Blogmas #3 My Top Five Festive Lipsticks


There's no better time than December to crack open your favourite red lipsticks! Not only is the colour perfectly festive but it's a chance to really step out of your comfort zone, even if you're usually bit scared of bold makeup looks anything goes at this time of year. When wacky Christmas jumpers and light up earrings are acceptable anything else is always going to be pretty modest in comparison! For me, I find it's a good chance to get my use from shades that are normally resigned to evenings out or not used as often as they should be. My daily lipstick choices are easy-wearing muted pinks and nudes, and so now is a good opportunity to use products that I genuinely love but am just too lazy to wear at any other time. I've tried and tested more red lipsticks than I care to admit over the years, the majority of which have been binned or passed along to friends because they didn't work on me at all- but what I've been left with is a handful of real crackers (crackers, Christmas- get it? heh heh). All of these just work- the colour, the formulation and staying power, and I can genuinely say they're my top five reds and not just any old festive looking lip colour pulled out of my collection. Without further ado, welcome to my Christmas lipstick wardrobe!

I've mentioned before how Ruby Woo is my perfect red lipstick, I love the classic cool-toned red shade and just find it works particularly well with my colourings (pale with cool undertones). This is a great choice for Christmas parties as the matte formulation is extremely long lasting and will easily hold up to talking, drinking and eating over the course of the night. The only downside to this one is the dry formula is difficult to apply and drags quite a bit when applied directly to the lips, I find that I can only really apply this well with a lip brush. But once it's on you know it's on, and will last without the need for constant reapplying. You can see from the swatch that the formulation is quite a bit different to the others, it's a true matte with no sheen whatsoever- what this gives you is a really great classic red lip.

While this is a berry rather than a true red, this is an absolutely beautiful lipstick and one I'll definitely be getting my wear out of over Christmas. Of the five here this formula is by far the nicest, it's so creamy and smooth with a glossy finish that's not at all sticky. The packaging of this is also amazing, and is crafted by hand so no two are exactly the same. 

Kate by Rimmel 107
This shade caused quite a storm when it was released a couple of years ago and it's no wonder as it's a real gem. A gorgeous dark red with a berry undertone, it's incredibly flattering and easy to wear plus the formula is top notch. The velvety texture is soft and glides on, and the satin/ semi matte finish is  long wearing without being chalky or drying. This one is especially nice for autumn and winter day wear because it's right on trend and looks nice on just about every skin tone. At under £5.50 it's the cheapest of the bunch, and definitely one to get your hands on if you don't own it already.

This one is a bit different to the others due to the fact it has shimmer in. This is something I'd usually keep well away from as glitter or shimmer in lipstick tends to give a very dated and unnappealing 'metallic' look to the lips, however this doesn't do that at all. It's more like a regular cream lipstick with a slight sparkle which is just perfect for Christmas time. Glo and Ray are one of my favourite beauty brand finds from this year, their products are reasonably priced but are such nice quality.

Dainty Doll Saucy Sailor
I got this for just a couple of pounds on Fragrance Direct when Dainty Doll were first discontinued. I've bought a lot of spur of the moment, bargain and inexpensive makeup over the years and after a few uses the majority of it has been given away or thrown in the bin. But these really have stood the test of time, I still love these lipsticks and use the nude shades all the time. This one is a beauty, a bright red shade with a cool/blue undertone; the shade is similar to Ruby Woo but this has a classic cream formula. I'm struggling even finding these online any more, but if you ever get the chance to buy one go for it as they're fantastic products. The metal packaging feels weighty and well made and the formulas and shades are all beautiful.

What's your favourite red lipstick?