This Classic Beauty Trend Isn't Going Anywhere — And NYFW Is Proof

Much like a good mascara or a perfectly pink blush, red lipstick is a tried and true makeup staple. There's something truly eternal about the bright and bold shade, and while many beauty fads may come and go, red lipstick appears to be sticking around, at least if New York Fashion Week is any indication.

As per tradition, this year's New York Fashion Week once again set the stage for what will come next in the world of style. Although some trends are only just beginning — we're looking at you zebra print — red lipstick proved its staying power, and was spotted on numerous runways throughout the week.

Speaking with lead MUA Tom Pecheux backstage at Oscar de la Renta's Fall 2020 presentation, he compared red lipstick to the little back dress, noting that both have a permanent place in the world of fashion. "A red lipstick is forever," he said. "A red lipstick is very powerful, but you can dress it or undress it, and create a different personality or a different character."

Red lipstick is a chameleon color, changing its appearance completely with the addition of gloss or another shade of lip product, and designers including Brandon Maxwell, Oscar de la Renta, and Marc Jacobs put their spin on the color choice for NYFW. Below, check out some of our favorite red lipstick moments from the week of fashion.

Libertine

Thanks to exaggerated eyelashes and an all-red outfit, this shade of red at Libertine proved to be a brighter take on the classic color choice. Makeup artist Grace Lee called the style "punk rock with a retro twist," and for the lips, she used Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink City Edition in Dancer.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta created their own version of red with a mixture of products. Using an entirely M.A.C. regimen, models were given Retro Mattie Liquid Lipcolour in Feels So Good applied to the center of the lip with Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Quite the Standout to complete. Patent Paint Lip Lacquer in Red Enamel was then applied over the lips for a 3-D look.

Carolina Herrera

This model sported an orange-red shade of lip color at Carolina Herrera.

Christopher John Rogers

A matte finish gave this red a satin-like appearance. To get the look, models wore MAC products including Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour in Quite the Standout, which was topped with Can't Afford This from the Art Library's It's a Designer Palette to create a neon-orange finish.

Marc Jacobs

Paired with pink and a thick black eye wing, the red lipstick for Marc Jacobs Fall 2020 Runway show was created using Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Oh Miley, Goddess, and Miss Scarlet. Other lip products used in the show included Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss in Moonglow and Skin Deep and Marc Jacobs Beauty Poutliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Cream & Sugar.

Jason Wu

"We wanted everyone to look fresh and gorgeous," said makeup artist Diane Kendal, using Maybelline for Jason Wu's Fall 2020 show. Accompanying the fresh, glowing skin and lush lashes was a classic ruby lip, created with Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Pioneer.

Longchamp

Kaia Gerber walked the Longchamp runway in this rose-inspired shade of red.

Proenza Schouler 

For Proenza Schouler, makeup artist Diane Kendal used the same ruby-red Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Pioneer to create the stunning matte lip, complementing the wet, slicked back hair look.

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