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7 Must-Know Rules for Perfectly Wearing Burgundy Lipstick

Discover the essential rules for mastering the bold, alluring burgundy lip—your step-by-step guide to statement-worthy confidence.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Discover the essential rules for mastering the bold, alluring burgundy lip—your step-by-step guide to statement-worthy confidence.

7 Absolutely Essential Tips For Pulling Off Dark Lipstick

Few beauty statements rival the power and drama of burgundy lipstick. This rich, dark hue instantly transforms your look—commanding attention, exuding confidence, and oozing sophistication. While undeniably alluring, burgundy lips can be tricky to master. Unlike nude or red shades, these dramatic tones demand specific techniques for a flawless, well-balanced effect. Ready to upgrade your makeup routine? Read on for the seven expert-backed rules to nail the burgundy lip trend, along with answers to frequently asked questions, application tips, and inspiration for every skin tone and style.

1. Eliminate Redness From Your Skin First

Burgundy lipstick’s intensity doesn’t leave room for distraction. One universal truth in makeup artistry: dark lipstick accentuates any redness on the skin. The contrast draws attention to imperfections (especially around the nose, cheeks, and chin), so prep your face by neutralizing any unwanted color.

Use a green-tinted concealer to counteract redness.
Follow with a full-coverage foundation for an even base.
Apply extra concealer around the mouth to prevent lipstick bleeding and enhance definition.

This step ensures your burgundy lips will be the star, not any blotchy skin issue.

2. Find Your Most Flattering Burgundy Shade

Not all burgundy lipsticks are created equal. The spectrum spans from blue-based burgundies to deep red or brick tones. Skin tone, eye color, and hair color can all influence which hue works best for you.

Blue-based burgundy: Universally flattering for light and dark eye colors. Try shades like Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in “Raisin Rage” for a balanced, wearable look.
Deep red burgundy: Especially striking on brunettes, as their darker hair supports and intensifies the color. Sample Lancôme Rouge in Love in “Fiery Attitude” for dramatic impact.
Brick or maroon undertones: Suitable for those wanting a warmer, softer approach, with hues closer to red for a more natural effect.

Expert trick: Take a white tissue to the store and swipe lipstick testers across it. The undertone (warm or cool) will stand out clearly against the white, helping you identify the right shade for your coloring.

3. Always Test the Color Before Committing

The best way to know if a shade enhances your features? Try before you buy. Before purchasing, do a swatch test and a “mini makeover”:

Swipe lipstick on a tissue to check the undertone and vibrancy.
Use a clean cotton swab to apply the tester to your lips, avoiding areas where others may have touched.
Evaluate in natural light. Does the color brighten your complexion or make you look tired?

The right shade lights up your skin, flatters your eyes, and instantly makes you look more polished.

4. Precision Application: Use a Lip Brush

Burgundy lipstick is unforgiving when applied sloppily. Because the shade is so dark, mistakes are much more visible than with lighter lip colors. For the cleanest and most professional finish:

Use a dedicated lip brush, not the bullet directly.
Start from the outer corners of your mouth and work towards the center on both the upper and lower lips.
Fill in the remainder for full coverage, ensuring crisp edges and no patchiness.

Taking this extra step elevates your look and prevents messy mishaps.

5. Apply Lip Liner After Lipstick

Contrary to popular belief: With bold lip colors like burgundy, it’s best to apply lipstick first and liner second. Here’s why:

Using liner after lipstick allows you to outline your lips with precision and adjust the shape as needed.
Burgundy lip pencils can sometimes overpower or clash with the lipstick if applied first.
Lining last creates a smooth, seamless border that keeps the focus on the rich color itself.

Choose a liner shade that matches your lipstick as closely as possible for the most harmonious effect.

6. Skip Glossy Finishes (or Apply Only at the Center)

While it might be tempting to add extra shine, dark lipsticks like burgundy are best worn matte. Gloss can:

Make lipstick look messy or uneven.
Cause color to bleed onto the skin or feather outside the lip line.
Draw unwanted attention to imperfections and reduce staying power.

If you crave a hint of shine, apply gloss only to the center of your lips for a subtle highlight—never all over.

7. Wear It With Confidence

The final—and perhaps most important—rule for sporting burgundy lipstick is simple: Own the look. A bold, statement lip commands attention and projects self-assurance.

Pair with simple makeup elsewhere: think understated eyes and dewy skin.
Let your lips be the focal point, and don’t shy away from the compliments.
Remember: confidence makes any color work.

