Orange lipstick often gets a bad rap. And that's not without cause — go too neon and you'll look like you got lost on your way to a rave; lean too close to true orange and you'll look disarmingly clown-like. But when you find your perfect shade, it can add an unexpected appeal; a unique twist that bumps your look up to the next level. The right orange-tinged lipstick can be charmingly retro or even sophisticatedly vampy.
With that in mind, we set out to find some burnt orange lipsticks — flattering, stylish shades that are actually easy to wear. And with a little sleuthing, we were able to find 14 gorgeous shades. Now, bear in mind that we're defining "burnt orange" rather loosely — we've included everything from more classic shades that lean closely to a warm red to deeper crimsons that are just shy of oxblood. (There may be a coppery rust or two, too). Keep on reading to see our top picks!
You may be wondering, "How can a lip crayon be liquid?" This chubby pencil handily answers that question in a jiff — the intense color payoff and even more intense shine really do seem like something only a liquid lacquer could supply, but here it is in easy-to-use crayon form. We're especially fond of the shade Burn Notice, which combines just the right amounts of scarlet, orange and brown for something sophisticated yet slightly off the beaten track.
M.A.C.'s new lippie formula somehow manages to do the impossible: It boasts a high-impact matte finish and a light-as-air, balm-like texture. And if you're looking to round out your collection of moody oranges, you're going to have to give the shade Devoted to Chili a try.
This lipstick glides right on and lives up to its name with a comfortably airy texture — plus, the wear time is exceedingly good. Shizuka Red is on the brighter side of what we're choosing to define as burnt orange, but we love the timeless, retro appeal of the shade.
Dior's outdone itself with its latest formula — it's actually quite hydrating and the semi-matte formula doesn't feather or bleed, even after hours of wear. Ultra Crave is described as a terracotta pink and has a gorgeous, almost burnished look to it.
