6 Fab Beet-coloured Lipsticks for Fall

Beetroot lipstick is the perfect shade for the start of fall

In summer, when our skin is tanned, we like warm, sunshine-tinged lip glosses and tints in shades like coral, neon pops of fuchsia and pastels. In winter, we’re all about the black cherries and deep plums. But what about those in-betweeny times: the dog days of summer where the evenings are drawing in, when we notice the first crisp leaves underfoot?

That’s when our attention turns to beetroot, which still has a summery, vibrant energy, but is a little less shrill and look-at-me than hot pink, and unlike coral, is cool-toned, so it feels wintry.

Not convinced? There’s historical precedent—beets have been used since ancient times to stain the lips and cheeks. You can make your own lippie by mixing beet juice and coconut oil (see Stylecraze for the recipe).

Or you can avoid the mess and hassle by buying one of these six unbeetable (sorry!) beauties…

1. Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Beetroot

This handmade creamy lippie ($30, at Sephora) is packed with nourishing oils and vitamins, is highly pigmented, and has a delicious citrus scent that makes it smell good enough to eat. It’s not recommended, but no harm if you do—all ingredients are food grade.

2. Chanel Crayon De Couleur Mat in 269, Impact

Part of Chanel’s fall/winter Apotheosis collection of mattes, this jumbo crayon ($46, at Chanel counters) is easy to apply, has a creamy texture, a semi-matte finish and a vibrant tone that fades beautifully.

3. Elate Cosmetics Sheer Lipstick in Vivacious

Shea and mango butter make this B.C.-made lippie ($22, online and at independent stores and salons) as kind to lips as it is to the planet—the packaging is made from sustainable bamboo. It has a sheer finish, but you can build enough colour to make an impact.

4. Revlon Cushion Lip Tint in Wine Trip

Cushion applicators are all the rage in foundations and blushers, so why not for lips? They allow allow a liquidy tint to be stored without mess, and precisely applied. This chunky pen ($12.99, at mass-market retailers like London Drugs) has coconut oil for moisture, and gives a subtle, just-blotted finish.

5. Shiseido Makeup VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in Vortex

The Japanese brand is best known for skincare, but its makeup is a real hidden gem—about to become less hidden since it was rebranded in August. The lipstick ($34, at Shiseido counters) is weightless, intensely pigmented, infused with 15 percent water, and long-lasting.

6. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Paradiso

This liquid lippie ($29, at Sephora) delivers on staying power (up to 12 hours without bleeding or transferring), moisture (it has avocado oil and vitamin E) and bold, highly pigmented colour.