• Home
    • About
  • The Pearlfect Shop
    • POSH & POLISHED: UNRAVELING YOUR UNIQUE STYLE AESTHETIC
    • Services
    • The Pearlfect Process
  • Calligraphy
  • Lifestyle
  • Gardening
  • Newsletter
  • THE STYLE WORDS QUIZ

Pretty Prim & Proper

Sephora "Dark Horse" Lip Liner with The Lip Bar "Bawse Lady"
Beauty, Lifestyle
/
June 19, 2025

THE POWER OF A RED LIP: MY GO-TO RED LIP COMBOS

Hey pretty girl! Welcome back to the blog!

A red lip is more than just makeup—it’s a mood. It’s confidence in a tube, the final touch that takes you from “put together” to “undeniably poised.” Whether I’m attending a conference, leading a workshop, or heading out to brunch, a red lip is my signature—it’s how I show up ready.

While I love a soft glam moment, there’s just something about red that makes everything else feel elevated. Even with a bare face, a clean brow, and a little gloss, a red lip can carry the whole look—and turn heads while doing it.

Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite red lip combos and the beauty staples that help me feel polished and powerful, no matter what the day holds.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

If you’re new around here (or just catching up), here are some recent blog posts you’ll want to check out!

Back to Barre: What I'm Wearing to my Return to Pure Barre
Back to Barre: What I’m Wearing to my Return to Pure Barre
Summer Staples I Swear By
Summer Staples I Swear By: The Pieces I Wear on Repeat
THE POWER OF THE FIRS LAYER: 3 UNDERRATED LINGERIE PIECES THAT INSTANTLY ELEVATE YOUR LOOK
THE POWER OF THE FIRS LAYER: 3 UNDERRATED LINGERIE PIECES THAT INSTANTLY ELEVATE YOUR LOOK

Bak to the Barre: What I’m Wearing to My Return to Pure Barre

Summer Staples I Swear By: The Pieces I Wear on Repeat

The Power of the First Layer: 3 Underrated Lingerie Pieces That Instantly Elevate Your Look

MY GO-TO RED LIP COMBOS

No. 01 Everyday Power Red

This is my perfect daytime red—confident without being overpowering.

  • Liner: Sephora Gel Lip Liner in “Berry Bang”

  • Lipstick: The Lip Bar “Bawse Lady” Velvet Matte Lip 

Sephora "Dark Horse" Lip Liner with The Lip Bar "Bawse Lady"

This is my new go-to red lip combo! It’s a deeper red hue and it looks AMAZING on brown skin! This lipstick stays put, doesn’t bleed, and looks stunning with minimal eye makeup. It’s perfect for everyday wear, but this is definitely the red you wanna wear if you want a bold red lip.

No. 02 The Classic Red 

When you want to own the room—and every photo op—this is the red I reach for.

  • Liner: Sephora Colorful 8HR Longwear Transferproof Lip Liner “Berry Bang.” I started my red lip journey using Mystic Purple by Sephora, which I’m assuming has been discontinued. Then I picked up Sephoras Gel Lip Liner in Dark Horse and I don’t see that one available. Berry Bang looks to be closest in shade to Mystic Purple.

  • Lipstick: Fentry Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in “The MVP.” This is my favorite true – blue/red lipstick. It is such a pretty shade of red on brown skin. The only thing that I don’t like about it is how messy the tube gets once you get to the end.

Sephora "Dark Horse" Lip Liner with Fenty Beauty "The MVP"

It’s a perfect choice for everyday – whether you’re in the office, going to a conference or facilitating a workshop or meeting.

No. 03 Barre to Brunch Tint

Yes, you can wear red to Pure Barre—it just needs to be soft and wearable.

  • Tint: Benefit Benetint (buildable and workout-proof)

  • Balm: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in “Cherry”

  • Bonus: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in “Red Dahlia” for a low-maintenance flush 

Benefit Benetint Rose Lip & Check Tint
Benefit Benetint Rose Lip & Check Tint
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm "Cherry"
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm “Cherry”
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia

Other Polished Beauty Staples I Keep in Rotation

  • Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Superfine Micro-Stroking Detail Brown Pen

  • Setting Spray: One Size “On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray”

  • Mini Fragrance: Le Labo’s “Bergamote 22” (luxury in your tote)

  • Pressed Powder: Gucci Beauty Powder in Shade 10

  • Compact Mirror: Chic gold or blush pink (always in my bag for touch-ups) I use my Gucci Beauty Powder compact. I bought it for this reason. If you want a more classic look – opt for a black compact mirror like this one.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brown Pen - Dark Brown
One Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Gucci Poudre De Beauté
Le Labo Bergamote 22

WHY RED WORKS EVERY TIME

A red lip has presence. It doesn’t whisper—it speaks clearly. It says, “I’m here, I’m ready, and I came with intention.” And for me, that’s exactly what I want my beauty to reflect.

