Top 10 Red Lipsticks for a Romantic Evening Out!

There’s nothing quite like a bold red lip to make you feel confident, glamorous, and ready for a romantic evening out. Whether it's Valentine's Day, an anniversary dinner, a wedding reception, a holiday party or a night out, red lipstick is a classic choice that never goes out of style.

The perfect red can elevate any look, making you feel polished in just one swipe. I think of a bold red lipstick as instant confidence booster.

Whether you love a classic blue-toned red or a fiery orange-red, there’s a perfect shade for every skin tone and preference. Here are 10 of the best red lipsticks available now.

  1. MAC Ruby Woo – The ultimate matte red with a blue undertone that looks stunning on all skin tones.

  2. Dior Rouge Dior 999 – A classic red in a luxurious formula, available in matte and satin finishes.

  3. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Bad Blood – A deep, vampy red in a creamy, long-lasting formula.

  4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice – A retro red with a slightly warm undertone.

  5. Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 400 – A velvety, bold red with a luminous matte finish.

  6. MAC Russian Red – A deep, rich matte red with a velvety finish for that old-Hollywood glam.

  7. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored – A weightless liquid lipstick that delivers the perfect bold red.

  8. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer – A drugstore gem with intense color payoff and unbeatable longevity.

  9. L’Oreal Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-ly in Love – A rich, velvety red that glides on effortlessly.

  10. Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Matte Lipstick in Goldie Red – A true red with a luxurious vintage feel.

Which of these red lipsticks is your go-to for a special night out?

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Teri Cosenzi

I'm Teri, your resident beauty expert. While I'm not playing with beauty products, painting my nails or shopping for makeup with my daughter who loves trying products with me, you will probably find me sneaking off to Florida with my husband of over 25 years or cheering on one of my three sons. I like baking, re-decorating, drinking tea, fussing with my flowers and facials.

Top 10 New Nude Lipsticks for 2025.

Even though we are only early into 2025, the beauty industry is fast and furious with the new releases; that means new nude lipsticks have launched, too.

Whether you're a fan of classic neutrals or seeking an updated twist, there's a shade for everyone.

A nude lipstick is the little black dress of your makeup collection—timeless, versatile, and universally flattering. Its magic lies in its ability to enhance your natural beauty, subtly elevating your look without overshadowing it. By mimicking the natural tones of your lips, a nude shade complements every skin tone. Whether you’re rocking a dramatic smokey eye or going for a fresh, minimal makeup look, a nude lipstick can effortlessly ties everything together.

One of the reasons a nude lipstick works for everyone is its variety of undertones. With options ranging from peachy and pink to beige and caramel, you can find a shade that harmonizes perfectly with your complexion. The right nude lipstick enhances your natural features, brightens your face, and transitions seamlessly between casual daytime moments and glamorous evenings out.

Every makeup bag deserves a collection of nude lipsticks, not just one. A soft pinky nude is ideal for daytime errands or brunch with friends, while a deeper caramel nude adds elegance to an evening night out look. Nude lipsticks are also incredibly versatile for layering, making them the perfect base for lip liners, glosses, or even a touch of shimmer. And unlike trendy bold shades that come and go with the seasons, nude lipsticks are timeless and appropriate year-round, whether it’s a summer wedding or a cozy winter gathering.

Here's a list of the top 10 newly launched nude lipsticks to try.

MAC Cosmetics MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Cool Teddy
A fresh addition to MAC's lineup, Cool Teddy offers a rich, cool-toned nude in a silky matte finish, providing long-lasting wear without drying out the lips.

Tower 28 LipSoftie in Red Bean Mochi
Celebrating the Lunar New Year, Tower 28 introduces Red Bean Mochi, a hydrating lip balm that imparts a sweet, subtle tint, ideal for a natural nude look.

Dolly Beauty Lipstick in Birthday Suit
Part of Dolly Parton's debut beauty line, Birthday Suit is a nude shade housed in a crystal-adorned bullet, combining glamour with a universally flattering hue.

MAC Cosmetics MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Fleshpot
This new shade delivers a neutral nude with a hint of warmth, perfect for everyday wear. The sleek satin finish ensures a comfortable, hydrating feel.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Soft Nude
Dior's latest addition to their Lip Glow line in Soft Nude offers a warm-toned nude that enhances the natural color of your lips while providing deep hydration.

Makeup By Mario Hydrating SuperShine Lip Gloss Bare
This non-sticky gloss delivers a sheer nude tint, enriched with nourishing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and jojoba oil for smoother, fuller lips.

