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Your Ultimate Guide to Burgundy Lipstick

Not to sound cliché, but burgundy lipstick is so the new red. "It is just as timeless as red," makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla tells Allure. "Burgundy lips demand attention and make a statement. They'll never go out of style or look dated." See, we're not the only ones who think so.

If you ask Chinchilla, who has worked with Ariana Grande, Keke Palmer, and Sofia Richie, finding the right vampy, burgundy shade is much easier than finding the right red for your skin tone. That's because, to put it bluntly, there are fewer burgundies to choose from, so it's easier to ace them. 

Warmer burgundies lean a little more fiery, with Old Hollywood vibes. Allure editors love Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Vendetta, Huda Beauty's Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Ladies Night, and Nyx Professional Makeup Shout Loud Satin Lipstick in Opinionated. 

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Vendetta

$38.00,

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Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Ladies Night

$25.00,

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Nyx Professional Makeup Shout Loud Satin Lipstick in Opinionated

$9.00,

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On the other hand, cooler-toned, berry-leaning burgundies look slightly more purple on lips, with a more witchy aesthetic. Try Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Rock With You, Flower Beauty's Petal Pout Lip Color in Rouge Berry, or Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Lipstick in Cheerful Burgundy. 

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Rock With You

$26.00, BAM

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Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lip Color in Rouge Berry

$8.00,

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Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Lipstick in Cheerful Burgundy

$23.00,

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As Chinchilla sees it, both variations of burgundy lipstick flatter nearly every skin tone, so choose the one you're naturally drawn to. "It really just depends on what makes you feel beautiful," he says. 

To add more dimension, you can paint a lighter, brighter berry hue in the center of your lips. "It's actually a classic technique used by classic Hollywood stars," makeup artist Nick Barose has shared with Allure. "It's a great way to make sure darker lipstick doesn't turn too flat or have no dimension. It's similar to the colors of flower petals. They are never just one, flat color."

As for what to do with the rest of your face, burgundy lipstick is arguably even more versatile than red. You can keep your eyes simple, with lush lashes to draw attention to your lips or you can go all out, with bronze smoky eye makeup. (The latter happens to be Chinchilla's favorite dark lipstick pairing.) No matter which looks you're into, “Don't forget some rosy blush on your cheeks,” Chinchilla adds. 

Here are a few more minimalist as well as adventurous ideas for how to wear the bewitching shade.

Teal Eyeliner 

The color combo seen on Lupita Nyong'o is a gorgeous contrast on deeper skin tones. Draw flicks of metallic peacock with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Deep End. 

<h1 class="title">Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards - Arrivals</h1><cite class="credit">Getty Images</cite>

Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards - Arrivals

Getty Images

Fluttery Lashes 

Take cues from Rodarte's spring 2021 beauty moment and add wispy, individual falsies to your top and bottom lashes for a doe-eyed effect alongside your black-cherry lips. 

<cite class="credit">Rodarte </cite>
Rodarte

Go Green 

Shimmery green, smoky eyes and dramatic false lashes, plus deep-red lipstick were a power trio at Anna Sui fall 2020.  

<h1 class="title">Anna Sui - Runway - February 2020 - New York Fashion Week</h1><cite class="credit">Getty Images</cite>

Anna Sui - Runway - February 2020 - New York Fashion Week

Getty Images

Get Glossy 

The models at Laquan Smith's fall 2020 show wore dreamy burgundy lips with a layer of clear gloss on top and subtle taupe shadow on lids. 

<h1 class="title">Laquan Smith - Runway - February 2020 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows</h1><cite class="credit">Getty Images </cite>

Laquan Smith - Runway - February 2020 - New York Fashion Week: The Shows

Getty Images

Color-Blocked Eyes 

Instead of picking just one other color to go with your vampy lips, stack two on top of each other for an experimental color-blocked look as seen at Dries Van Noten.  

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 26: A model walks the runway during the Dries Van Noten Ready to Wear fashion show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021 on February 26, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

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Read more about red lipsticks of all shades:  


Now, watch one minute of sheer Naomi Campbell perfection — burgundy lipstick and all:

Watch Now: Allure Video.

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Originally Appeared on Allure