The Best Red Lipsticks

Red has been my staple lip color for years now (like decades), and I am still obsessed. It's classic, bold, and just makes me feel like me. I have some musts when it comes to bold red lips though. I need pigmentation, longwear, and a non-drying formula. This post features some of the best red lipsticks that fit those needs, aka my own personal favorites in no particular order (and a lot of them are from black owned brands - always a plus for me). Swatches are below as well!

Do you have any favorite red lipsticks? Let me know in the comments! I could never have too many. 

Affiliate links below.

Colourpop Avatar Makeup Look (something colorful)

Again, showing my love for this Colourpop Avatar palette. I just had to do something a bit more colorful so I could explore the other shades in the palette, and I am still impressed. The reds are so smooth and pigmented, and the icy blue-purples are so lovely and glowing. I always love a glowing inner corner, especially when it's a fun color. 

A full product list with affiliate links is below. I also have an eyeshadow tutorial up on my Instagram!

Colorpop Avatar Makeup Look: Earth Bender Eyes

Still just loving the Colourpop Avatar collection, and I've been using the eyeshadow palette as often as I can. For this look I used the Earth Bender colors, some of the more wearable shades in the palette. The metallic gold is beautiful and that dark olive green is lovely alternative shade to smoke out that gold (swatches below). 

I have another look coming up soon...a fun one using quite a few different colors from the palette!

As always, a complete product list is below (with some affiliate links, if you're inclined to do some shopping). 

Colorpop Darth Vader Palette Swatches and MOTD

Another thing from Colourpop that I was super excited to buy because of my love for Star Wars - the Colourpop Darth Vader Palette. The color story for this palette is lovely too, better than I was even expecting.

From Colourpop:
What it is - In collaboration with Disney and Lucasfilm, this special edition Darth Vader™ Palette features empire inspired hues in a cool mix of sleek greys, gunmetals and charcoals, with pops of scarlet and merlot.

Below are swatches, shade descriptions (from the Colourpop website), and a smokey plum look!

Colourpop Avatar Collection Reviews and Swatches (full collection)

When Colourpop announced the Avatar collection I was ecstatic. I loved the show, and now I love the makeup that goes with it. I swear, Colourpop just really knows what's up sometimes. Here's what they have to say:

This official Avatar and ColourPop Collection delivers a magical set of airbending makeup must-haves! Includes the Avatar Pressed Powder Palette, Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Stains, BFF Creme Gel Liners, Super Shock Highlighters and Fourth Ray Beauty lip and face masks. Plus the cutest Appa hand mirror!

I have the full collection for you below, complete with pictures, makeup swatches, and some quick reviews. Enjoy! I sure did :)

Pop of Color - Bottom Lashline

Another favorite pop of color look that I wear from time to time. Adding a little color on your bottom lashline just adds some interest and excitement to a look, while still being confortable and wearable. For this look I used the Mikayla x Glamlite palette. It's a nice all-in-one palette for this type of look with its balance of wearable shades and brights.

You can find a quick eyeshadow tutorial on my Instagram!
See below for other products and affiliate links.

What I'm Using Now - April 2022

Are these my favorite products? Some, but not all. Regardless though, here are the beauty products that I'm using now. 

Cleanser
Up and Up Invigorating Face Wash
Is it great? No. Does it work? Yes. And it smeels kinda like oranges...and it's cheap (currently helpful and why I bought it). I really want to try the Glowrx Cleanser though! I love their moisturizer (below).

Moisturizer
Glowrx Gel Cream Moisturizer
Current favorite moisturizer (and it's a Black created and owned company!). I felt like my skin needed more hydration, but I also need a moisturizer that works well under makeup. I saw this on Target While Black's Instagram and needed to try it. I love how it makes my skin feel and the natural glow that it gives is stunning. This is a brand that I can't wait to try more from.

Primer
e.l.f Power Grip Primer
I didn't used to wear primer, but enter COVID and masks and now I'm all about the best gripping primers. I've been using and loving the Millk Hydro Grip Primer, but when this cheaper dupe gripping primer came out I had to try it. It is VERY close to Milk's (just a little more tacky) and really helps my makeup stay on, even with mask wear!