessory to help enhance an outfit and add a pop of color. I use Revlon’s lipsticks and lip stains because they’re inexpensive so I can buy a variety of fun colors without breaking the bank.”
Marissa, a junior at Syracuse University: Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Sanria ($4.39 at Walmart)
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“It’s a deeper shade but I like how it pops against my olive skin tone. I love working with brown/neutral shadows on my brown eyes with this lip color. Also, it looks super classy with a nice cat eye for nighttime!”
With all the gorgeous red shades to choose from, it’s no wonder that each of these lovely ladies chose a different color! Whether you prefer an orangey red, a deep wine stain or a classic old Hollywood red, once you find your perfect red lipstick you can conquer the world. So what are you waiting for, collegiettes? Find your signature red lipstick and start making a statement no matter the occasion!