Lipstick brightens up a face like nothing else on the planet. And we're all guilty of owning a suspicious number of near-identical shades — check your own vanity bag if you don't believe me.
Here are the shades I genuinely reach for again and again — if you've got a wheatish skin tone, I'd bet you'll love most of these too.
1. MAC Carnivorous (Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour)
My favourite lipstick of all time — this one never disappoints, whatever the event. It's a dark burgundy, nearly the darkest red you can find, with a black undertone: vampy, dark and bold. Not for everyone, but if you're not afraid of bold colour, this earns a permanent spot in your kit.
Texture-wise, it's a mousse-like, smudge-proof, super-matte formula with all the comfort MAC's retro matte lipsticks are known for.
Price: ₹2,350 for 5ml. Shop Carnivorous ↗
2. Colorbar Matte Me As I Am — Sabotage
If comfort and a lightweight feel matter most to you, this range is worth trying — I haven't found a lipstick as comfortable as this crayon. Super pigmented, super matte, and smooth as a creamy dream.
Sabotage is a dark, deep, blue-based red (essentially a dark maroon), which flatters nearly every skin tone and undertone — a genuine must-have for brides, and for anyone who loves a classic red. A clean base, a swipe of mascara, and this shade is a complete look on its own.
Price: ₹850 for the full size (2.8g), ₹399 for the mini (2.5g) — honestly, get the mini, the size difference is barely noticeable. Shop Sabotage ↗
3. MAC Russian Red
A cool-toned, blue-based red with zero orange undertones, meaning it suits practically every skin tone and complexion. I'd call this genuinely underrated — Ruby Woo gets all the hype, but this one deserves just as much attention.
The finish sits between comfortable matte and creamy, in MAC's classic bullet case. It brightens your whole face instantly — a great pick for a dull day, or for evening events and night-outs, with decent staying power and a lasting tint even after it fades.
Price: ₹1,750 for full size (3g), ₹1,100 for mini (1.80g). Shop Russian Red ↗
4. Colorbar Matte Me As I Am — Devilry
A deep pink-magenta/plum, perfectly suited to parties and events. Instant brightness, super matte, comfortable and long-lasting — a crayon genuinely worth trying, with a smooth, highly pigmented finish that suits pretty much everyone.
Price: ₹850 for 2.8g. Shop Devilry ↗
5. Nykaa Matte-ilicious Crayon Lipstick — Jade Rose
Super matte, pigmented, and comfortably creamy — the only true nude on this list. It's a pinkish-brown that reads as a natural nude on medium to dark skin tones, and a touch darker (though still flattering) on fair skin. A genuine daily-wear shade that glides on easily.
Price: ₹699 for 2.8g. Shop Jade Rose ↗
That's my favourites list for this phase of life — who knows how it'll change in a few years. Let me know which shade you're eyeing, or suggest one you'd like reviewed that isn't on this list yet. Until then, have a great day!
Written by Ritu Singh
Makeup artist and founder of The Beauty Thesaurus. Every review here is written after real, first-hand use — no PR spin, ever.
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