When I first began my training in makeup I was apprehensive about applying a bold lipstick of any kind let alone a red lipstick on my clients. When I trained we used red lipstick a lot to perfect lipstick application you can’t make a mistake with red lipstick and for me, this was way harder than a smoky eye, mainly because everybody ‘s lip shape is totally different! The lip line has to be perfectly symmetrical.  It can go horribly wrong with the slightest move so a steady hand is a must. Although we are wearing masks a lot at the moment a bold lip is a must for the festive season to brighten up the grey days and make you feel like you have spent ages getting ready when all you have done is put on a bold lip. There are so many matte shades out there from many different brands so I’m going to hone in on the bold lipsticks I know and love from my time working at MAC and being a freelance artist. You may know some of the shades as they are icons in the makeup world but some may be new to you trust me I’m sure you will want to try them all!

When I think of a festive lipstick I automatically think of a red lip and the different hues of red but a bold lip whatever the shade can be just as festive. Whether it be a stain a gloss a shiny lipstick or a matte lipstick for me it’s about the colour. I haven’t chosen any with a gloss as we want a lipstick to last over the festive season whether you are eating and drinking or walking around shopping and having to wear a mask these lipsticks have staying power without feeling uncomfortable and dry on the lips. I always prep the lips with a balm and even a sugar scrub if your lips are feeling really dry and use a lip primer to hold on the lipstick for as many hours as possible.

MAC Lady Danger £17.50:

One of my all-time red lip must-haves. You have to try this colour if you are looking for a statement lipstick or a red. It’s the first red lipstick I wore and loved from the moment I put it on. It’s an orangey-red so can look almost orange on some skin tones and on mine which is olive it just makes me look like I have a tan perfect! People always comment and ask where it’s from when I wear it. In the summer I use an orange lip liner and in the winter ill-use MAC Cherry which is more of a true red lip liner colour to enhance more of the true red tones.

MAC Ruby Woo £17.50:

This is a true festive favourite and does suit most skin tones depending on how you apply it. Ruby Woo is an iconic Lipstick and a classic red think 1950’s Hollywood or Gwen Stefani trademark red lip. It’s impactful and bold! You can’t go wrong if it’s your first time trying a red I would suggest this colour. This is a true red so does have a blue undertone as opposed to pink or orange. It’s very Matte a Retro Matte we used to sell out of this colour at Christmas at MAC. You do need to prep your lips well before applying. I like to use Redd lip liner and also cherry both MAC go well.

MAC So Chaud £17.50 :

So Chaud is an intense reddish-orange with a matte finish but without being dry. More of a dirty orange compared to Lady Danger and not quite as bright more of an earthy tone. Slightly more subtle if a red lipstick can be subtle but an underrated lipstick that a lot of artists forget about. I have created so many looks using so So Chaud and people always ask what lipstick it is. Pair it with MAC Redd Lipliner for a perfect match.

MAC Feel So Grand Retro Matte Liquid Lip colour £19.00:

A deep true red like a liquid more opaque version of Ruby Woo. This does not budge and perfect for wearing under your masks. I like the doe-foot applicator and you can use this to apply straight to your lips. Perfect for making a statement, I use this on shoots all the time when the lip is the focus.

MAC Carnivorous Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour £19.00:

Carnivorous is a blackened red perfect to recreate those gothic vibes but still with a bit of colour so you won’t look too washed out. I normally apply this with Chesnut lip liner which is a MAC classic and I always have in my kit, as the name suggests it’s a deep warm brown. This lipstick is great for any skin tone and again will not budge even if you are wearing a mask.  

MAC Chilli £17.50 :

Another MAC classic lipstick in my opinion, you could overlook this on the lipstick stand and be forgiven for thinking it’s a boring brown.  But it is, in fact, a brownish red and perfect for the festive season. A  rich creamy lipstick with no shine and a matte finish which lasts. It’s such a nice brown red that it can complement any makeup look. I have also used it dabbed on the lips like a stain and it works well on darker skin tones as a nude shade but without looking washed out. For more of a statement bold lip, I apply MAC Brick lip liner all over the lip first and then Chilli lipstick straight from the bullet.

MAC Rebel £17.50.:

I always forget about this lipstick in my kit but then find it again and start using it all the time!  It suits so many different complexions and can be worn as a stain and quite muted on the lips but also really opaque with a lip liner for full impact. Think 1990s vamp but on the berry side. It’s a mid-berry plum with a satin finish. As in its not Matte and not glossy but a creamy comfortable texture to wear on the lips. I pair it with MAC Beet lip liner.

MAC D- For Danger £17.50 :

D for Danger is a matte berry red lipstick not as purple as Rebel more like a Cranberry /Red colour. Perfect for the festive season and is wearable at any time of the year to give your make up look a pop of colour. Think of a plum red without being too bold. Great if you are wearing a bit of a smoky eye as well.

MAC Relentlessly Red £17.50:

If you want to stand out from the crowd go for this lipstick! It’s red but more on the coral side so compliments all complexions looking pinker on some but redder on others. It’s bright and stands out from the crowd. Relentlessly Red is retro matte lipstick texture although it's not a retro classic colour in my eyes more of a trend colour. Think 1980’s punk with a sophisticated edge. But it’s up there in the favourite bold lip category.  I pair it with Magenta lip liner or Beet if you want to deepen the colour slightly or create an ombre lip.

MAC Diva £17.50

MAC Diva lipstick is an intense reddish Burgundy think your favourite glass of Merlot. I have this in my kit all year round as its such a wearable deep shade. You need this in your lipstick collection if you enjoy wearing lipstick with colour. When I say colour for years I wore lipsticks that were almost concealer colour and toned down the colour of my lips and now I like a lipstick that enhances my lip colour. Diva lipstick is so sophisticated and I always think of a Bond girl wearing this kind of shade seductive but with class. I know I have said this about every lipstick in this blog but everyone really can wear this lipstick it's just going to show differently depending on how you apply it and your complexion.  I pair it with Burgundy lip liner for the full Diva effect!