Even if I’m in leggings and a trench, that red lip transforms the whole look. It’s polished, powerful, and perfectly aligned with the Pretty Prim and Proper aesthetic—bold, but always intentional.

I hope you enjoyed this post all about my go-to red lip combos. Do you wear a red pout? Let me know your go-to combo in  the comments!

’til next time!

xo, Robyn

**This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may make a commission. If you’re interested in any of the pieces mentioned in the post and more of my favs and recommendations, click here!

Share this:

  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Like this:

Like Loading…
2 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

July 29, 2026

WHY I DIDN’T BUILD THE DRESSING STUDIO I PLANNED

February 5, 2022

HOW TO make the most out of AN IKEA Pax Wardrobe

August 7, 2024

Salt & Stone and Phlur: New Body Care Favorites Review

September 8, 2024

Top 3 Must-Have Fall Jeans Styles for Your Wardrobe

  • HOW TO LOOK POLISHED WITHOUT OVERTHINKING IT – Pretty Prim & Proper
    June 25, 2025

    […] The Power of a Red Lip: My Go-To Red Lip Combos […]

    Reply
  • WHAT I WORE IN ANAHEIM – PRETTY GIRL EDITION – Pretty Prim & Proper
    July 20, 2025

    […] The Power of a Red Lip: My Go-To Red Lip Combos […]

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
BACK TO THE BARRE: WHAT I’M WEARING TO MY RETURN TO PURE BARRE
Next Post
HOW TO LOOK POLISHED WITHOUT OVERTHINKING IT
Before we get into the beauty buys…thank you! 💕 Every birthday message and sweet wish meant so much to me. I appreciate you being part of this little community.

Now, let’s chat about what made it into my Sephora order—and the makeup brushes I finally treated myself to. Because a little birthday beauty shopping felt appropriate. 😉✨

Shop my picks on LTK through the link in my bio. What’s your favorite beauty treat for yourself?

#BirthdayLove #SephoraHaul #BeautyHaul #MakeupBrushes #BeautyOver40 

Comment PRETTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rv7U
•
Follow
Before we get into the beauty buys…thank you! 💕 Every birthday message and sweet wish meant so much to me. I appreciate you being part of this little community. Now, let’s chat about what made it into my Sephora order—and the makeup brushes I finally treated myself to. Because a little birthday beauty shopping felt appropriate. 😉✨ Shop my picks on LTK through the link in my bio. What’s your favorite beauty treat for yourself? #BirthdayLove #SephoraHaul #BeautyHaul #MakeupBrushes #BeautyOver40 Comment PRETTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rv7U
22 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
If I buy the set, you KNOW I’m styling the separates. 🤎

One adidas two-piece, five different looks—from distressed denim and printed sneakers to a sleek skirt and boots. And these wide-leg pants? Add a fitted blazer and suddenly sporty feels very polished.

Your closet has more outfit possibilities when you let your pieces mix and mingle. ✨

Which look would you wear: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5?

Save this for your next outfit planning session and shop the looks through my LTK—link in bio.

#PrettyPrimAndProper #AdidasStyle #OneSetFiveWays #StyleOver40 #ElevatedCasual

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rpjI
•
Follow
If I buy the set, you KNOW I’m styling the separates. 🤎 One adidas two-piece, five different looks—from distressed denim and printed sneakers to a sleek skirt and boots. And these wide-leg pants? Add a fitted blazer and suddenly sporty feels very polished. Your closet has more outfit possibilities when you let your pieces mix and mingle. ✨ Which look would you wear: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5? Save this for your next outfit planning session and shop the looks through my LTK—link in bio. #PrettyPrimAndProper #AdidasStyle #OneSetFiveWays #StyleOver40 #ElevatedCasual Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rpjI
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
A sale is lovely. A shopping list is even better. 💄🛍️

My Sephora sale edit is here! A little beauty inspiration for your next restock, makeup-bag refresh, or “just something pretty” purchase. ✨

Swipe through my picks, save this for shopping time, and shop the edit through my LTK—linked in my bio.

What’s the ONE thing on your Sephora list? 👀

#SephoraSale #SephoraPicks #BeautyEdit #BeautyFavorites #MakeupLovers

Comment BEAUTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rhCg
A sale is lovely. A shopping list is even better. 💄🛍️

My Sephora sale edit is here! A little beauty inspiration for your next restock, makeup-bag refresh, or “just something pretty” purchase. ✨

Swipe through my picks, save this for shopping time, and shop the edit through my LTK—linked in my bio.

