The perfect red lipstick for this festive season
Marilyn Monroe apllying lipstick.
The holiday season is synonymous with festive gatherings, glamorous soirées, and, of course, the perfect red lipstick.
Elegant and timeless, the red lip color adds a touch of vintage glamour to every look.
Red lipstick is more than just makeup—it’s a symbol of confidence, glamour and timeless beauty.
Red lipstick has been around for centuries, but its association with Hollywood and vintage glamour truly blossomed in the early to mid-20th century. During the 1920s, when the flapper movement was in full swing, red lips became a symbol of female liberation, a defiant break from the norms of the past. Actresses like Clara Bow and Louise Brooks sported bold red lips, embodying the rebellious spirit of the era.
The 1930s and 1940s saw the rise of classic red lipstick as a staple of refined femininity. Iconic actresses like Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Veronica Lake made red lips an essential part of their signature looks. The ‘50s continued this tradition, with stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn wearing red lips as a symbol of their timeless elegance.
While contemporary reds often vary from orange-toned to blue-toned, vintage reds typically feature deeper, more intense shades. These hues are timeless and versatile, flattering a wide range of skin tones while adding instant glamour.
Cherry Red – Often associated with the 1950s, this bright, medium red is a warm, flattering choice that exudes youth and vitality.
Crimson Red – A darker, more dramatic red with blue undertones, crimson red was popular in the 1940s and is often linked to the cinematic siren look.
Burgundy & Wine – Deeper shades like burgundy or wine were widely worn during the 1920s and 1930s, giving off a sophisticated, mysterious vibe.
Here’s my personal and trusted step-by-step guide to help you perfect the vintage red lip look:
Prep Your lips - Before applying any lipstick, it’s important to prep your lips. Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub to remove any dry skin. Follow up with a nourishing lip balm or lip mask to keep your lips smooth and hydrated. This ensures that the lipstick will apply evenly and won’t settle into any fine lines.
Always use a lip Liner - To achieve the defined, clean lines typical of vintage red lips, it’s essential to use a lip liner. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick shade or is just a nude shade. Start by outlining the edges of your lips, if you like just overline your cupid’s bow and then fill in the entire lip for added definition.
For days when I want a less defined effect and more inspired by the French looks of “La Bouche Mordue” I don't use a lip liner but simply a product that I can apply from the center of the mouth and blend outwards, this is certainly not an example of vintage red lips but it is a very French way of applying lipstick which means ‘just-bitten lips’...
Apply your lipstick with a brush - Use a lip brush for precise application, starting from the center of your lips and working outward. For a more dramatic look. Blot your lips gently with a tissue and apply a final layer of powder for long-lasting color.
Here a selection of my absolute favourite red lipsticks in different finishes:
*This post may contain affiliate links, this means that if you buy something through them I receive a small percentage that allows me to support my work. Thank you!