Channel your inner star and wear your new favorite shade like you’re ready to command the room.

Burgundy Lipstick Inspirations: Shades and Styles

To further help you find the perfect burgundy lip look, here are examples of how beauty icons and trendsetters interpret this versatile shade:

Blue-based burgundy: Effortless sophistication suitable for pale and deep skin tones. Goes well with minimal makeup and strong brows.
Metallic ombré: A modern twist for those seeking drama—a darker outer edge with a lighter, metallic center, ideal for fashion-forward events.
Brandywine or brick: Deep, wine-inspired hues for winter, paired with crisp white or neutral outfits for maximum impact.
Soft sangria: Berry undertones and sheen, above all, sultriness—especially paired with smoky eyes for a night-out effect.

Lipstick Application: Step-by-Step Comparison Table

Step	Best Practice	Common Pitfall
Prep Skin	Neutralize redness with concealer	Leaving redness visible, distracting from lips
Select Shade	Test undertones on tissue & lips	Basing choice only on packaging
Application	Use lip brush for precision	Applying bullet directly, risking messy edges
Lip Liner	Apply liner after lipstick	Lining first and overpowering lipstick shade
Finish	Matte or center-only gloss highlight	Glossing entire lip, causing feathering

Expert-Tested Burgundy Lipstick Picks

Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in “Raisin Rage”: A classic, accessible blue-based burgundy perfect for first-timers.
Lancôme Rouge in Love in “Fiery Attitude”: A dramatic, deep red burgundy ideal for brunettes and bold beauty lovers.

For other finishes, such as satin or metallic, explore trending shades showcased in recent fashion weeks where ombré and high-gloss versions have turned heads.

Burgundy Lipstick: Common Pitfalls & Solutions

Accentuates skin redness: Always conceal around lips to prevent unwanted contrast.
Messy application: Use brushes and precise tools for clean edges.
Feathering and bleeding: Apply liner after lipstick for control and use a lip primer if needed.
Shade mismatch: Check undertones in natural light before purchasing.

Burgundy Lips in Fashion: The Statement Look

Burgundy lipstick has a rich history in pop culture and fashion. First taking off in the 1920s as a symbol of independence, this femme fatale shade resurged in the 1990s grunge movement and has repeatedly made appearances on runways and magazine covers.

Renée Zellweger and other icons have worn it with simple brows and flawless skin for a timeless look.
Recent fashion weeks have showcased burgundy in matte, glossy, and ombré variations for instant trend status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does burgundy lipstick suit every skin tone?

A: With the wide range of undertones available—blue, red, brick, berry—almost anyone can find a flattering shade. Testing is essential, especially for undertone and depth.

Q: How do I stop dark lipstick from feathering?

A: Conceal around lips, use a lip primer or base, and always apply lip liner after lipstick for a crisp, clean edge.

Q: Should I wear bold eye makeup with burgundy lips?

A: Generally, softer eyes and brows create a balanced look, but smoky eyes with soft sangria shades can be stunning for evening style.

Q: Can I wear burgundy lipstick during the day?

A: Absolutely! Pair with minimal, dewy makeup harnesses the color’s versatility for both day and night.

Q: What hairstyle best complements a burgundy lip?

A: Sleek bobs, ponytails, or simple waves keep your face open and let lips stand out. Avoid overly complicated styles that compete with your statement mouth.

Burgundy Lipstick: Final Pro Tips

Exfoliate lips thoroughly before application for the smoothest finish.
Don’t skip lip balm—hydrated lips hold pigment better, reducing patchiness.
Carry a compact mirror for on-the-go touch-ups, especially after eating or drinking.
Store your favorite burgundy in your bag for instant confidence—one swipe transforms your look.

High-gloss shine: For the bold, pair glossy burgundy lips with bronzed skin for ultimate luminosity.
Metallic ombré: Add complexity with ombré edges and metallic highlights, as seen on fashion week runways.
Classic matte: Showcase depth and drama with a pure, shine-free finish—the foundation of timeless style.
Soft sangria: Berry-infused shades for a lived-in, sultry effect—perfect for daytime confidence.

Wrap Up: The Burgundy Lipstick Manifesto

With these seven essential rules, expert product picks, and style inspiration, burgundy lipstick can be an easy, empowering addition to anyone’s beauty arsenal. Treat it as more than makeup—see it as a mood, a statement, and the quickest way to own your confidence. Swipe, brush, line, set, and—most importantly—wear it like you mean it.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb