Pretty and Polished: The Rose Gold Lipstick Review

It’s that sparkly, shimmery, metallic time of year. Sequin sweaters and glitter eye pigments come out of hiding, and it seems that nearly every night a new holiday look is in order. Out of ideas already? Try a rose gold lip! The pretty shade—think pink-red with coppery gold mixed in—is more flattering than you might think. Rose gold is also a natural complement to any festive attire, from light-catching metallic dresses to cozy red sweaters. These top picks bring the right amount of holiday spirit to any look, for day or night.

CoverGirl

Smoochies Lip Balm in Be Sweet | $4

One part balm, one part color, this is a high frost neutral, and great for day wear—it hydrates well. Bonus: Smoochies are similar to CG’s early ’90s favorite Lipslicks Lipgloss, which is nearly impossible to find now. Even the package has that retro feel. Throwback!

NYX

Lip Smacking Fun Colors in Fortune Cookie | $5

This creamy, cool metallic gold lipstick is a good option if you want something subtle. It looks festive, but it’s not so gold and glittery that you’ll feel overdone. Bonus, it’s virtually scentless—which is notable for budget brands.

Sonia Kashuk

Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Colour in Sheer Seashell | $10.99

You could call this a gorgeous gloss disguised as a chic lipstick. This slightly shimmering neutral is slick and shiny, and makes lips look fuller. It’s good for on-the-go touchups, because it’s much easier to apply than pot or wand-applicator glosses.

Sephora

Rouge Shine Lipstick in #02 | $12.50

A milky, dewy beige with a hint of peach. It’s packed with gold, shimmering micro-pigments that draw attention and light up your lips. Pretty and understated.

Inglot Cosmetics

Lipstick in #169 Pearl | $13 | shop it

Almost pearl-like, this shade makes a frosty statement! It’s a mega-metallic cream with a cool gold shine and a ton of pop. Wear it to any party and let it be your seasonal sparkle.

Make Up For Ever

Rouge Artist Intense in #18 | $20

This is the most subtle frost we tried—a shimmering formula in a matte base makes this shade surprisingly tasteful and pretty for even day wear. If you’re afraid of frosty lips, give this one a go.

Deborah Lippmann

Lipstick in Drops Of Brandy | $22

Deep copper perfection in a vanilla-scented cream lipstick. With this balmy metallic, you get a slightly wet look and a cranberry hue that dazzles.

Elizabeth Arden

Ceramide Ultra Lipstick in Cinnamon | $22.50

A penny-pink copper shade that’s fresh and twinkling. The shimmer you see in the tube reads more like a tasteful shine on the lips, and the red undertone gives the color a natural feel that could work on many skin tones.

Kevyn Aucoin

The Expert Lipcolor in Hanabeth | $35.00 | shop it

Creamy and glossy, this is a true rose gold with a pretty pink base and a neutral gold shimmer throughout. Luscious and long lasting with a healthy shine that lights up your face.

If you want to try the rose gold look on nails, don’t miss this limited-edition Reece Hudson for RGB Nail Polish!