Lipsticks For... When you want to feel like Marilyn Monroe

Hi, everyone! A couple days ago I launched my first-ever giveaway to celebrate my 100+ follower milestone. Exciting! You can check it out here!

Now onto another lipstick-by-colour family entry! Over the past few weeks I've highlighted my vampy, coral, hot pink, and nude lipstick shades and today's post is all about reds. Though I don't reach for red lipsticks on a regular basis, there's no denying that a red lip is a fail-proof way to feel instantly dramatic, sexy, and classic. Who doesn't want to channel Marilyn Monroe (or any of the lovely screen sirens and pinups from days past) once in a while?!

My collection ranges from vivid tomato reds to cooler-toned vibrant cherries, some of which just narrowly escaped being included in my coral/orange and hot pink/fuchsia groups. They vary from shiny and sheer to full-on matte finishes; truly a red for everyone! Hope you see one that channels your inner pin-up :)

(L-R): MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave, Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition, NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella, Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover, Dior Rouge Dior in Red Muse, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon

Close-ups of the lipsticks:

(L-R): MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave, Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition

(L-R): Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition (also in previous photo), NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella, Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover

 (L-R): Dior Rouge Dior in Red Muse, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon

And swatches!

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave, Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition, NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella, Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover, Dior Rouge Dior in Red Muse, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon

Close-ups of the swatches:

(L-R): MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave, Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition, NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella

(L-R): Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover, Dior Rouge Dior in Red Muse, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon

I've featured a good number of these shades in past posts, so check the links below to see photos of me wearing them!

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug is one of my favourite MAC lipsticks. Ever. It's a lovely orange-based red with a slightly sheer, slightly shiny finish. Great for those who want to try a red lip but don't want full-on colour. You can see me wearing it here!
NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave has a similar tone to MAC Ladybug, but is slightly warmer (it has a very orange base) and has a more opaque, matte finish. Extremely vibrant, yet quite sophisticated. Makes me feel like a 1940s screen siren. Can't go wrong with that! You can see me feature it here.
Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition is the brightest and most opaque warm red in my collection. It's incredibly vivid and bold and has a lovely creamy finish. You can see me wearing it (mixed with Lush Emotional Brilliance Lipstick in Power) here!
NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella is a full-coloured, matte red with a slightly cool base (but without leaning pink or fuchsia) that evokes the power of the Disney villainess herself. Very matte, quite bold, but surprisingly flattering! See my review of it here.
Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover was one of the first red lipsticks (and first high-end lipsticks) I ever bought. It's a deep, nearly-vampy, slightly cool red with a satin finish. Instant drama! See me wearing it, here and here.
Dior Rouge Dior in Red Muse could have easily made it into my fuchsia lipstick category, but it crept into this post because its name. It's a bright, slightly warm electric pink-red that feels quite comfortable on the lips. The finish is not-quite opaque and nicely moisturizing. See my review of it here!
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry is a moisturizing, sheer cherry red that packs a nice colour punch without being overpowering on the lips. I wore it nearly daily during December; the semi-sheerness makes it versatile and the gorgeous colour and packaging make it unique! You can see me wearing it here.
Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon is one of the newest reds in my collection. The formula is quite unique- it feels creamy on application, but dries down to a matte finish that feels surprisingly comfortable on the lips. It's a stunning, bold cherry red that's not for the feint of heart. It's also the only red from today's post that I haven't featured on the blog previously, but I'm planning a 'look of the day' with it soon. Stay tuned!


And a few more photos for good measure! Giant-sized so you get the full picture :)

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Ladybug, NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave, Lush Emotional Brilliance Liquid Lipstick in Ambition, NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Cruella, Chanel Rouge Allure in Lover, Dior Rouge Dior in Red Muse, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy in Luscious Cherry, Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon

There you have it! This post has definitely reminded me of some of the unique and luxurious red shades I have in my collection. I really have to channel my glamorous side more often!

What are some of your favourite red shades? Do you love a red lip or do you find the look intimidating? Any of the shades I've featured calling your name? :)

Thanks for reading!