The Autumn Lip: How Vampy Will You Go?

Hi, everyone! As the chill of Autumn creeps in and changes the colours of the landscape, so does the lipstick landscape begin to transform. The idea of embracing a deeper, vampier lip for Fall is far from revolutionary, but it's a trend that I eagerly embrace each time the season rolls around. Who doesn't want to feel like a bit of a vamp now and again?!

While I'm all about painting my lips in deep, dark shades, I realize there are many of you who may cower at the thought of a crimson or wine-soaked pout. To all those in that camp, I say- you can do it! Though I'm thoroughly behind the idea of pushing beyond the limits of your makeup comfort zone, taking baby steps can be key! 

Today's post shares with you the full vampy spectrum, from sheer plums to blackened purples. I attempted to feature not only a variety of depths, but also a range of textures, finishes, and formulas. Hope you find a shade that channels your inner vixen! 

Here's my selection of vamped-up lip colours all strewn about. And below, I've organized them by colour family and depth. 

*The Sheer Plums*

NARS Sheer Lipstick in Damage
This lipstick is like a "my lips but better, plum edition". It's ultra sheer, has a flattering shine, and is just a touch vampier than its cousin, Dolce Vita. Perfect for beginners! 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Aura
This was part of the Autumn 2014 colour collection and I'm so glad I snagged it. This sheer, shiny plum can be applied lightly as a stain or layered for a bolder effect. Quite versatile and very wearable!

*The Wine-Soaked Reds*

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in #167 Bal de Mai
I'm so happy this post gave me the chance to rediscover this one! Not only do Rouge Automatiques have the most amazing, handy packaging, they also offer a full-bodied, comfortable, slightly glossy formula. Bal de Mai is a beautiful reddened ruby plum with a pretty hint of shimmer. 

Chanel Rouge Coco in Rivoli
This really is the perfect burgundy red shade. It's on the warmer side, is beautifully pigmented, and has a gorgeous velvety finish. Swipe this on, and you'll be inspired to do something glamorous. 

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned
A matte, vampy lip can be difficult to wear, but NARS makes it effortless. Damned is a berry-toned red that can be applied somewhat sheer for a stained look or layered more heavily for some full-on vamp. Plus, it doesn't dry out the lips!

*The Saturated Berries*

MAC Satin Lipstick in Rebel
Everyone and their uncle seems to own Rebel, and with good reason. It's a perfect balanced shade- bold and berry-licious, but bright enough to be universally flattering. The Satin finish leaves a subtle sheen to the lips that makes it extra special. 

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Roundest Raspberry
This gorgeous blue-toned berry makes the lips look full, plump, and hydrated. The colour is rich, but not intimidating, and the subtly purple undertones make it something unique. Plus, the chubby pencil format is fool-proof!

*The True Vamps*

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Good to be Bad
I bought this stunning lipstick last winter when I was seeking to expand my vampy lip wardrobe. One swipe, and I was hooked! This ultra deep berry red has somewhat of an old screen siren sort of look (Jenn said it make me look like Veronica Lake (or was it Lauren Bacall?)- either way, I was sold) and the creamy, shiny finish makes it ultra easy and comfortable to wear.

OCC Lip Tar in Black Dahlia
This is the newest edition to my collection and has become an instant favourite. This looks truly intimidating in the tube, but on the lips it applies as the most beautiful blackened berry red. It can be sheered out even further for a more subtle berry stain, or layered more heavily for the ultra vampy look. It makes me feel like a film noir goddess!

Inglot Freedom System Lipstick #42
Finally, we have the deepest of the bunch. When first stroked on the lips, this looks truly black. When smoothed in with fingertips or a brush, however, this transforms into a lovely deep plummy purple. Not for the faint of heart, but an amazing, affordable pick for those who want to go bold! 

And here are swatches of all ten lipsticks that I've featured here, against my NC15 skin tone:

(L-R): NARS Damage, Chanel Aura, Guerlain Bal de Mai, Chanel Rivoli, Clinique Roundest Raspberry, MAC Rebel, NARS Damned, MAC Good to be Bad, OCC Black Dahlia, Inglot #42

This post was so much fun to put together! It reunited me with some old favourites and let me spend an afternoon feeling like quite the vixen. Whether your preference is to go sheer or bold, I hope I've tempted you with a shade or two!

Which of these lipsticks calls to you most? What are your go-to vampy lip shades?

Hope you're having a lovely weekend :)