Nothing embodies the “Merry and Bright”-ness of the Holiday Season like a good red lip. Christmas time is the time to do it! The time of year when you can get away with a red lip for almost any occasion, any day! So why not? Whip out that red and slap it on any day!

But not every red is a good holiday red. Some are too orangey (that’s for summertime folks) and some are too pink (maybe spring?). You need a good deep, pure red; a scarlet, if you will. I’ve got my fair share of those, but here are five that really stand out to me and are my favourite for the perfect holiday reds.

Nars Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella – You know how much I love all Nars lip pencils! So this is no exception. I absolutely love the formula, the application, the colour payoff, the wear! So this colour is my favourite of them all I’d say. I’ve worn this one a few holidays in a row now and I get countless compliments! I think I’ve actually got about three of these pencils in this shade in various bags and purses.

Marc Jacobs Lipcreme in So Rouge – Everyone who ventured into the Sephora VIB Rouge world will know about this one! The mini Marc Jacobs lipstick that comes with spending over $1k in a year….wow, thanks. A great reward. Okay, but seriously it is a great red. Bold, and a little more on the candy apple side.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Blake’s Red – These were on the market a few years ago and I thought I’d missed my chance. But alas! They’re back! So I’ve picked up a few and I’m loving them. Specifically Blake and Julianne‘s red. Blake’s is classic for the holidays – a perfect deep scarlet red no matter if your blonde like Blake or brunette like me.

L’Oreal Endless Lipstick in Crimson Joy – I believe this one’s discontinued, but I’ve been loving this holiday inspired lipstick for years! You can see it in last year’s Christmas Face post that I did. It’s a perfect scarlet lip that isn’t too overstated. And it slides on so smoothly. It’s one of the most comfortable lipsticks I own.

Sephora Lip Stain in Always Red – This one’s a classic. Every Sephora lover or blog reader knows this one. You can read my full review of it here, but as a quick synopsis it’s the longest lasting lip stain in my arsenal and it’s the PERFECT red. I reach for this one more than any when I need a long lasting red. Apply is once and pucker up all day! Perfect for those mistletoe ridden occasions.

What is your favourite holiday red?