Anyone who loves makeup is probably familiar with makeup artist to the stars and enchanting goddess Lisa Eldridge. The British beauty maintains an informative (and actually quite soothing) Youtube channel where she regularly serves up tutorials—the vast majority of which feature makeup looks that are doable and appropriate for everyday occasions. In the era of maximalist, glitter-laden “Instagram makeup,” she’s a breath of fresh air.
Eldridge just launched a limited edition collection of three red lipsticks called True Velvet. The bullets actually look like velvet fabric, a concept inspired by vintage theater chairs, Hollywood starlets in red velvet gowns, and velvet drapes in classical paintings. The finish for each of the three lipsticks is matte—but Eldridge makes it clear that it’s not a flat matte, and it’s also hydrating so it doesn’t feel like paper on your lips.
The lipsticks became so popular that they sold out astonishingly quickly, were later restocked, and now (as of writing this), only one of the three colors is still in stock. Naturally, I was compelled to find vegan and cruelty-free dupes. (Lisa’s lipsticks are cruelty-free but contain beeswax and may not be appropriate for everyone following a plant-based lifestyle.) The following lipsticks are vegan, beeswax-free, carmine-free, and cruelty-free with highly-pigmented, creamy, matte textures. These gorgeous lipsticks are the next best thing to those in the True Velvet collection.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free Dupes for Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Matte Lipstick Collection
Cactus Bloom by 100% Pure, a Dupe for Velvet Morning by Lisa Eldridge
Velvet Morning from Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Matte Lipstick Collection
Cactus Bloom–100% Pure Cosmetics
This full-coverage, matte lipstick is described as an opaque, vibrant red-orange and is fairly close to the “hot and fiery” Velvet Morning by Lisa Eldridge. Like Velvet Morning, Cactus Bloom is creamy and hydrating, thanks to its moisture-boosting ingredients cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E. Additional antioxidants and fruit pigments include grape, blueberry, pomegranate, and cherry. This unapologetic red is undoubtedly a show-stopper.
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick in Hexagram, a Dupe for Velvet Ribbon by Lisa Eldridge
Velvet Ribbon from Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Matte Lipstick Collection
Hexagram by Kat Von D
A part of Kat Von D’s most pigmented lipstick collection, Hexagram is a vibrant, satin-matte blood red with a nearly weightless finish that leaves lips looking perfectly pillowy. Eldridge designed Velvet Ribbon to serve as the ideal, neutral/blue-toned red that would be flattering for everyone. With the subtle blue undertone, Velvet Ribbon brightens the complexion and even creates the illusion of whiter teeth. Truly a classic. With the slightest hint of blue, Hexagram, too, is a win for everyone.
Real Her Matte Lipstick in I Am the Best, a Dupe for Velvet Jazz by Lisa Eldridge
Velvet Jazz from Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Matte Lipstick Collection
I Am The Best by Real Her
Of the stunning Velvet Jazz, Eldridge explains that it’s a “ muted, earthy, brick red inspired by the 1930’s red lipsticks in my vintage collection.” *Swoon* Depending on the method of application and your complexion, the color can serve as an intense brownish red or a softer, brick red. Finding a decent dupe for Lisa’s chameleon shade was tricky. The closest I’ve come is with I Am the Best, a matte lipstick from Real Her, a brand that donates 20% of its profits to organizations that empower women.
Are you a fan of classic red lipstick? And did you happen to get your hands on a tube from the True Velvet collection? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Vegan Dupes for Cult Classic Lipsticks
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Photo: Lisa Eldridge via Instagram, Respective brands
