I really love lips, and around this time of year it’s fun to dress them up with delightful color-saturated glosses and vibrant shades and stains. So in the spirit of dressing up your lips for the Holiday season, I’ve put together a sampling of some of my favorite red lipsticks for you.

Now if you love berry shades, wonderful! (So do I.) If you lean toward nudes and neutrals (I love those, too!), great! If you like pinks and fuchsias, we’ll talk those beautiful swatches another time.

For today’s post I’m ALL. ABOUT. RED.
Red-Orange

This first category of reds is my personal favorite. There is something so bright, happy, and modern about a Red lip that has just a hint of an orange undertone.

MAC Lady Danger, NARS Heat Wave, and Topshop Rio Rio. All of these lipsticks boast incredibly pigmented lacquer. MAC Lady Danger is the brightest of these three. (Lipsticks shown left-to-right on the tray.)

NARS Heat Wave is a longtime favorite. It is definitely the most matte of these three colors, and perhaps the most well known. The matte nature of this lipstick means that you need to be sure to exfoliate and moisturize before wearing.

I always swipe on some Burt’s Bees before applying any of these lipsticks. Though you might be able to get away with swiping on Topshop Rio Rio as it is the most moisturizing of this Red-Orange trio.

Classic Reds

I have four classic reds in this mix– MAC Ruby Woo, Bobby Brown Heart, Clinique Red-y to Wear, and MAC Russian Red. This last has become my go-to for a classic red lip this season.

While MAC Russian Red is the more wearable if you were to compare it to MAC Ruby Woo, I have to say that there is something unstoppably brighter about the later. Both are very matte.

If you want something a little more easily applied, Bobby Brown Heart gives a beautiful, classic red pout with just enough creaminess that your lips are velvety soft without looking dry.

The most moisturizing of this crew is definitely Clinique Red-y to Wear. It has a classic red sheen, without being too shiny. This lipstick is also one you can throw on without lipgloss and go as it is never overly drying.

Orange is the new Red

The Orange trend seems to have gained momentum last Spring. The saying in the fashion world went something like Orange is the New Black, a pun on the show I’m sure.

This was translated into everything from electric orange anoraks to blazing orange sweaters. As a lipstick, orange is definitely eye-catching. My favorite is MAC Neon Orange.

If you are still feeling hesitant about moving forward with a Red lipstick option I think Orange is a great way to add POP without picking sides. Make it your new red!

Deeper Reds

If you are looking for an EVEN MORE full-bodied red you should absolutely try Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Lipstick in Shade 04, Mezzoforte. I wore this lipstick for our Thanksgiving dinner. It has such a beautiful warm, deep color. Perfect for Autumn or Winter.

Other Reds to Check Out:

Red-Oranges– Revlon Siren, Wet and Wild Purty Persimmon, and YSL Rouge Pur Coture #13 Orange.

Classic Reds– Revlon Really Red, YSL Rouge Pur Coture #1 Blood Red, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

Deeper Reds– Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery, MAC Viva Glam 1, NARS Red Lizard

Plus, How to Apply Red Lipstick Like a Pro from The Haute Mess.

Good luck in all of your red lip endeavors!

XX, Megan

Absolutely loving these over-the-knee boots. Not only are the comfortable, they amp up any outfit with a bit of boho luxe. The warm suede and perfect heel height are ideal. I could go on and on.

If you are in the market for new boots this season don’t shy away from a more statement making pair. Surprisingly versatile, I’ve already worn these OTK babies with a pencil skirt and sweater combo, and another pair of skinny jeans.

I look forward to finding the perfect sweater dress to pair with these puppies, and I am equally enamored with the idea of donning them with a floaty floral dress this Spring!

I’ve shopped some other over-the-knee options along with the outfit details below. Enjoy your Tuesday, friends.

XX, Megan

Poncho: Vintage, Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar), Boots: Dolce Vita (or similar, save, splurge), Jeans: Lucky, Bag: J.Crew, Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Necklace: J.Crew (similar), Bracelet: J.Crew (similar), Earrings: Zales

I really have been mad about plaid this season. So I rounded up some of my current favorite plaids for fall and winter. One of the reasons I love button-down shirts with a rockin’ plaid print is the daily functionality a bright, blazing plaid shirt holds in a busy primary-parent wardrobe.

Go for a casual vibe with ankle booties. Dress up your plaid with leather pants and heels for date night, or throw a plaid shirt on with a skirt and thick leggings and snow boots for a warm winter alternative to jeans!

Have a wonderful day!

XX, Megan

Left to right, top to bottom.

Neon Brights

Killer Stewart

Leaning Navy

Perfect Buffalo Boyfriend

Half-zip Buffalo Check

Window Pane Wonderful

Black and White Standard

Mellow Sherbet 

Olive Grid Awesomeness

Other great options here, here, here, here, and here.

This isn’t the first nor will it be the last time plaid is featured here on Refined + Rugged. When it comes to a print you love, don’t be afraid to layer it on for stronger effect. A good rule of thumb when mixing both similar and dissimilar prints is to carry one color through the mix.

Here I’m playing off of the red of both the shirt and scarf. I really like the added wash of my jeans, but if you’re uncomfortable adding another visual texture just stick to a more uniform rinse or wash.

Hope your day is glorious!

XX, Megan

Shirt: Madewell, Jacket: Caslon (similar), Pants: Target (old, similar), Scarf: J.Crew (similar options here, and here), Boots: Ugg, Sunglasses: Ray-ban Original Wayfarer, Earrings: Gorjana, Lips: NARS Barebella