Even before she formally became a congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was already a beauty icon, with a bright red lip that led thousands to Google, "What lipstick is AOC wearing?" The answer for those still wondering: It’s Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, a true red that has since sold out (over and over again) at Sephora. Call it the AOC effect.
And while it was already her signature on the campaign trail, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s red lip has grown more iconic by the day. At her swearing-in ceremony, she said the color was a nod to a bold beauty decision made by another powerful woman in politics. "Lip [and] hoops were inspired by Sonia Sotomayor, who was advised to wear neutral-colored nail polish to her confirmation hearings to avoid scrutiny," Rep. Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter. "She kept her red."
But on Wednesday, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez switched up her signature lipstick for another equally bold shade: a vibrant berry that perfectly matched her burgundy turtleneck and blazer. It’s a look she’s worn publicly once before, and exactly the mood-lifting beauty inspiration we need in this constantly tumultuous political era. While we anxiously wait for her to confirm the shade, we decided to round up a few of our favorite berry lipsticks to help you channel AOC’s vibes until then. Lord knows, we could use them.
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But first, a clearer look at the color we’re referring to. In a video on Twitter announcing that she’ll be on the premiere of the late-night talk show Desus & Mero, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez showed off her new magenta-berry lip.
Knowing her taste, we’d say there’s a good chance that this lipstick is a variation of her favorite Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick formula. The shades Paradiso (a dark cranberry) and Bacca (a bright raspberry) are best paired with a power blazer.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick – Bacca , $22, available at Sephora
For a more budget-friendly option, NYX has a similar lipstick called Monte Carlo that’s matte without being drying, provides long-lasting rich color, and unbelievably goes for less than $4.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream – Monte Carlo, $3.52, available at Amazon
If you’re a person who really wants their lipstick to last — like, you want to wake up, eat, drink, and then eat some more without ever having to reapply — then this formula from Maybelline is as good as it gets. The shade Founder toes the line between berry and magenta, making it the ideal winter red.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink – Founder , $9.49, available at Ulta Beauty
Nars lip crayon in Damned, a rich Merlot, is the perfect pop of color against an all-black outfit (or the puffy winter coat you wish you didn’t have to wear).
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil – Damned , $27, available at Ulta Beauty
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Source: Refinery29 – Rachel Lubitz