What’s the ONE thing on your Sephora list? 👀

#SephoraSale #SephoraPicks #BeautyEdit #BeautyFavorites #MakeupLovers

Comment BEAUTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rhCg
A sale is lovely. A shopping list is even better. 💄🛍️

My Sephora sale edit is here! A little beauty inspiration for your next restock, makeup-bag refresh, or “just something pretty” purchase. ✨

Swipe through my picks, save this for shopping time, and shop the edit through my LTK—linked in my bio.

What’s the ONE thing on your Sephora list? 👀

#SephoraSale #SephoraPicks #BeautyEdit #BeautyFavorites #MakeupLovers

Comment BEAUTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rhCg
A sale is lovely. A shopping list is even better. 💄🛍️

My Sephora sale edit is here! A little beauty inspiration for your next restock, makeup-bag refresh, or “just something pretty” purchase. ✨

Swipe through my picks, save this for shopping time, and shop the edit through my LTK—linked in my bio.

What’s the ONE thing on your Sephora list? 👀

#SephoraSale #SephoraPicks #BeautyEdit #BeautyFavorites #MakeupLovers

Comment BEAUTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rhCg
•
Follow
A sale is lovely. A shopping list is even better. 💄🛍️ My Sephora sale edit is here! A little beauty inspiration for your next restock, makeup-bag refresh, or “just something pretty” purchase. ✨ Swipe through my picks, save this for shopping time, and shop the edit through my LTK—linked in my bio. What’s the ONE thing on your Sephora list? 👀 #SephoraSale #SephoraPicks #BeautyEdit #BeautyFavorites #MakeupLovers Comment BEAUTY below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6rhCg
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Dressed for the meeting AND the “you’re on mute.” 😂💻

Our office Halloween theme is hybrid/telework, so I’m giving business on top, casual on the bottom. A plaid blazer, crisp white shirt, ripped jeans…and bow pumps because even my costume needs a finishing touch. 🎀

Would you call this a costume or just a good Thursday outfit? 😂

Shop the look through the LTK link in my bio.

#OfficeHalloween #HybridWork #BlazerStyle #FallOutfitInspo #PrettyPrimAndProper

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6r8TM
•
Follow
Dressed for the meeting AND the “you’re on mute.” 😂💻 Our office Halloween theme is hybrid/telework, so I’m giving business on top, casual on the bottom. A plaid blazer, crisp white shirt, ripped jeans…and bow pumps because even my costume needs a finishing touch. 🎀 Would you call this a costume or just a good Thursday outfit? 😂 Shop the look through the LTK link in my bio. #OfficeHalloween #HybridWork #BlazerStyle #FallOutfitInspo #PrettyPrimAndProper Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6r8TM
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
The kitchen aisle deserves a little attention, too. 😉 Spotted these Staub and Le Creuset finds at HomeGoods, and of course I had to share.

A lot of classic, a little charming… even in the kitchen. 🤍

Which caught your eye—Staub or Le Creuset?

#HomeGoodsFinds #LeCreuset #Staub #KitchenFinds #PrettyPrimAndProper

Comment COOK below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6qXNU
•
Follow
The kitchen aisle deserves a little attention, too. 😉 Spotted these Staub and Le Creuset finds at HomeGoods, and of course I had to share. A lot of classic, a little charming… even in the kitchen. 🤍 Which caught your eye—Staub or Le Creuset? #HomeGoodsFinds #LeCreuset #Staub #KitchenFinds #PrettyPrimAndProper Comment COOK below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6qXNU
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Fall plans? I already have the outfit. 🤎

There’s something about a crisp shirt and tall boots that makes me excited to get dressed. Add a relaxed jacket, let the cuffs peek out, and the weekend outfit is decided.

Save this for your next crisp-weather outing, and shop the look through the LTK link in my bio.

#FallOutfitInspo #ClassicStyle #KneeHighBoots #PolishedStyle #PrettyPrimAndProper

Comment FALL below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6qRWy
•
Follow
Fall plans? I already have the outfit. 🤎 There’s something about a crisp shirt and tall boots that makes me excited to get dressed. Add a relaxed jacket, let the cuffs peek out, and the weekend outfit is decided. Save this for your next crisp-weather outing, and shop the look through the LTK link in my bio. #FallOutfitInspo #ClassicStyle #KneeHighBoots #PolishedStyle #PrettyPrimAndProper Comment FALL below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6qRWy
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@pretty.primandproper

Copyright © 2026 Pretty Prim & Proper. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.

%d