I still remember the first time I wore a burgundy dress to a holiday party a few years ago.
I was so excited about the rich crimson color but when it came time to do my makeup, I was totally stumped on what colors to pair it with.
I didn’t want my makeup to clash with the dress but I also didn’t want to blend in too much.
After trying a few unsuccessful nude and berry lipstick combinations, I finally discovered the perfect smoky eye and nude lip that took my whole look to the next level.
Ever since, I’ve loved experimenting with different makeup shades to pair with my collection of burgundy dresses.
Whether I’m going out for a night on the town or attending a daytime holiday gathering, I’ve found that certain eye, lip and cheek colors just make my burgundy dresses pop.
Today, I’m sharing my top 15 makeup recommendations that will make your burgundy dress shine just as brightly.
Here are the 15 makeup colors that will look gorgeous with a burgundy dress:
Nude lips
I’m always looking at how different colors, textures and silhouettes come together in an outfit.
When it comes to pairing nude lips with a burgundy dress, it’s one of my tried and true favorite combinations.
The reason it works so well is that burgundy is a jewel tone color with rich, saturated pigments.
While it demands attention, wearing an identical shade on your lips can sometimes be too much of the same color blocking. That’s where a nude lip comes in – it provides the perfect balance.
A nude that matches your natural lip color but is only a touch deeper will blend seamlessly with your complexion.
This allows the gorgeous burgundy dress fabric to really sing without direct competition from your lip color. The nude lip acts as a blank slate that frames your smile and draws the eye down without clashing at all.
Plus, because burgundy dresses are so versatile and flattering for a range of skin tones, wearing a personalized nude is inclusive. It makes the look work for all different complexions.
In my professional opinion as someone who pairs colors daily, the nude lip lets the focus fall squarely on your stunning outfit choice. It creates visual harmony instead of discord.
That’s why this nude lips and burgundy dress combination remains a fashionable favorite in my book!
Mauve lips
As a fashion designer, I’m always experimenting with how different color palettes come together in cohesive looks. In my view, a mauve lip is an underrated choice that pairs especially well with burgundy dresses.
When putting together a burgundy ensemble, you want the lip color to complement without overpowering the dress fabric. Mauve, with its subtle pink and purple undertones, strikes just the right balance. The hue picks up on some of the wine tones already present in burgundy.
I find that mauve adds softest pop of complementary color that ties the whole look together seamlessly. It echoes and enhances the dress, rather than competing for attention on its own. Plus, mauve flatters a wide range of skin tones – from fair and light to medium and deep.
As both a cool-toned and warm-toned shade, mauve bridges the gap beautifully. It allows anyone to feel confident and pull-together wearing this rich color combination. I’m always telling my clients that a mauve lip and burgundy dress is striking but not severe, glamorous without being over-the-top.
In the fashion world, we call that balanced color curation. So whether you’re attending a cocktail party or running daytime errands, a mauve lip ensures your burgundy dress will shine as the real focal point of your ensemble. It’s a trick I keep coming back to as a designer.
Wine lips
As a fashion designer, I’m constantly evaluating how colors, fabrics and textures coordinate together in harmonious holiday looks.
In my expert opinion, a true wine-colored lip is one of the most flattering makeup pairings for a burgundy dress during this festive season.
When putting together a polished outfit centered around a burgundy dress, you want the accompanying lip shade to echo the rich tones already present without overwhelming.
A wine lip perfectly matches the saturated pigments of burgundy with its nuanced grape hues.
The similar tones create a cohesive color story that flatters the wearer rather than distracting the eye.
I find wine lips particularly striking without being overly bold–they frame the face beautifully and draw attention to elegant features. Plus, the undertones vary slightly depending on one’s skin tone, allowing for a personalized polished pairing.
In my line of work analyzing fashion, we understand the power of complementary shades that sing together visually without clashing.
When done right, color affinities like wine and burgundy allow each garment to shine as the vibrant star.
I always recommend this dynamic duo to clients seeking a chic ensemble they can feel confident in all season long.
So whether holiday networking or attending festive galas, a wine lip will make any burgundy dress a true head-turner.
It’s one of my favorite effortlessly glamorous combinations.
Burgundy lips
I’m always looking at how different hues work together to create visually striking yet cohesive ensembles.
In my professional opinion, wearing an identical burgundy shade on both your lips and dress can seem high risk – but when executed elegantly, the results are truly eye-catching.
