The moment burgundy lips became the grown-up alternative to red

Red has long-reigned supreme as the lipstick colour of choice for special occasions, whether you’re an A-lister walking the red carpet during awards season, or you’re off for a soiree with your nearest and dearest. Historically, it’s a colour that’s been used to signify power, sophistication and standing out.

But, that was before Olivia Colman was spotted at the Golden Globes sporting a deep berry lip. Before Lady Gaga turned up to the SAG awards wearing a dark crimson pout as her accessory of the night. Before we spotted Amal Clooney at Jennifer Aniston’s 50th birthday party last weekend, with lips a skin-warming merlot tone that perfectly matched her dress - and before Sunday night’s BAFTA’s for which Rachel Weisz, Lily Collins and The Crown’s, Claire Foy, all chose burgundy as their lip colour of choice. In fact, if the last few weeks are anything to go by this ageless shade is shaping up to be the new lip colour of the season. Even better, it’s infinitely more wearable (i.e.flattering) than it’s shouty counterpart.

Why go burdundy?

So, could it be that classic red has finally found it’s match? “Burgundy lips are a fantastic way of making a statement with your make-up” says top make-up artist Hannah Martin, who helped Kate Middleton with her wedding make-up. “Not as brash as party-ready reds, deep plums and berries can elevate a natural base make-up and create a super polished and sophisticated finish.”

Will it suit me?

And, they look great on everyone. A berry undertone can help warm up skin and look less stark and more romantic than a cool-toned red. “A super strong burgundy can look fabulous on women of all ages (think Maye Musk or Carmen Dell’Orefice), it’s all about how you wear it” says Martin.

How it’s done

To recreate the look at home, she suggests making sure any high colour around the lips is concealed with a little foundation or concealer - “a red chin or nose will detract attention from your show stopping lips” she says. “It’s also important to make sure your lips are hydrated and flake-free so your lip colour doesn’t look dry or textured. Gently brush your lips with your toothbrush to lightly exfoliate, pat dry and apply balm immediately after. You’ll need to blot this before applying your lip colour” she advises.

You can play around with textures to find a look that works for you. “For a polished burgundy lip as worn by the likes of Amal Clooney, apply lip liner around the lip edge, then fill in the entire lip. Apply the lipstick from the bullet on top and then use the lip pencil again to perfect the edges”. But for something more subtle, Martin advises dabbing a little berry lipstick just into the centre of your lips.

For an altogether softer look she advises opting for formulas that aren’t completely matte. “More sheer textures like Chanel Rouge Coco Shine will keep lips looking soft and plump”.

Our pick of Five most ageless burgundy lip products

Matte Revolution Lipstick in Glastonberry, £24, Charlotte Tilbury

This muted burgundy  has a soft matte texture that can be applied precisely over lip liner for a bold polished look or patted in for a softer finish.

Rouge Coco Shine in Noir Moderne, £31, Chanel

More of a balm consistency, this wash of deep berry leaves lips looking fresh and deway. Best for everyday.

Ultimate Lip Definer in Confident, £18, Becca

This precise pencil is ideal for getting a crisp, smudge-free shape and can be applied under lipstick or on its own. Bonus; it contains hydrating jojoba oil for a non-drying finish.

Lip Plumping Gloss in Sex Kitten, £19, Iconic

Racy name aside, this slick gloss is perfect for plump, full-looking lips. The dark, cherry colour is a flattering one-shade-fits-all with a a collagen-boosting biomimetic peptide to give your pout some extra oomph.

Matte Lipstick in Diva, £17.50

A standout matte with unbeatable staying power, MAC’s Diva looks flattering on all skin tones.