My Favorite Lipsticks for a Vintage-Inspired Look

If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know that one of the questions I get asked the most is: “What lipstick are you wearing?” It comes up on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok—everywhere. And honestly, it makes sense. Lip color plays such a huge role in creating our vintage look, especially if you love the 1930s and 1940s aesthetic. So I’m finally putting together all of my favorite lipsticks for a vintage-inspired look in one place.

A few years ago, I shared a short lipstick series on TikTok and Reels featuring some of the shades I wore all the time. Those videos are still floating around, but they’re scattered and not easy to reference. So I decided to bring everything together here, along with a couple of new shades that have officially earned a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

This post is meant to be your go-to guide if you’re searching for that vintage-inspired lipstick look, whether you’re looking for a cool-toned classic red, a warm brick, a berry with retro charm, or an everyday shade that still feels timeless.

Why Red Lipstick Is So Iconic in Vintage Style

Red lipstick is more than just a color—it’s an entire era wrapped into one swipe.

From the early days of Hollywood glamour to the practical but polished looks of the 1940s, red lipstick became a symbol of confidence, strength, and self-expression. In the 1930s, a sharp red lip was synonymous with elegance. During World War II, women wore red as an act of resilience.  And throughout mid-century beauty culture, red lipstick was considered a daily essential.

I genuinely believe there’s a red lipstick out there for everyone.

When people ask how to create an everyday vintage makeup routine, I almost always recommend starting with your lips, which is why having a few favorite lipsticks for a vintage-inspired look makes everything else feel easier.

Not every shade will work on every person, and that’s okay. Undertone makes a huge difference—blue-based reds, warm brick reds, orange-reds, cranberry reds, you name it. The fun is finding the one that feels like yours.

Vintage-Inspired Lipsticks Aren’t Only About Red

Even though red is the star of the vintage beauty world, you don’t have to wear it every day to look vintage-inspired. The 1930s–1950s included plenty of variations:

• Soft plums

• Brown-rose shades

• Berry tints

• Muted everyday lipsticks that still had that polished look

Today, these types of shades blend easily into a modern wardrobe while keeping that subtle vintage charm. Some days call for a bold red; other days you might want something a little moodier or softer—but still true to your personal style.

My Favorite Lipsticks for a Vintage-Inspired Look

Below you’ll find the shades I reach for the most. These are the lipsticks that show up in my YouTube videos, my blog photos, and my everyday life. Find links to all of my favorites.

• L’Oreal Infallible Matte Resistence in “Le Rouge Paris”
• MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte in “Feels So Grand”
• Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in “Exhilarator”
• Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in “Starwoman”
• Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in “Ruler”
• Christian Dior Transfer-Proof Lipstick in “Forever Dior – 999”
• Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in “Pioneer”
• MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte in “Chili Addict”
• Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in “Uncensored”
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Rum Raisin”

How I Choose Lip Colors for Vintage-Inspired Outfits

If you’re building a wardrobe around vintage-inspired looks, having a few reliable vintage-inspired lipsticks makes everything easier. You can wear any shade you like—there are no real rules—but here’s how I usually decide what works best with a vintage look:

1. Consider undertone

• Cool-toned reds give that classic 1930s–40s screen-sirens vibe.

• Warm reds read more 1940s-1950s everyday glam.

• Plum or berry adds depth and moodiness without going too modern.

2. Think about the rest of your makeup

If I’m wearing a stronger eye—like a soft 1920s smudged liner and deeper eye shadow—I often reach for something like a plum or a muted red so my face stays balanced.

3. Match the mood, not the outfit

Some days you want bold, some days soft. Vintage beauty wasn’t always dramatic; lots of women kept their makeup simple, fresh, and practical.

Tips for Finding your Perfect Vintage-Inspired Lipstick

• Test cool vs. warm reds
  Small shift = big impact on how “vintage” it reads.

• Try a satin or matte finish
  These tend to look more classic and photographs beautifully.

• Don’t ignore berry or brown-rose shades
  They’re fantastic for everyday vintage looks without feeling theatrical.

• Let the lipstick be the statement
  A crisp lip line instantly makes even a simple outfit feel polished.

If you want to see how I usually pair these lipsticks with the rest of my routine, I have a vintage makeup tutorial that walks through my process.

Vintage style isn’t about recreating the past perfectly, it’s about capturing the feeling, the polish, and the playfulness of the era. Lipstick is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to bring that energy into your daily routine.

Whether you love bold reds or softer, moodier tones, I hope this roundup helps you discover a shade that feels like “your” color. And if you already have a signature vintage-inspired lipstick, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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