If you know me, you know I am rarely– if ever– seen without red lipstick. Taylor Swift, circa 2012, made it look so easy for my high school self to get into. Tracee Ellis Ross assured me I’m not crazy for breaking it out even in the most casual settings. (Red lips at the gym? An actual queen.) Here I am now, an adult woman that will skip several days of washing her hair but won’t leave the house without a red balm at the very least. It makes me feel as pretty as I do empowered and brightens up my face better than any blush ever could.
As someone who has tried every brand, shade, and finish in the books, I truly wonder why people are still so scared of red lipstick. I’ve heard every excuse out there: “It’s too high-maintenance!” “I feel like a clown!” “It looks weird with my hair/skin/features!” Red lips date back to as early as 3000 B.C., so don’t think it’s going away anytime soon. Your shade is out there, you just haven’t found it yet.
If you’re on the fence about rocking red, I’m not going to try to convince you anymore. I’ll let these badass ladies do it instead:
1. Peggy Carter, Agent Carter
Peggy’s red lip is as much a part of her as her S.S.R. ID is. She brandishes guns, throws punches, and delivers the best one-liners, all while wearing her signature red lipstick. We all know that Peggy is a bold and brave woman already– but it certainly helps to have the look to match.
Get her look: Bésame Cosmetics Lipstick in 1946 Red Velvet. This is the actual shade Peggy uses in Agent Carter and you really can’t go wrong with it.
2. Batwoman, Batwoman #24 (2013)
Still think redheads can’t wear red lipstick? Are you really going to question Kate Kane and how it matches her black-and-red-all-over aesthetic? (Guess what: you shouldn’t.)
Get her look: Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Misfit. Kate clearly digs a deeper shade of red and isn’t afraid of a little shine. I dig that. This scarlet red’s pigment really packs a punch and has a satin-matte finish. Plus, this rich color would look amazing on any redhead!
3. Jubilee, X-Men: The Animated Series
Jubilee’s look is so 90’s, it’s a wonder why she doesn’t have scrunched hair and blue eyeshadow to match. And though she’s usually already wearing more color at than I ever have in my life, she’s still not scared of a bold red lipstick. Be like Jubilee. The world needs more of her.
Get her look: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Vain. I went with a brick red shade that had brown undertones to pay tribute to our favorite 90’s gal.
4. Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman #41 (2018)
Wonder Woman has been rocking a red lip since she graced the world with her presence in the 40’s and hasn’t had an off day since. With all that dark hair, it certainly makes for a killer combo.
Get her look: M.A.C. Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo. A classic red for a classic hero. (By the way, this blue-red looks amazing on everyone.)
5. Storm, Storm #1 (1996)
It should be illegal to have a tan to dark complexion and not be wearing red lipstick. Seriously, what are you waiting for? They all work for you. Storm is no exception. You’d think it would almost be too much in conjunction with the striking white hair, but just look at her! Fierce, strong, and powerful– everything a red lip should make you feel like.
Get her look: Lime Crime Matte Velvetines in Wicked. A shade deep enough to convince you it’s made from the blood of her enemies.
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