Red lips have always had their place on a red carpet. They're classically gorgeous and add an instant pop of color and life to a look. Whether a star is sporting a vintage-inspired look or a more modern, haute couture gown, red lipstick seems to always fit into the formal looks. But red lipstick that leans more towards the orange side? Not as popular. Not only is lipstick with an orange tint seemingly more on the casual side, but it's a bold statement; it seems like it would be more difficult to pair with a dress. But the 2015 Oscars red carpet proved that red-orange lipstick is here to stay, and despite whatever your prior thoughts were about it: It can look AMAZING with an ensemble. Whether Emma Stone or Patricia Arquette is more your style, here's some red carpet lipstick inspiration and how you can incorporate it into your own makeup collection ASAP.
First and foremost, we have to start out with Emma Stone's look. Stone wore an Elie Saab gown on the red carpet. The dress was somewhere between a yellow and a gold in color, and I would have never thought to pair an orange lip with the gown — especially given the fact that Stone is a red head. But boy oh boy did this look prove me wrong. Stone looked amazing, and honestly? The lip is the best part of the whole look in my opinion.
Stone's lip is more on the peachy side of orange, although it looked much, much brighter on screen. The color really complements her skin tone so well. The great thing about this lip shade is that it's light enough that you could get away with wearing a saturated lip calm and achieving the same look.
Try MAC's 5 Alarm in a "soft, orangey red" for a similar look. Simply use one or two swipes of this lipstick. Go for more if you want a more saturated look.
MAC Lipstick in 5 Alarm, $27, Amazon
Patricia Arquette took on a slightly different version of the red/orange lip and paired it with a black and white gown, adding the perfect pop of color.
Arquette's lip was more on the pink/orange side of lipsticks, and I loved how the color made her blue eyes pop. Try this color for a soft, pink/orange pop of color in your look.
MAKEUP FOREVER Rogue Artist Natural In Iridescent Orange Pink, $20, Amazon
If you want something even more subtle, take some inspiration from Chloe Moretz, who wore a more sheer shade of orange on the red carpet.
Moretz' shade is certainly on lighter side, so it may be an easier step for some people who aren't used to orange in makeup. Try a super light coral shade if you want to try something that's bright, yet subtle.
Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Salmon Pink, $16, Amazon
Sometimes though, brighter lipstick is the BEST way to go. Jenna Dewan Tatum wore a particularly stunning shade of orange/red that popped against her white dress.
If you want to go super bright, try a matte lipstick in more orange-y look. Heat Wave is my go-to for an orange-y lipstick.
NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave, $37, Amazon
Images: Getty Images; Courtesy Brands
