Red Velvet Makeup Is Every Bit as Delicious as It Sounds

You can forget your coffee. Textures have taken over from food and drink (see strawberry makeup and latte makeup) as beauty’s favorite inspo. Although the latest trending “red velvet makeup” feels like it bridges the two. The look calls to mind rich red velvet chocolate cakes and soft, plush velvet fabrics in one hit.

Just as fashion is getting more layered heading into the colder months (trading out gauzy chiffons and breezy linens for cosy knits, cord, brocade and—you guessed it—velvet), we’ve seen a return of soft, full-coverage statement makeup. Sheer skin tints and lip oils are making room for some richer textures to shine (or, um, not—as the case may be). Which brings us back to red velvet makeup.

Red velvet makeup sees the classic red lip get a modern makeover with luxe matte or semi-matte formulas that add cosy dimension and glam opulence to makeup. The texture should be soft, sensorial, and (almost) edible.

We’ve seen the trend remixed and tailored to work across a range of looks, from dark merlot reds to optical illusion ombre reds. Here are some of our favorite ways to wear it.

Vanessa Kirby’s dark brown-toned red makes a stunning contrast to her very fair complexion.

For a modern twist, this ombré red is very on trend. The darker perimeter and brighter middle draws your eyes in to the centre of lips and makes them look fuller.

This looks luxurious. And like velvet, it has a slight sheen that works perfectly alongside model Tina Kynakey’s natural-radiant complexion for some winter glow.

We love the mix of textures here, with Rosie’s matte red lip set against her ultra glossy hair.

A cool way to wear it, this red lip looks a little more diffused, versus too “perfect.”

For a statement lip, ultra red and ultra matte is a classic for a reason.

We love the simplicity of slicked back hair and minimal makeup, bar an attention-grabbing red lip moment.

This deep merlot color feels warm, vampy, and moody in equal measure. It’s a sultrier way to wear the shade that works especially well for evening.

Unsurprisingly, Selena Gomez’s makeup artist, Avia Solomon, created this tonal red velvet makeup look using Rare Beauty products. We’re going to go ahead and guess she used the brand’s Lip Souffle in the shade Inspire for this one.

For a precise, defined lip, we’d recommend starting with a lip liner to outline the shape, then going in with a fire-extinguisher red over the top.

This color-pop orange-toned red feels fun and uplifting but still very sophisticated.

This post was originally published in Glamour UK.