At first glance, some may think matching your lip color directly to your outfit fabric could veer into costume territory.
However, in reality, the monochromatic approach draws the eye across the whole look and accentuates your features beautifully.
By repeating the same vibrant color blocking, it ensures all eyes are on you as the living canvas.
I find that when choosing a creamy, pigmented burgundy lipstick without shimmer or shine, it ties the look together seamlessly without coming across as try-hard.
The satin finish allows your gorgeous features to shine through. Paired with well-groomed brows and classic winged liner, the looks transports from day to night seamlessly.
In my line of work developing cohesive color stories, sometimes the best matches are also the most direct. An identical burgundy lip makes a statement without stealing the show – it simply elevates an already stunning fabric choice.
So whether you’re attending soirees or catching up over coffee, this monochrome mood creates intrigue that will have everyone talking all season long.
Smoky eyes
When it comes to pairing eye makeup with a burgundy dress, smoky eyes are one of my favorite dramatic yet versatile options as a fashion designer.
The deep dimension and subtle contrast that smoky eyes create make them a beautiful complement to rich, satutated burgundy hues without competing for attention.
By blending tones of smokey plum, gray and taupe in the crease and along the lash line, you instantly add an element of mystery and allure to your look.
I find that smoky eyes are flattering for all eye shapes, hair colors and skin tones. They make a statement without being overly bold. And by layering on coats of black mascara, you really help draw the gaze toward your striking features.
The smudged, blended effect works well for both daytime and evening occasions. During the day, it feels put-together and on-trend.
Then simply switch to darker smoky shadows and heavier lashes for night. Transporting the same gorgeous color story seamlessly from brunch to cocktail hour is important in any cohesive ensemble.
Overall, as a designer, I’d recommend smoky eyes as a go-to makeup pairing for any burgundy dress that feels glamorous, polished and universally flattering on all clients.
The undeniable edginess of the look ensures you own every room you enter while wearing this striking color scheme.
Plum eye
Plum eye makeup has all the intensity of eggplant and grape hues without feeling harsh against the skin.
When blended expertly into the crease and swept onto the lid, plum eyeshadow picks up on the vivid undertones already present in burgundy fabric.
This creates a cohesive color story across the whole ensemble.
I find that plum eyes flatter every eye shape and skin tone beautifully. Its placement helps accentuate eyes as the focal point of the face without distracting from the luxurious dress texture.
A swipe of shimmering plum on the inner corner and brow bone adds dimension as well.
Of course, no plum eye is complete without a liner to match. Tracing the upper lash line and smudging a touch along the lower adds definition that makes a statement.
A few coats of black mascara finishes the look, drawing attention to your striking features.
In my line of work styling clients, I’ve seen first hand how plum eyes make any burgundy dress really pop without competing for attention.
It presents tastefully glamorous yet understated results perfect for both daytime and evening occasions alike. Overall, it’s one of my favorite makeup pairings.
Brown Smoky eye
When putting together a look centered around a burgundy dress, brown smoky eye makeup is another one of my favorite complementary options as a fashion designer.
Much like a traditional black smoky eye, brown tones add dimension and intrigue without being too bold or harsh against the skin.
They pick up on the rich undertones found in burgundy fabric in a subtle, polished way.
Blending taupe, caramels and espresso shades into the crease and along the lash line creates the perfect amount of smudged mystery.
Warmer browns feel especially flattering for green or hazel eyes paired with a wine or plum dress. The analogous tones sing together beautifully.
I’ve always found brown smoky eyes work well across all day to night appearances. During brunch meetings, it feels put-together and professional.
Then simply layer on dark brown liner and optional false lashes come evening to amp up the drama seamlessly without switching up the color story.
Incorporating brown hues also feels friendly to a wide range of skin tones and hair colors in comparison to traditional black smoky eyes.
The look is universally flattering yet dimensional enough to pair with bold burgundy fabrics. Overall, brown smoky eyes make for one of my all-time favorite easy makeup tricks as a designer.
Copper eyes
When pairing eye makeup with a burgundy dress, I’m always drawn to the beautiful blending of copper tones.
There’s just something about the way copper shades complement and enhance burgundy that I adore.
Copper and burgundy have analogous pigments that sing together harmoniously without competing for attention. Sweep mid-toned copper in the crease and blend out for a pop of warmth.
Then apply a shimmering copper all over the lid to really make your eye color pop against the rich backdrop of the dress.