Hourglass Cosmetics Volumizing Glossy Balm Wander
Combining the shine of a gloss with the nourishment of a balm, this product offers a nude shade that complements various skin tones, perfect for a polished look.

e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50
While primarily a sun protection stick, its subtle tint can double as a nude lip balm, providing both hydration and SPF protection.

Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte in So Dramatic
A rosy brown nude, this matte lipstick offers a bold yet wearable shade, perfect for those looking to venture beyond traditional nudes.

MAC Cosmetics MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Folio
A re-released classic, Folio is a gray-beige nude that gained fame in the '90s. Its silky matte finish provides a modern update to this iconic shade.

Do you have a hard time finding your perfect nude lipstick? Look for a shade slightly deeper than your natural lip color. If your lips have cooler undertones, opt for nudes with hints of pink or mauve. If they’re warmer, peach or caramel hues will look most flattering. With their effortless beauty and versatility, nude lipsticks are more than just a makeup item—they’re a beauty essential that can help you achieve a flawless look every time.

Have you discovered any new nude lipsticks yet this year? Share your favorites in the comments!

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Teri Cosenzi

I'm Teri, your resident beauty expert. While I'm not playing with beauty products, painting my nails or shopping for makeup with my daughter who loves trying products with me, you will probably find me sneaking off to Florida with my husband of over 25 years or cheering on one of my three sons. I like baking, re-decorating, drinking tea, fussing with my flowers and facials.

The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Makeup Brushes: Why, How, and How Often

Your makeup brushes are a must have and the ultimate staple of your beauty routine. Seriously, makeup brushes are the unsung heroes in your makeup bag. They help blend, contour, and apply products seamlessly, making your face and makeup look its absolute best. But if you're not cleaning them regularly, they could be doing more harm than good.

Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, cause breakouts, and even degrade your makeup's quality. Let’s dive into why, how, and how often you should wash your makeup brushes.

Why you should wash your makeup brushed often!

  1. Prevent Bacteria Build-Up: Brushes collect oils, makeup residue, and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent skin irritations and breakouts.

  2. Prolong the Life of Your Brushes: Dirty bristles become stiff and prone to breakage, shortening their lifespan.

  3. Ensure Flawless Application: Clean brushes pick up and distribute product evenly, giving you a smoother finish.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

  • Foundation and Concealer Brushes: Once a week. These brushes handle liquid or cream products, which are more likely to harbor bacteria.

  • Eyeshadow Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, depending on how often you use them and how many shades you apply.

  • Lip and Eyeliner Brushes: After every use to avoid transferring bacteria or pigments.

  • Powder Brushes: Every 1–2 weeks, as powders are less prone to bacteria build-up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Brushes

What You’ll Need

Instructions

  1. Wet the Bristles:
    Hold the brush under lukewarm water, angling the bristles downward to avoid soaking the ferrule (the metal part that holds the bristles). Water in the ferrule can loosen the glue and cause shedding.

  2. Apply Cleanser:
    Squeeze a small amount of brush cleanser onto your palm or a brush cleaning mat.

  3. Lather Up:
    Swirl the brush gently in the cleanser, creating a lather. Focus on working out makeup residue without pressing too hard on the bristles.

  4. Rinse Thoroughly:
    Rinse the bristles under running water until the water runs clear. Make sure there’s no soap residue left.

  5. Reshape and Dry:
    Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the bristles. Lay the brushes flat on a clean towel with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter. This allows them to air-dry completely without moisture seeping into the ferrule.

Quick Tips for Busy Days

  • Use a daily brush cleanser spray for in-between washes. Spritz the cleanser onto a paper towel and gently wipe your brushes to remove surface product and bacteria.

Brush Care FAQ

Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my brushes?
A: Dish soap can be harsh on bristles over time. Stick to gentle cleansers or shampoos designed specifically for makeup brushes. Some of my favorite makeup brushes cleansers includes this one

Q: How do I clean beauty sponges?
A: Wet the sponge, apply a cleanser, and squeeze out the product under running water. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Q: Do natural and synthetic brushes require different cleaning methods?
A: Not really, but natural brushes may need a conditioning step to keep bristles soft.

By keeping your makeup brushes clean and cared for, you’ll not only extend their lifespan but also improve your skin health and makeup application. Set a schedule, make it a habit, and your brushes (and skin!) will thank you.

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Teri Cosenzi

I'm Teri, your resident beauty expert. While I'm not playing with beauty products, painting my nails or shopping for makeup with my daughter who loves trying products with me, you will probably find me sneaking off to Florida with my husband of over 25 years or cheering on one of my three sons. I like baking, re-decorating, drinking tea, fussing with my flowers and facials.