Image: @nikki.cruz
When it comes to makeup, trends come and go, but a red lip stands the test of time. It is the little detail that can jazz up a look, instantly revive the complexion or give you a confidence boost.
The only difficulty resides in the search for the specific shade of red that compliments your natural beauty. Once you find the one, it is an everlasting love.
To facilitate your quest, we’ve created a round-up of our tried and true brands that do not compromise quality and performance. There used to be a time where organic and green lipsticks, despite their nourishing formulas and clean ingredient list, did not necessarily compare to conventional makeup brands in terms of performance, but those times are long gone.
Today, they can compete with any established cosmetics company for they are richly pigmented, highly moisturizing, long-wearing while also coming in an exciting and extensive range of colors. Matte, satin, glossy, we’ve got it all on display for you here.
Kjaer Weis
Kjaer Weis is one of the household names in eco-luxury makeup. The products are crafted with certified organic, sustainably-sourced beeswax and shea butter, cold-pressed, nourishing oils and botanical extracts that are biodynamically grown. Kjaer Weis lipsticks are creamy and impeccably pigmented for maximum comfort and wow-effect. Nested in their pristine, sleek refillable metal bullet, they are an instant eye-catcher.
Kjaer Weis
Lipstick in KW Red
The shade “ KW red” (also called “KW rouge”) is the brand’s signature red, vivacious with a cool undertone. It has a soft satin finish and you can build up the intensity from a sheer flush to a bold, pigmented pout. The formula does not bleed and stays on. “KW Red” is the color that a sustainable femme fatale would opt for.
FitGlow
Think of it as a pigmented lip treatment. It has the formula of a serum while also incorporating a noticeable tint. The lip colour serums from FitGlow gathered a cult status because of their hydrating formula combining organic plant sterols, antioxidants and vegetable collagen. As a result, lips look plump and juicy with less noticeable fine lines.
FitGlow
Lip Colour Serum in Cheer
The shade "Cheer" is one of their latest additions to the growing collection. It is a bubbly Magenta: flirty, fun and versatile for those that prefer a soft red flush over an opaque, bold lip.
ILIA
ILIA no longer needs an introduction. This clean beauty company started off in the business by filling a gap in the beauty market with their tinted lip conditioners that were free of questionable ingredients.
Over the years, the collection has expanded but ILIA’s expertise in lipsticks remains intact. Their colorblock range combines high pigmentation, durability and deep hydration. They are milled with customized pigments in organic Castor seed oil to offer four times more color payoff than any lipstick they've ever made.
ILIA
Lipstick in Flame
The shade “Flame” is a fire red with warm undertones and an instant eye-catcher. One of our go-to’s for spring-summer.
RMS Beauty
Can’t go wrong with the classics. RMS lip2cheeks are perfect for an effortless, chic look. The formula is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids to condition the lips. The colors are buildable and easily blendable.
RMS Beauty
Lipstick & Blush in Beloved
The shade "Beloved" is a poppy red that has this playfulness while remaining sophisticated. On the cheeks, it gives that perfect "post nature walk" flush that revives the complexion.
Nudus
Is there a better name for a red lipstick? “Revenge” is a show-stopper, a deep red with beautiful mineral pigments and ancient Ayurveda bio-active color extracts. It is a true red with a cool undertone. Handcrafted in Australia, Nudus lip products stay on and do not budge, yet remain super comfortable to wear.
Nudus
Lipstick in Revenge
“Revenge” is perfect for that barefaced/strong lip look that is oh so chic.
Ere Perez
For those that swear by crayons, Ere Perez’s newest launch is right up your alley. Our eyes (more like our lips though) are set on "Rebel", a gorgeous burgundy berry.
It has the creaminess of a lipstick, a matte finish and a strong pigmentation. Coconut and baobab oil are in the formula, which are two emollients packed with fatty acids, essential for healthy lips.
Ere Perez
Coco Crayon in Rebel
The advantage of a crayon is that it allows for a clear-cut, sharp precision (hello defined, well-contoured lips!) which is even more of a prerogative when it comes to applying a red color.
Athr Beauty
Athr Beauty is primarily known for their stunning, crystal-infused eye shadow palettes but their lip crèmes take center stage. They are ruby-infused, vivid and hydrating. Products impart a lustrous, juicy finish and were formulated to smoothen and soften the lips with a high-payoff pigmentation.
Athr Beauty
Lip Crème in Ruby
For those who find lipsticks potentially too drying, Athr’s lip crèmes are a wonderful alternative. The shade “Ruby” is a stunning luminous red that instantly compliments the complexion.
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche lipsticks are vegan, handcrafted in the US, cruelty free and made with natural oils and plant waxes. They are long-wearing with a moisturizing formula and buildable color. The packaging is entirely made from post consumer recycled paper.
Vegan lipsticks had the reputation of not being high-performing, but Cupid and Psyche squashed those claims.
Cupid and Psyche Beauty
Lipstick in Laetitia
The shade "Laetitia" is “the” Glam red. A gorgeous red with a hint of gold to illuminate the face and an instant confidence-booster.