Beauty · July 13, 2023

The Mini Lipstick Guide (and the best red lippy absolutely everyone needs)

*features some affiliate links and press samples, photos by Beatrice Granados

If there’s one thing that I find really anchors an outfit to feeling like me, even on the laziest of days- it’s a great lipstick. Nothing adds a bit of unmistakable somethin’ somethin’ to a big white t-shirt and jeans, adds glamour to a slinky dress and cardigan and makes even the most tired days feel a little va va voom.

It’s the way of dressing up the most simple anything without overdressing, and has the power of making you feel pulled together on days where mascara, eyeliner and the gang have all taken to sitting this one out.

Now, this isn’t a concise guide to every great lipstick. More a love letter to *the* red lipstick I couldn’t be without (and then a few more for variety that I also really rate too). The desert island lip picks from my make up bag if you like!

The One

Now, I’ve been wearing Lisa Eldridge’s iconic ‘Velvet Ribbon’ red for the past few years now, because it truly is a dream. I’ve done my fair share of trying on the best reds, and this; by far comes up again and again as the one I pull out (or only slightly panic when I can’t find it).

It’s the ultimate pillar-box red, and sits perfectly in the middle of a blue red and a true pop of primary. It’s also one of the longest-lasting lippies I’ve worn; a creamy matte without ever being drying or dragging and yet the perfect consistency to make application a dream without liner or a brush. Lisa’s tutorials have always been the one’s I’ve watched when attempting my own makeup ahead of a special occasion, and it feels really full circle and special that now it’s her products I can pull out for those daily ‘feeling special’ moments too.

Plus, with her concession at Selfridges having recently launched, I’m very keen to try out her other shades and products- so will keep you posted on how I get on!

The Nudes

Jones Road / The Lip Tint: If I’m not going full red, I’m a huge fan of something in between a lipstick and balm; something with good pigmentation that also feels comfortable (and largely, won’t go everywhere when I’m eating lunch/dashing about). The Jones Road Lip Tint’s are amazing at this, and although I’ve only tried Nude Mauve and Just Pinky, they’re the perfect tint to throw in my bag and keep pulling out.

Laura Mercier / RoseGlow Sheer Lipstick: If you’re after a nude that, well, is nude (plus a little somethin’) this is your gal. A slightly shimmery iridescent lippy, that hydrates, adds glow as well as being buildable in the most subtle way. This isn’t the typical nude lip I’d normally go for, but it really feels like the perfect all-day makeup companion that feels a little more special than a balm, but more understated than a full colour lipstick.

The Balm

Honest Beauty / Tinted Lip Balm: I’ve been using this tinted lip balm for a very long while now (so long that I’m a bit concerned it’s become a little bit hard to find), but it’s the perfect bitten-lip red that’s subtle, completely wearable and very moisturising too. It gives real ‘French girl’ make up to the most simple of looks, and is one (along with a few) that are always lying around in a handbag.

The Reds

Bourjois: Okay, I love me a Lisa lippy, but one brand who get a red so, so right are Bourjois (particularly their Velvet Liquid Lipstick, which has a big space in my heart). If I’m not going for a traditional lipstick and want something that is going to literally not move, this is my guy (which acts as a perfect dupe for the Sephora Lip Stain which I used to be OBSESSED with). I also love their Rouge Velvet The Lipstick which is a super creamy lippy, and always has a lovely shine to it too.