How Wearing Red Lipstick in April Can Help Raise Awareness About Sexual Violence
April 05, 2022Every year when April rolls around, I start to see people switching out their dark winter lipsticks for airy glosses in peachy-pink hues. I’ve never followed this trend, though. In fact, every April, I pull out my red lipstick collection and wear different fiery shades throughout the month.
I don’t wear a bold red lipstick every day in April just to feel confident — I wear it to spread awareness about Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Since 2013, the non-profit organization Red My Lips has challenged people to wear vibrant red lipstick throughout the month of April to spark a conversation and educate people on sexual assault, rape and victim blaming. In nine years, the organization has amassed more than 500,000 worldwide supporters who proudly don red lips to change the narrative behind sexual assault.
So before you put away your favorite red lipstick or think about saving for a special occasion, wear it proudly all month long to bring awareness to a worthy cause. And if you’re looking to refresh your red lipstick stash, you can find eight of my favorites that I’ll be rocking throughout April, below.
Giorgio Armani Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick in 403 Fighter
Get smooth, vibrant color payoff in one swipe with this longwear satin lipstick. The teardrop shaped bullet acts as a lip liner for precise application (no smudging or bleeding in sight!) and the nourishing formula keeps lips feeling comfortable — even after eight hours of wear. Try the shade Fighter, a candy apple red that commands attention.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Reds of Worth Satin Lipstick in Ambitious Red
Inspired by the unspoken power of women, the Reds of Worth collection from L’Oréal Paris features six universally flattering, satin red hues. At less than $10 a piece, you can buy them all without breaking the bank. But if you’re looking for a signature shade, mine is Ambitious Red, a warm brick red that glides onto lips and beautifully complements my porcelain skin.
YSL Beauty the Slim Velvet Radical Matte Lipstick in 308 Radical Chili
Most red lipsticks will bleed without the use of a lip liner, but this luxe pick has one built in. Use a corner of the unique, square-shaped bullet to seamlessly line, then saturate your lips in this deep, brownish-red hue with the side for a perfect application every time.
NYX Professional Makeup XXL Lip Lingerie Matte Liquid Lipstick in On Fuego
You won’t have to worry about your red lipstick fading, smudging or transferring with this liquid formula. This supercharged lipstick molds to your lips and, once set, won’t budge for up to 16 hours. Try the brightest, fiery shade available — On Fuego — to really make a statement.
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Hustler
This longwear liquid lipstick has a cult-following for a reason: the precise arrow applicator makes it easy to apply and the matte formula feels weightless — even if you wear it a full 16 hours. It comes in ten dynamic red shades, but Hustler is one of my favorites, especially if I’m looking to wear a more muted red.
Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick in 206R Red My Lips
It feels fitting to include a red lipstick named Red My Lips in this roundup. Made with light reflecting, color-boosting pearls to enhance vibrancy, this luxe lipstick provides head-turning color payoff with one swipe. Plus, it’s refillable, and there’s 17 other red shades to choose from — so once you finish one bullet, you can pop a new color into your case.
Ace Beauté Pout Perfect Liquid Lipstick in Empower
Maybe it’s just me, but when a lipstick has gorgeous packaging, it makes the application process a more enjoyable experience — and that’s definitely the case for this liquid lippie from Ace Beauté. Housed inside the illustrious golden tube is a velvety, air-whipped formula that instantly dries down for long-lasting wear. The shade Empower is the perfect classic red lipstick that every makeup lover should add to their collection.
Haus Laboratories Sparkle Lipstick in Burlesque
If you want something different from your typical satin or matte red lipstick, try this metallic option instead. Micro-glitter flecks are scattered throughout the creamy bullet to give your lips the prettiest sheen — no gloss required.