When you’re looking for lipsticks to create that perfect holiday lip, consider Estee Lauder’s Hot Kiss & Maraschino ($22.00 each).

Hot Kiss is a subtle mauve-berry-brown color with subtle shimmer.  It goes on more brown with hints of mauve in the color on the lips, but it is a very sophisticated lip color that doesn’t attract attention like a more traditional holiday red pout does.  It reminds me of how a nice coral lip can look in the summertime, but this is taken down to a deeper level ideal for the fall and winter, when lip color goes darker.

Maraschino is a sexy, sultry reddish color that looks red in the tube, but has a great pink base, which gives you a good mix between the two.  It’s a great alternative to the bright red lip often seen at holiday parties–it’s something to consider regardless of whether you’re a bit wary of red or if you’re looking to move away from a signature red.

See swatches & lip swatches!