Battle of the Reds

As you might have noted in my "about me" section of this blog, I am a lover of red lipstick. Actually, it is a bit of an obsession, and I tend to horde them. I have a long (and growing) list of red lipsticks I still covet. A red lipstick can transform any look and even be the focus of it. They give me the confidence I often lack. Finally, they are just simply visually pleasing. While many might not be able to see the difference between them (They're all just red, right? WRONG.), I see them each as unique and versatile.

This post is not intended to place one red lipstick above the rest (if there is any part of my makeup collection I cannot pick one favorite of, this is it!), but to compare the lot of them.

This is my collection of reds. To some it may be large, and to some it may be small. Personally, I am very satisfied with my collection but still yearn for even more. ;)

Listed from left to right:

NYX Cosmetics Slim Lip Pencil in 'Hot Red'
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Cruella'
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Red Square'
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in 'Cherry'
Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'
Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in 'Apricot'

 Let's take a deeper look:

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Cruella' ($25):

This is my most worn out of all the reds. I bought it after I heard one of my favorite YouTubers, ViviannaDoesMakeup, mention it about 323453423 times on her channel and blog. I was not disappointed. Even though the price is a bit steep at $25, I do not regret it one bit. This is the deepest of all my reds--it is a scarlet red color. It think it is perfect for the winter because it looks good with my dark hair and pale complexion. As you can see from this picture, it has a very whitening effect on the teeth. The idea of these Velvet Matte Lip Pencils is genius. The pencil tip eliminates the need for a lip liner, and yet it is thick enough to go on in a few swipes like a lipstick. These are a bit drying, but in a bright lipstick that is what you want 'cause these babies will not budge!

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Red Square' ($25):

This is my newest red lipstick in the collection. Again, it was another recommendation from ViviannaDoesMakeup. She is in love with these pencils just like I am. This is a beautiful orangey-red lipstick that is slightly reminiscent of Mac's Lady Danger. Being an avid lover of both red and orange lipstick, this combination of the two make me want to do a little dance. Depending on the light, this can look either more orange or more red. Again, the staying power is unrivaled. This past weekend, I ate a whole hoagie while wearing this and the lipstick was still going strong when I finished. This one in particular is actually quite difficult to get off!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in 'Cherry' ($22.50):

As you can probably tell, this is a sheer red lip color. It may not look that red in this picture, but I promise you it looks quite red in person. The glorious thing about this color is that it comes from a line of lip treatments. The Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments are one of my favorite things because they hydrate and heal your lips, while at the same time acting as a sheer lipstick. This red is perfect for someone who may not be ready/confident enough to wear a full-on bold lipstick or for a day where you want a more subdued red look. You also don't have to worry about it fading and having to reapply throughout the day. If it come off, it comes off and you have just had a very hydrating lip treatment! The application is also very easy because you can put it on without a mirror, while other red lipsticks require a lot or precision. Bonus points: it has a delicious lemon scent!

Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo' ($16):

This was my first red lipstick and what made me want to by more and more reds. The best way to describe this one is a "classic red." It's not too dark, not too light, not too warm, not too pink, not too orange...it's just red! Mac Lipsticks are my all- time favorite lipsticks (I have 10...) and for a good reason! They are not overly expensive, they stay on a long time, have a good formula, and have an addictive vanilla scent. If would recommend that this be everyone's first red lipstick because it is so classic and so versatile. It's like the gateway drug of red lipsticks, hehe. However, be warned! Mac's Retro Matte finish is like matte to the MAX. If you do not prep this lipstick with a lip balm, you will be sorry! After an hour or two, it will look patchy and your lips will start to peel and flake. A lip balm prevents this though! Also, you must use a lip liner! Because it is so drying, the lipstick drags when you apply it. A lip liner just provides a boundary for where it will go. I use NYX Cosmetics Slim Lip Pencil in "Hot Red." This lip liner actually kind of stinks because it is not very vibrant, takes quite a few swipes to show up, and is very hard. It does the job, though!

Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick in 'Apricot' ($24):

This color reminds me of a juicy apple. As the name 'Apricot' suggests, it is a beautiful warm-toned red (as opposed to 'Cruella' and 'Ruby Woo' which are more cool-toned). Unlike most of my other red lipsticks, this one is not matte, but rather very creamy. Creamy finishes are my favorite because they are so hydrating, but admittedly not the best for bold lipsticks because it means they come off more easily. However, I accept it with this lipstick because the color is so beautiful. Also, application is a breeze! I find I can wear this one in public with the most confidence. I just make sure to take it off before eating so it won't end up all over my face.

Next up on my wishlist for red lipsticks? Nars Audacious Lipstick in 'Olivia.' No one does red lipstick like Nars does... This one is a dark red with a brown undertone... absolutely drool worthy! And I've heard the formula is like none other in its creaminess, pigmentation, and lasting power. I just need to muster up the courage to spend $32 on a lipstick...ouch.

That's all for now folks!