Autumn Lip Colours | US Cruelty Free

Autumn, for me is lipstick season! Berry reds, rusty burnt umber and deep, rustic plumy shades. As fashion – and perhaps moods – turn a little darker and more moody to match the nights drawing in, and the fall of crumpled, colourful leaves blanket the streets, so does the cosmetic palette. I’ve selected just three of my favourites to bring your pout perfectly into fall…

As a red head, I love a bold lip which balances my hair out, and compliments my signature cat flicks, but if you’re bored of a classic red, search for tones with a little orange, to give a husky, rusty edge. I love Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Unicorn Blood ($18) a dark and grungy shade, very similar to ‘Designer Blood’ but just on the warmer side. You can get these from Beauty Bay in the UK, but they don’t always have all colours, or stock exclusives, so check out Beautylish, for reasonable US shipping with no customs and taxes surprises, as it’s all calculated in your basket before checking out. JS products are cruelty-free, vegan and super long lasting, and the wands have a lovely chubby doe-foot making application a doddle. If you like over-lining, or giving the appearance of bigger lips, this is the one for you.

Crazy cheap, and insanely good quality, the Colourpop Lippie Stix in Fab Five ($5) has a unique formula, housed in a pencil-like casing, it goes on like the silkiest, smooth lipstick, gliding over lips with ease, giving you plenty of time to get it right before drying down to a semi-matte liquid lipstick effect. The shade is an adaptable deep plum with a pinky base. While it costs under a fiver, shipping to the UK is $9.99, but unlike Beautylish, Colourpop unfortunately do not take care of your customs and taxes, so it can be a bit of a lottery in terms of if you’ll get charged on your package (and you probably will). This can be a bit of a stinger, from around £10 to £30 usually depending on the value of the products you purchase. You can otherwise buy from Amazon, e-bay (at your own peril) or just take a darn trip to the USA and order to your hotel (which is what I did).

Finally, if reds just ‘aint your thang, a strong hot, fuchsia pink will look bomb teamed with this season’s mustard and deep-green fashions. In fact, magenta, like the Too Faced Melted Matte in Bend and Snap (£19) sits opposite these hues as complimentary shade on the colour wheel, making this statement choice practically scientific. Too Faced have a huge choice available in their melted range too, and the formula is so delightfully thick and easy to apply, with a delicate wand to trace your lip line before filling in. And hey, if you’re drawn to shades because of their names, that’s totally fine too, who could resist this bad-ass Legally Blonde nod?

Ok, ok, I said three, but if that colour wheel comment got you thinking, then here’s two more complimentary autumn shades. Tarte Tartiest Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Fly (£17) has a formula similar to Jeffree Star’s, but this cool-toned berry shade gives a more hydrating feel. Cruelty-free of course, Tarte also ships to the UK at a cost, but customs fees will apply unless you choose the option to pay at check out. Another beautiful berry is Lime Crime Matte Velvetines in Red Rose (£16) this US gem is thankfully fully available in the UK over at at Cult Beauty, and also ASOS now too. The packaging is just so pretty, with frosted bottle, and metal top.