Holy Grail Lip Makeup For Winter

There’s a lot to love about winter makeup. This time of year is perfect for experimenting with deeper hues and moodier colour palettes, especially when it comes to winter lip makeup. At Maybelline, we love a seasonal switch up that emboldens us to reach for a more vibrant lipstick shade for our daily makeup looks. We know that hydration can be a challenge in winter, so we prioritise nourishing formulas that feel as good as they look. Ahead, we’ve put together this trusty guide to help you care for your lips and find your perfect lipstick shades for winter.

Why winter lipstick is the ultimate makeup accessory

Lip products for winter tend to reflect the shift in our wardrobes as we make way for richer hues. Unlike summer, winter is also a season of high contrast – this is why you might embrace a plum or vampy red over a shade that’s closer to your natural skin tone. We also love an intense pop of colour to liven up a grey winter day. There are a plenty of beloved winter lipstick shades to complement a wealth of skin tones, and you can use our virtual makeup try-on tool to experiment with colours.

Winter lip makeup prep and care

In the thick of winter, depending on your skin type, you might be battling dry skin and lips. Our skin is usually drier in winter because the humidity drops and we tend to crank up the indoor heating and take hotter showers – elements that add up to chapped or cracked lips. This is why lip care and prep is extra important in winter.

Choosing the right formula for your lips is key. For example, those with dry winter lips might opt for shine over matte, or you may source your colour from a tinted lip balm. Maybelline’s Baby Lips® Loves Color In ‘Berry Crush’ will give you a beautiful winter-inspired tint while moisturising the lips for 6 hours.

Our go-to lipstick shades for winter

The best lip colour for your complexion in winter will obviously vary depending on your skin tone, but there are plenty of tried-and-tested shades that make a statement during those cooler, greyer months. Since we tend to sport bolder hues during this time of year, liquid lipsticks are the perfect formula to deliver the intense, high contrast colour we’re looking for. Below, we’ve curated our favourite long-lasting liquid formulas in sultry winter shades.

Lean into rich berry tones

There’s a reason we’re reaching for rich berry lipsticks year after year – the cool tones are perfect for our more dramatic winter palettes. The Super Stay® Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipcolor in ‘Unrivaled’ hits the sweet spot when it comes to winter berry hues, offering a rich contrast against deep to fair skin tones. With up to 16 hours wear and a high shine finish, this long-lasting lipstick will seamlessly take you from morning to night.

Go classic with a bold red

If we’re dabbling in lipstick shades for winter, there’s nothing more classic than a vibrant red lipstick. Red lipstick has the unique ability to look good on everyone – it all comes down to knowing undertones to help you find your quintessential winter shade. Before crafting your red lipstick makeup looks, start with our guide on how to find your skin undertone to figure out if you have cool, warm or neutral undertones. Generally, the red winter lipstick that suits you best is a shade that matches your undertone.

For example, our Super Stay® Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip Colour in ‘Lippy’ or ‘Royal’ have cooler berry-like undertones but still pass as a gorgeous wintery red. Whereas if you’re on the warmer or even neutral side, you might gravitate towards ‘Red Hot’ which has a slightly more orange undertone than the richer berry reds above. We love these formulas in winter because they don’t crack, transfer or smudge, so whether you’re sipping a piping hot latte or taking off all your winter layers, your winter lip makeup isn’t going to budge.

Reach for a mauve nude

We know how easy it is to get attached to our favourite nude lipstick, but since winter lipstick is all about embracing a greater depth of colour, you might consider a nude with slightly mauve undertones, think dusty pink or purple. These types of shades are also perfect for cool undertones. For a slightly mauve nude lipstick, we recommend the Super Stay® Matte Ink Lipstick in ‘Lover’, though if you want something a touch more neutral go for the more subdued ‘Poet’ shade.

Put a spin on your lip gloss

Perfect for those of us with dry lips in winter, this lip look is low-effort and packs a ton of hydration with two hyaluronic acid-infused formulas. Depending on your mood and how deep a shade you’re aiming for, take your Lifter Liner and subtly overline your lips. Lightly smudge your liner towards the centre of your lips to create an ombre effect. Finish with a swipe of Lifter Gloss that’s a few shades lighter than your lip liner for a vibrant, high shine finish.