Even as a beauty editor, I am often stuck in my ways when it comes to my makeup. Whether it’s a day at the office, date night, a work event or an impromptu trip to the pub, it’s almost as if I go into autopilot mode, applying the same look time and time again. First up, my trusty flick with a brown kohl liner (a game changer by the way), then a slick of mascara, a foundation mixed with some kind of glow cream, a bit of bronzer, cream blush, powder, a lip gloss and I’m away. And yes, I always do my eyes first and yes a lot of people find it weird.
When this time of year comes around, however, it’s as if the inner Ru Paul in me awakens and I want it all going on at once. Glitter eyeshadow? All over it. Fake lashes? I’ll take a full and fluttery corner set, please. Oh, and while you’re at it, you wouldn’t mind sticking on a few rhinestones? Anywhere will do.
But my favorite beauty product for party season, without a doubt, is an amazing lipstick. Whether it’s a bright red, hot pink, or a glitter extravaganza, there’s just something about a lipstick that can really compliment a festive getup and add a sprinkle of extra to the vibe you’re going for.
With that in mind, here are the best party lipsticks that don’t compromise on comfort, ease of application, staying power, or pigment. You best believe I’m rolling up to the Christmas ‘do, Winter Wonderland, my Grandma’s annual festive family gathering and New Years Eve wearing one of them.
It’s official. I am obsessed with this lipstick. The added touch of metallic makes it perfect for party season, without it being too in your face so it gets bonus points for wearability. It’s also faff free thanks to the teardrop applicator and whipped texture which quickly dries to give you 12 hours of non-budge wear. In the name of beauty journalism, I really did put this to the test and can confirm it isn’t going anywhere. When I tell you I scrubbed…
Red lipstick. At Christmas. Groundbreaking. But much like Mariah Carey and the song that needs no introduction, they really do go together perfectly at this time of year. I was on a mission to find the perfect matte pillarbox red and I most certainly found it. The pigment is insane meaning you don’t need to apply a lip liner first, plus it passes the longevity test and is comfortable and non-drying. Maybe this signals the start of me being a red lipstick all year round kinda gal.
Made in celebration of the holiday season, Dior’s new limited-edition lipstick is a work of art. Stars and flowers are engraved on the bullet, and you can choose between a velvety, satiny or matte finish – I opted for the latter. I wore this out during the weekend, topping it up only a couple of times, and received lots of compliments. Tis the season *insert nail polish emoji.*
Of course I couldn’t turn my back on a bit of hot pink – it’s been the year of Barbiecore after all. Much like the name suggests, it’s really soft on the lips and and dries to a velvety matte finish. I was really impressed with just how nourishing and lightweight it felt and the color is divine.
I’ve had a love affair with this matte lipstick collection ever since I went to the launch event and tried on the shade No Angel. For the few times I’ve opted for a red lipstick, I go for one with the slightest hint of orange so this one is right up my alley. It’s a great pick for party season as you can sip mulled wine, eat pigs in blankets, and finish with a few rounds underneath the mistletoe without it budging. Pucker up!
I definitely feel more in my comfort zone wearing this. It’s my number one choice for day-to-night wear and the hyaluronic acid and avocado oil-infused formula means it feels really nice on. For a whole look, try it with the Make Up For Ever Endless Cacao Lip Liner and the Kylie Cosmetics Kyshadow The Mauve Palette—it’s a winner.
There’s no doubt about it, this lipstick is boujee. I felt extra holding it, applying it, and wearing it—and that’s what party season is all about, right? If you’re into a more sheen, glossy finish with impressive staying power, this one is for you. There’s also something a vampy lip does to me that others could never, and because it’s so striking you can wear it on its own.
I am a big Vieve fan (Skin Nova is my desert island beauty product) and at this rate, Lara is coming with me, too. The shade is really interesting as it isn’t quite red and it isn’t quite berry – it’s a glorious mix of the two. It has a ‘matte not flat’ finish, and is very highly pigmented, whilst being buildable and blendable. Looks like I’m loving it so much I had the sudden urge to smell it.
It would be rude of me not to feature some kind of glitter lipstick in this line up—it is party season after all. Let the lipstick completely dry for a couple of minutes, press your lips together and POW the formula transforms into full frontal glitter. The picture doesn’t do it justice as it was really hard to capture the multi-dimensional finish and glisten, but take my word for it. For me, it’s screaming New Year’s Eve party. The shade Candy is unfortunately, sold out, but you can get it in this peachy shade of coral called Trouble.
