Introduction
Every woman knows the magic a perfect maroon lipstick can bring to her look. The deep, rich hue exudes confidence, elegance, and sophistication. But what if you don’t have a maroon shade in your makeup kit? Don’t worry — you can create it easily at home using a red lipstick you already own. In this guide, you’ll discover How To Make Maroon Lipstick With Red Lipstick through practical tips, expert tricks, and easy combinations that deliver salon-quality results.
Understanding Maroon: The Color Behind the Glamour
Maroon is a blend of red and brown with subtle purple undertones. It represents passion balanced with depth — making it a favorite for both casual wear and special occasions. If you have a red lipstick lying around, you already have the foundation to create this timeless shade. The key lies in how you mix and layer colors to achieve that dark, bold maroon finish.
Why Make Maroon Lipstick At Home?
Homemade lipstick customization gives you full control over the tone, texture, and ingredients. Instead of spending extra money on a new tube, you can adjust your existing products to create multiple shades. It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and surprisingly easy. You’ll also get the satisfaction of crafting your own perfect maroon tone tailored to your skin undertone — whether warm, cool, or neutral.
How To Make Maroon Lipstick With Red Lipstick
The process doesn’t require advanced skills — just a little creativity and some makeup essentials. Let’s break it down.
Start With Your Base: Red Lipstick
Use a creamy or matte red lipstick as your base. Matte formulas work best because they offer strong pigmentation and better staying power. If you’re using a glossy lipstick, you may need to adjust with setting powder later for a matte finish.
Add Depth With Brown or Black Eyeliner
Here’s the secret trick: to turn your bright red into a maroon tone, you’ll need a darker pigment. Lightly mix your red lipstick with a small amount of brown or black eyeliner. Start with just a touch — it’s easier to darken the shade gradually than to lighten it later.
Gently blend the colors on a clean palette or the back of your hand. You’ll notice the red evolving into a deeper maroon instantly.
Experiment With Eyeshadow Pigments
If you don’t have eyeliner handy, eyeshadow can work wonders. Mix your red lipstick with a brown, burgundy, or plum eyeshadow. Powder pigments help tone down brightness while adding that velvety richness characteristic of maroon.
To do this, scrape a bit of eyeshadow into a small dish, then blend it with a tiny amount of red lipstick using a lip brush.
Adjust The Tone
Want a warmer maroon? Add a little brown. Prefer a cooler tone? Mix in a small hint of purple or dark wine eyeshadow. The beauty of homemade lipstick lies in your control — tweak it until you find the perfect shade that complements your complexion.
Enhance Texture and Finish
If your mixture feels too thick, soften it with a dab of petroleum jelly or lip balm. This not only improves glide but also keeps your lips hydrated. You can learn more about making lip products from scratch in this Related Beauty & Fashion article — perfect if you enjoy DIY beauty projects.
Apply And Perfect
Using a lip brush, apply the mixture evenly on your lips. Blot once with a tissue to set the base, then reapply another layer for intensity. If you prefer a matte finish, lightly dust some translucent powder over a tissue pressed on your lips.
For an extra-defined look, use a dark brown or burgundy lip liner before applying your homemade maroon lipstick.
Pro Tips For A Perfect Maroon Look
Making your maroon lipstick is just the first step. Here’s how to wear it beautifully and make it last longer.
Match With Your Skin Tone
- Fair Skin: Go for a cooler maroon with plum undertones.
- Medium Skin: A balanced maroon with a hint of brown works beautifully.
- Deep Skin: Choose a warm maroon leaning towards wine or chocolate tones.
Balance Your Makeup
Maroon lipstick is bold. Keep your eye makeup minimal for a refined balance — think soft neutrals or winged eyeliner. If you want to go dramatic, ensure the overall look remains elegant, not overpowering.
Long-Lasting Finish
To make your lipstick last through the day, apply a bit of foundation on your lips before applying the color. It helps the pigment adhere better and prevents feathering. You can also lightly set the final layer with setting spray for added durability.
Benefits of Making Maroon Lipstick From Red
Creating maroon lipstick from red lipstick isn’t just a creative idea — it offers practical advantages:
- Cost-Effective: No need to buy new shades.
- Customizable: You control the color intensity.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces product waste.
- Versatile: You can tweak it for day or night looks.
This DIY trick is perfect for anyone who loves makeup experimentation without overspending.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even simple beauty hacks can go wrong without careful blending. Avoid these pitfalls when making your maroon lipstick:
- Mixing too much dark pigment — it can turn your lipstick almost black.
- Using incompatible textures (like mixing glossy and powdery formulas).
- Skipping patch tests — always test a small amount on your hand before applying to lips.
- Forgetting to store leftover mixtures in a small, airtight container to maintain freshness.
Storing Your DIY Maroon Lipstick
If you’ve made more than you need, scoop the extra into a clean, empty lip balm pot. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It should last for several weeks if kept properly sealed.
How To Use Maroon Lipstick For Different Occasions
A maroon shade suits nearly every setting — from daily wear to festive evenings.
- Office Wear: Dab lightly for a tinted lip effect.
- Casual Outing: Pair it with minimal makeup and soft blush.
- Evening Party: Go bold with a full application and winged eyeliner.
This flexibility makes maroon a must-have color for any makeup lover.
FAQs
Q1: How do I make maroon lipstick without brown lipstick?
You can use red lipstick mixed with a bit of black or dark purple eyeshadow to create a maroon hue.
Q2: Can I make maroon lipstick with only red and black lipstick?
Yes. Mix a small amount of black lipstick with your red one until you reach the desired dark maroon shade.
Q3: Will homemade maroon lipstick last long?
Yes, if applied correctly. Use a lip liner and blot between layers for better longevity.
Q4: Is it safe to mix lipsticks?
Absolutely. As long as you use quality, clean products designed for cosmetic use, mixing them is safe.
Q5: How can I make it matte?
After application, place a tissue over your lips and dust translucent powder over it. This absorbs excess oil and sets the color.
Learning How To Make Maroon Lipstick With Red Lipstick opens the door to creativity and self-expression. With just a few everyday beauty items, you can craft a customized lipstick that looks stunning on all skin tones. It’s budget-friendly, fun, and rewarding — proof that you don’t need to buy every trending shade to stay fashionable.
If you love exploring beauty hacks like this, check out more guides on Beauty & Fashion. You can also Learn more about the latest trends and tools to elevate your makeup routine.


