5 Flawless Lip Colors That Aren’t Red

In a world full of red lipstick, there are many other colors to sport when you want to look your best. True, red lipstick is the most classic color to wear. In fact, you probably have five different shades of red in your current collection. It’s true, red looks incredible on anyone. It immediately transforms you into a bombshell, and who doesn't want to look like a sexy, stunning bombshell when they go out? 

However, it does get boring. You can only buy so many shades of red before you eventually start buying duplicates for what you already have. And let's be honest: there are so many other colors our there: purples, browns, nudes, corals, mauves... Whether you choose sheer or opaque shades, it’s time to get out of that good ol’ comfort zone and try something new! 

Purple Lip Color

The best way to make a statement with your lipstick is to go purple! Whether you want to go dark or light is your choice, but purple is the perfect shade to wear if you’re looking to change it up. Keep in mind your skin tone when it comes to purple. If you have a lighter complexion, the darker colors could age you. Pastels or sheen shades work great with lighter complexions, while plums and eggplant shades work better for medium/darker complexions.

When venturing out with purple lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup minimal. Go with a light wash of blush, and simple eyes. These shades are meant to stand alone, so skip the smokey eye. Always keep it simple if you’re going with such a bold lip!

Train Bleu by Nars is a beautiful, deep aubergine color. Although this lip pencil has a matte finish, the formula is non-drying and creamy. Train Bleu is available at Nars for $26. 

Brown Lipstick

This 90s trend has made its way back into 2016! Not only is brown lipstick incredibly nostalgic, it is versatile and looks good on every skin tone. Don’t worry, you won't look like you have chocolate smudged all over your lips if you go for a high-quality lipstick like ColourPop. Brown lips are all the grunge rage.

Each brown shade has different undertones. Lighter complexions should go for more red/orange undertones, medium complexions look best with taupe browns, and dark complexions should aim for rosy undertones. 

Give brown a go with Limbo by ColourPop. This lipstick is a deep chocolate brown with red undertones. This liquid lipstick is part of their Ultra Matte collection, available for purchase at ColourPop for $6. 

For Nude Lips

Wearing a color that is close to your skin tone is such a simple yet glamorous way to change it up. Pinky, peachy, and sheer brown nudes are great for lighter skin. Neutral pink nudes will complement medium skin tones best. Neutral nudes with brown undertones and toffee nudes bring out the best with darker skin tones.

If you're not feeling any of these, golden or pink-beige nudes can look great on any skin tone! Wearing a nude shade works wonders when the rest of your makeup is bold and beautiful. You never want to have too much going on, so always balance it out.

Pillow Talk by MAC is a peachy beige with warm undertones. This creamy shade is available at MAC for $17. 

Coral Colors

It's spring, so now is the perfect time to try out coral lipstick! Coral can range from peach tones to orange tones, with warmer and cooler shades in between. If you find that this vibrant color is a little scary, try out a sheer tone. The best part about orange tones is they can look great with any skin tone! However, be cautious when trying out different peach tones. Peach corals work better with lighter complexions. 

Streak by Urban Decay will work great with light or medium complexions. This shade, from the Revolution line, is a warm-toned, peach coral with a glossy finish. This shade is available at Urban Decay for $22.

Mauve Lips for Days

The most popular shade to wear, aside from red, is definitely mauve. This color became very popular from one family: the Kardashians. Mauve is basically a darker, pink nude color mixed in with purple tones. If you want a step up from nude, go mauve. This shade is definitely one of those colors that you can assign as your everyday shade. 

When wearing mauve lips, go for a neutral eye. Since this color is darker than nude, it’s bolder on the lips. Again, you never want to overpower your look; balance out your makeup to look your best. The most fantastic part about mauve is that it looks great on any skin tone! 

San Francisco from Buxom's Full-On Lip Stick collection is a velvety lip pencil in dusty mauve. This three-in-one lip pencil is available at Sephora for $20.