Burgundy Lips
Whether you prefer to call it oxblood, bordeaux, burgundy or wine, this dark red color is impossible to avoid this season. It’s been seen just about everywhere, ranging from clothes to accessories- and now even to makeup. While I’ve played around with a red lip myself- usually a orange-red version or a matte red, I haven’t ventured into the burgundy color yet.
Sometimes I can be pretty gutsy. Like I mentioned above, the first few times I wore red lipstick in college I got some weird reactions (hey- it‘s not my fault I enjoy makeup and trying out new looks), so I was a bit hesitant to wear this bold shade. I feared I would look too gothic! Since I don’t go fake tanning, my skin isn’t exactly bronzed in the fall or winter. But the celebrities above prove that any skin tone and hair color can pull off this color.
I do think that this shade can be wearable, but it depends on a variety of circumstances including the occasion, your skin tone and your outfit. Here are some tips for wearing a burgundy lip color.
The occasion– This isn’t a shade you should necessarily wear to your work if you have a strict dress code or work with all men. Men for the most part don’t understand lipstick, so I try to avoid it if I’ll be somewhere where there are only men. A dark lip can come off racy or moody at certain places. I think this shade is wearable for a night out, a fancy dinner or event, or as a wedding guest. I’d suggest slowly transitioning into it with a small group of friends before venturing out in public in case you hate it.
Your skin tone- If you are fair skinned, a dark shade can make you appear ghostly or like Morticia Adams. I’d suggest choosing a lighter, berry-toned version of this hue. Blue and pinkish tones will look better with your skin. Make sure to layer on mascara to make your eyes pop so you don’t appear washed out. If you have slightly tanner skin, you can go with just about any shade of this color. If you’re bold enough, try a gloss version or something with some sparkle. For those with darker skin, try a burgundy shade with more purple than red in it. A hint of purple looks great on darker skin tones.
Your outfit– This color looks best when matched perfectly to your outfit (only if ONE item of your outfit is the oxblood shade. If you’re in head-to-toe oxblood, keep your lips natural). It also looks great with neutrals- such as whites, blacks, grays and tans. Any neon or bright colors like green or orange might look odd with this shade.
So, now you’re convinced you can pull this shade off? Here are some of my picks:
(1) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Blackberry” (2) Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in “Brilliant Bordeaux” (3) Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in “Burgundy Shine” (4) Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Intense in “Satin Blueberry” (5) MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in “Faithfully Yours” (6) NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in “Volga” (7) Make Up Forever Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil in “Dark Plum Burgundy” (8) NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Train Bleu”
Hey Rachel, I hope you had a great weekend?
I love the colour burgundy, it’s just so rich and elegant. Unfortunately I can’t wear that as a lipgloss as I have sooooooooooooo small lips 😀 thats why I overdose it on clothes and make up hahaha.
I love burgundy lips, such a great shade for fall! Thanks for your recommendations!
As much as I love this look on other people, I just don’t know if I could pull it off myself! For some reason I have a bit of a lipstick aversion. 🙂
We can just admire it on other people then!
LOVE burgundy lips! Great finds.
I truly agree with you on this burgundy tips….it just cant be worn anytime anywhere. But thanks for your recommendations…I will go get the MAC one!
Sounds good, Rebecca!
Love this look. Lipliner is key for me, otherwise I end up looking like a sloppy clown!
Its a beautiful shade but still haven’t found the perfect one for my skin tone. Great tips!
Same- here’s to trying!
I LOVE this trend… so beautiful! I need to find the right one for me… I tried one and it’s just not right for me! Might check out these drug store ones!
You could definitely pull it off with your dark hair!
This is one of my favorite lip colors and reminds me of Rachel Zoe!
Yes! She was the first one to wear it regularly now that I think of it
This would be SO perfect for a night out as you mentioned and I am in love with the Nars shade you picked. This is a pretty bold look but I think it’d be perfect to debut for John and I’s next date night. Thanks for all the tips!
Stephanie
You could pull it off for sure with your tan skin!
such great tips!! somehow i think this would make me look like a zombie, but i love it on other gals. also loving the new layout!!
I think the same thing about myself! I’m going to try a lighter shade and maybe a gloss instead. Thanks Ashley!
Great post. I actually just bought another deep red/burgundy lip colour. I really love it. Will have to try a couple of your selections above, especially the Nars! I love how the same colour looks entirely different on everyone!
Hope to see how it turns out!
I need a bordeaux lip. Thanks for all of the recommendations!!
It would look great on you Amy!
Love the way this looks on girl, but with my red hair and fair skin, I’m not sure I could pull it off.
It’s not for everyone, that’s for sure!
I love that first revlon one and the nars… I’ve been wanting to try a dark lip color like this and this post inspired me. Can’t wait for all the new stuff coming up in November!
Thanks so much! Make sure to show me a picture!
What great options!
I honestly can not pull this color off, but I LOVE it on other people!
Same!
I love a good dark lip. Great tips!
ps: How GORGE is Camilla Belle with oxblood lips?
She is so pretty!
I want to try this so bad. I am always too scared to pull this off. I think I will try it!!
I hope you do- show me a picture!
I love this color! It’s so pretty for fall. Great suggestions on the skin tones!
Thanks Emily!
They all look stunning, such a lovely colour!
I love oxblood lips! They’re so dramatic. I don’t think I’d ever wear that dark of a lipstick, but I love seeing other people pull it off!
It looks so great on celebrities!
Thank you so much!
I don’t want to be a hater, but this is not a trend for everyone. The celeb on the far left (Kidman?) looks awful in my opinion. It’s even iffy on Meghan Fox. The woman on the far right (Hudson?) looks awesome, though. Unfortunately, I’m more like the pasty girl on the left 🙁
haha that’s fine! It isn’t for everyone, but for those who can pull it off, there is a formula for everyone! Glosses are lighter and less harsh than lipsticks, etc. Kate Bosworth is on the left- I think she looks pretty!
Thank you so much!
I just bought that revlon color stay gloss and it was amazing! lasted all night 🙂
Thank you!
Let me know how you like it!
I look absolutely ridiculous with lipstick on, but I might just have to run out to try some of these looks – haha. You’re very convincing Rachel!
haha thank you!
I’ve totally been wearing burgundy lips lately! And I’m quite pale. One of my favorites is Revlon lip butter in Red Velvet. And you can wear it sheer or intense.
Your proof that is does work!
I was so scared to try this look, but once I did, I loved it immediately!
I’m sure it looks great on you!
Great post I’ve been wanting to try this out for a while now. I have the revlon blackberry shade but it actually comes out more red than burgundy.
I almost never wear lipstick, mostly because of the weird looks in college too! so funny! I’ll have to give this a go again!
You can pull it off Rach!
I love this color! It’s so bold for fall!
I love this trend, but I’m too scared to try it out!