Universally Flattering and Completely Timeless, These Are the Best Berry Lipsticks to Have in Your Collection
Take it from the experts
We all know the power and allure of a bold red lip, but I would like to declare berry lipsticks the timeless and universal product everyone needs in their beauty arsenal. Endlessly versatile and adaptable, there's a berry shade for every skin tone and occasion - and you're likely to get far more wear out of these hues than any other.
And you don't just have to take my word for it: makeup artist and founder of VIEVE, Jamie Genevieve, is a fellow believer in the power of berries. "To me, a ‘berry’ shade adds instant colour and frame to the face. Whether through a lip, blush or eye shadow, a berry shade enhances your natural skin tone effortlessly," she says.
From the best long lasting lipsticks in smooth mattes to the best glossy lipsticks for unbeatable shine, these are the berry hues that are worth every penny if you're ready to embrace the good-enough-to-eat shades.
Who do berry shades suit?
"Berry shades suit everyone, it is just about which berry you prefer," explains Genevieve. "For example, the VIEVE Sunset Blush Balm in Strawb is a lovely, bouncy red that creates that natural “English Rose” look, whereas the VIEVE Satin Slip Lipstick in 'Deep Love' is a cool-toned berry lipstick that offers a satin finish. It's perfect for a bold yet nourishing lip look."
1. MAC Macximal Sleek Satin Lipstick in Rebel
When I think of a berry lipstick, this is the first shade that comes to mind. MAC lipsticks will always have a special place in my heart (and beauty cupboard) because they're some of the first I ever wore as a teenager, and Rebel is an example of a timeless berry. It definitely comes off deeper and more wine-toned on the lips than it looks in the bullet, making it a gorgeous statement hue. The glossy finish also means it sits comfortably on the lips for day-long wear.
2. Dior Addict Lip Glow in 006 Berry
Now, this is more of a lip balm than a lipstick, but I had to include it in this guide because it really is the most gorgeous subtle berry that you can wear even on no makeup days. The formula is hydrating with a satin finish, and it works to stain the lips for long-lasting colour payoff. Due to the slightly sheer formula, it means that you can give berry a go without having to go for a dark lip that may be a little out of your comfort zone. If you like maximum hydration and a diffused finish, this is the berry lip for you.
3. Chanel Rouge Allure L'Extrait High-Intensity Lip Colour Refillable in 824
If you're looking to invest in refillable beauty products, I can think of no better place to start than a Chanel lipstick. This is a colour that truly flatters every skin tone and isn't too unnaturally berry-ish (read: not too purple). It can be tricky to find a glossy lipstick that has enough colour payoff, but this one has managed it - and it's made with me flower extract and plant waxes for long-lasting hydration. You only need one coat, but it can comfortably be layered if you want an even more statement hue.
4. NARS Exclusive Powermatte Lipstick in Highway to Hell
If you love nothing more than a matte red lip but want something slightly less bright in your collection, let me introduce you to NARS' Highway to Hell. This lipstick manages to be matte without any drying or clinging, and it's truly budge-proof. I love this berry red shade for complementing smokey eye looks or pairing with berry blush for a cohesive look.
5. Glossier Ultralip in Cranberry
Glossier's Ultralip formula is one of my favourites of all time. It's extremely moisturising and offers buildable colour, so again is a good option if you prefer a more subtle lip. If you always layer your lippies with a gloss, this product delivers both of those in one simple swipe. Cranberry is the most gorgeous crimson shade with berry undertones, so red lip lovers will feel right at home in this.
6. Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipstick in Claret
If you tend to stick with neutral lips, this is the ideal cool-toned berry that won't overpower the rest of your makeup. Although it's described as a matte formula, it does have a slight sheen that means it's non-drying. It also boasts ten-hour wear, which is brilliant if you hate reapplying your lipstick throughout the day. It definitely looks pinker on deeper skin tones and slightly more mauve on pale skin, but it looks just as good on everyone.
7. Vieve Poutder in Ripple
"The latest VIEVE launch, Poutder, has some gorgeous berry shades that are perfect as we go into the summer. One of my favourite shades, Ripple, is a deep-toned rose pink is the perfect berry colour for warm evening looks as well as adding a touch of colour to a minimal make-up look," says Genevieve. Our team's Poutder review will tell you how much we love it, too. This formula is soft, blurred and lightweight on the lips, as well as universally flattering - ideal if you want the diffused lip look without the effort of blending.
8. Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick in Play
This lipstick has thousands of five-star reviews, and it's no wonder. It feels very much like a lip balm with the colour payoff of a lipstick, which I always love. It doesn't tug on the lips and has a smooth finish, and it also fades gracefully throughout the day. To me, this is definitely more of a typically wintery shade, but the deep purple-toned berry can absolutely be worn year-round if you're a fan of a vampy lip colour.
