(Click for full size) Left to right: Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Blow, Core Cora, Goddess, Je T’aime, Miss Scarlet, Oh Miley, and Rei of Light, $30 each.

Before I start this post, I’d like to mention that this is not sponsored (and I will always let you know if it is). However, when Marc Jacobs Beauty sent me seven of their Le Marc Lip Cremes in varying shades of red, complete with a guide on how to choose the right red for you, I figured it would make a great comparison post. No, I’m not going to tell you how to choose the perfect red. Why? Because I come from the “wear what you want” school of thought, and don’t believe that rules apply to makeup. Sure, there are helpful guidelines, tips and tricks to follow – but in the end, it’s all about what makes you feel confident and happy. My best advice is to try them all on and decide for yourself – and make sure you’re buying from a source with a great return policy, just in case it doesn’t work out.

(The Marc Jacobs Beauty guide to red lipsticks)

You can read ten different guides on how to choose the right lipstick for you, what goes with what skin tone (why is it so hard to find your undertones? I still get confused), what colors to avoid. They’ll all say something different. And that’s okay, because it’s all a matter of opinion; I don’t think any of them are wrong. I just don’t think they should be viewed as absolute, because half of the fun is experimenting. And guess what? Some of my favorite shades weren’t on my spectrum. I tried all seven lipsticks, yesterday. Check them all out, below and let me know your favorites!

First up is Blow, a dark berry shade. I really like the formula of these lipsticks; they’re smooth and easy to apply, highly pigmented, and long lasting (though I am admittedly going by the only one I’ve worn all day, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). However, Blow takes a lot of precision (as most dark lipsticks do), and of all of them, it was the only one that was a little streaky when I first applied. Nothing too noticeable, but worth pointing out that it took a little extra care to get it just right.

I usually stay away from corals, so I was pleasantly surprised that Core Cora stood out as one of my favorites. I love that it’s not too bright, because electric corals can make me look a little wan.

Goddess is described as a “deep maraschino” – I would describe this as a very classic, true red.

Je T’aime is another standout favorite, even though I think of it as more of a rose hue. It’s described as “rum raspberry” and will probably read as more of a berry on those with more pigmented lips.

Miss Scarlet, “deep ruby” / brick red. This is great if you’re looking for something in between the bright and the vampy reds.

Oh Miley is very similar to Goddess, but is slightly cooler and lighter. “Strawberry” is the best way to describe this. Both shades are worth checking out, if you’re looking for a long lasting, vibrant red.

Rei of Light, a brownish brick red. With its demi-matte finish, it reminds me of an updated 90s it-girl shade (which I’m clearly into).

What shades are your favorite?

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