“On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 12 gorgeous lipsticks…” Sadly, that isn’t how the song was written, but you’re in luck! In this article, I have compiled a list of 12 amazing red lipsticks for the holiday season! Whether you’re going for a look that’s as bright as a Christmas tree, or you prefer to keep it classy and elegant, there’s sure to be a shade and formula here that you’ll want to put on your wishlist right away.
- Glossier – Gen G Lipstick in Zip ($18)
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Glossier has been a powerhouse on the beauty scene for the past few years, as their glowy, “barely-there” style has gained popularity. Their Gen G lipstick formula is a buildable, sheer matte formula that’s perfect for anyone who loves comfortable, no-fuss lip products. The red in their lineup is a bright, poppy pettal shade titled “Zip.” This is an homage to the red zipper that sits atop their iconic pink bubble-wrap pouches
https://www.glossier.com/products/generation-g
- Elf Cosmetics – Srsly Satin Lipstick in Pepper ($3)
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Elf Cosmetics has always been a staple in the beauty community for their amazingly affordable prices. This lipstick is no stranger to that fact. The Srsly Satin lipsticks are another comfortable option. However, these are less matte, and are a full-pigment formula. The shade “Pepper” is a bright, spicy, true red for those who want to make a statement on a budget.
https://www.elfcosmetics.com/srsly-satin-lipstick/300163.html
- Haus Laboratories – Le Monster Matte Lip Crayon in 1950 ($18)
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Lady Gaga has made a name for herself in the makeup industry with her brand Haus Laboratories. The Le Monster Matte Lip Crayons are an easy-wearing, non-drying matte formula in shades as iconic as Mother Monster herself. “1950” is a classic red that is perfect for holiday or any occasion!
https://www.hauslabs.com/products/le-monster-matte-lip-crayon
- NYX Cosmetics – Butter Gloss in Red Velvet ($5)
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Truly pigmented lip glosses are rare, but look no further, because this gloss will be your new go-to. The sweet and vibrant “Red Velvet” shade of NYX’s Butter Gloss line isn’t patchy like other pigmented glosses I’ve tried — it’s nearly opaque. It’s definitely something that can be worn on it’s own. Plus, it’s only $5 and (fittingly) smells like cake!
https://www.ulta.com/butter-gloss?productId=xlsImpprod5050009
(It is currently unavailable on the NYX Cosmetics website, but it is available at Ulta Beauty.)
- Ofra Cosmetics – Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Atlantic City ($20)
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If you’re someone who has trouble with many liquid lipsticks on the market being too drying and uncomfortable to wear, this will be your new fave! Ofra’s Long-Lasting Liquid Lipsticks are mousse-y in texture and packed with pigment! Their shade range is extensive, but my pick is the classic red shade called “Atlantic City.” This lippie would pair wonderfully with any chilly winter night.
- UOMA Beauty – Black Magic Metallic Lipstick in Savage ($26)
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For those of you looking to really make a statement, UOMA Beauty’s Black Magic Metallic Lipstick in “Savage” is for you. Fairly new on the beauty scene, UOMA Beauty is a black-owned cosmetics company that was founded in 2018 by Sharon Chuter. Their show-stopping true red lipstick with multi-dimensional glitters will have you outshining those Christmas lights in no time.
https://uomabeauty.com/products/black-magic-lipstick
- Bésame Cosmetics – Lipstick in Fairest Red ($24)
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Calling all fans of vintage! Founded by Gabriela Hernandez, Bésame Cosmetics is your one-stop shop for that vintage look. They carry many shades of red lipstick, but my pick is the classic “Fairest Red.” This beautiful, Snow White inspired red would have you looking like the fairest of them all in no time.
https://besamecosmetics.com/products/fairest-red-lipstick
- Black Moon Cosmetics – Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Deville ($18)
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Are you a fan of the metallic look but still want to keep it vampy? This is your lippie! Indie brand Black Moon Cosmetics is all about the spooky vibes all year round, and their Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Deville is here to bring you that holiday cheer with a side of spookiness.
https://www.blackmooncosmetics.com/products/deville
- Fenty Beauty – STUNNA Lip Paint in Uncensored ($25)
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Fenty’s STUNNA Lip Paints have made waves with their bold hues and eccentric packaging. And they deliver with lots of pigmented and non-drying wear. This fiery red shade titled, “Uncensored” is sure to bring your holiday look to the next level. Plus, it’s Rihanna approved. (And that’s enough for me!)
https://www.fentybeauty.com/stunna-lip-paint-longwear-fluid-lip-color/FB50002.html
- KVD Vegan Beauty – Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Santa Sangre ($21)
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The recently rebranded KVD Vegan Beauty has carried their reputation for their liquid lipstick formula through their rebranding. Living up to its name, the Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks are long-wearing and pack a pigment punch. The shade “Santa Sangre” is a lighter take on that holiday red we all know and love.
https://www.kvdveganbeauty.com/lip/liquid-lipstick/everlasting-liquid-lipstick/23402.html
- Tower 28 Beauty – Lip Jelly in Spicy ($14)
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Tower 28 is a clean beauty brand that has joined Glossier in the “no-makeup” makeup market. Founded by Amy Lui, Tower 28 is all about making sure their makeup is clean, vegan, cruelty-free and sensitive-skin friendly. Their Lip Jellies are their take on gloss: non-sticky and glossy as ever. The shade “Spicy” is a punchy, translucent red that is sure to turn up the heat this holiday!
https://www.tower28beauty.com/products/shine-on-lip-gloss-jelly?variant=31552728825911
- Benefit Cosmetics – Lip and Cheek Stain and Tint in Love Tint ($18)
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Last on our list is a little bit of a two-for-one. This stain by Benefit Cosmetics can be used for lips and cheeks for a lowkey, no-fuss, monochromatic look. Shade “Love Tint” is their merry and bright red. Whether you go for a K-Beauty ombre lip or a fully-filled in lip, this will be your smudge-proof best friend. So dig in to all those holiday treats without fear!
https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/lovetint-cheek-lip-stain?&sku=FM200
Whatever shade, formula, or finish you may prefer, there’s a red lipstick out there for everyone. And just like Rudolph’s red nose, there is no denying that red lipstick is nearly synonomous with the holiday season. So find your fave and grace those holiday family pictures with you beautiful smile!