I find copper eyes flatter so many different eye colors, from green to brown hazel. The hue pulls everything together seamlessly without looking flat.
A swipe of copper along the lower lash line and inner corner adds further dimension.
Don’t forget a thin line of copper shadow blended along the upper lash line. Copper liner is the perfect partner, bringing extra intensity to your gaze. Top it off with a few coats of black mascara to frame your features.
The blended effect works equally well during the day under natural light as well as at night.
The equilibrium of tones ensure copper eyes pair beautifully with burgundy dresses for any occasion throughout the season. Overall, it’s a stunning makeup collaboration I never tire of recommending as a designer.
Silver eye
When put together a holiday ensemble centered around a rich burgundy dress, I love incorporating silver eyeshadow into the makeup look.
While it may seem like an unexpected pairing at first, silver tones actually complement burgundy beautifully.
The reason silver pairs so well is that its cool undertones make the vivid red-wine hues of burgundy really pop.
Where warm metals like gold could risk competing, silver acts as the perfect offsetting accessory. Swept across the lid and into the crease, it adds intrigue and dimension to round eyes.
I find silver eyeshadow makes colorful eyes stand out stunningly against warm complexions paired with burgundy. It has a similar effect as a nude lip would, letting the dress command attention as the star of the show.
A touch of silver along the lower lash line and inner corner brings extra definition.
Silver eyes translate elegantly from afternoon meetings to evening celebrations.
Whether you top it with a thin black liner or subtle brown, the color story remains cohesive yet glamorous the whole time.
Overall, as a designer, I think silver is an underrated eye makeup choice that effortlessly makes any rich burgundy dress shine.
Pinky nude cheeks
In my view, a balmy pinky nude blush pairs beautifully with a burgundy dress to provide a soft, romantic glow.
When choosing cheek color for a burgundy ensemble, you don’t want anything too vibrant or bold that detracts from the luxurious fabric.
A pale pinky nude shade that matches your natural flush is the perfect answer. Its balmy formula blended into the apples brings a healthy flush without being noticeable as makeup.
I find a pinky nude blush flatters all skin tones whether fair, medium or deep.
Its universal undertones ensure any wearer can achieve youthful, freshly kissed cheeks that harmonize with burgundy without competing for attention.
Paired with subtle eyes and lip, this pared-back blush allows the stunning dress shade to properly shine.
However its flushed hint of rosiness still adds femininity and dimension to finished looks.
Overall, as a designer developing cohesive color palettes, a pale pinky nude cheek brings just the right lift to any woman wearing burgundy this season.
Mauve Blush
When developing the complete look for a burgundy dress, I’m always drawn to pairing it with a soft mauve blush. Mauve adds such a beautiful subtly flushed tone that enhances without overpowering the dress color.
The pinky plum undertones in a mauve blush pick up on the rich wine elements found in burgundy fabrics. When blended evenly onto the cheekbones, it ties the entire color story together in a cohesive yet natural-looking way.
I find mauve blush works especially well for highlighting medium to deep skin tones paired with burgundy. Its undertone range flatters without looking stark or out of place.
A few soft strokes along the cheekbones sculpts just perfectly.
Whether your style is more glam or everyday, mauve blush transitions seamlessly. Come evening, layer on a few extra coats for a romantic flushed effect that stands out under candlelight.
Its versatility is just one reason this blush shade remains a go-to recommendation as a designer.
Ultimately, pairing a burgundy dress with mauve makeup creates a put-together aesthetic I’m always proud to see my clients wearing.
The harmonious color dialogue ensures all eyes will be drawn to your features feeling beautifully aglow.
Bronze eyes
I love incorporating bronze eyeshadows into the makeup look. The warm undertones of bronze complement the rich pigments of burgundy beautifully.
Sweeping shimmering bronze across the lids adds delightful dimension. Its golden flecks really make eyes pop against the darker backdrop of the dress.
In the crease, softer matte bronze tones blend out seamlessly for contouring depth.
I find bronze lends itself well to both daytime and evening appears when paired with burgundy. During brunch, it feels put-together and polished.
Then simply layer on winged liner and falsies after dark to amplify the look seamlessly.
Bronze eyes flatter every eye color, from green to brown. Its universality ensures all skin tones can feel glamorous wearing this color combination too. I also recommend touching bronze along the lower lash line and inner corners for extra pop.
Topped off with black mascara, the finished bronze eye works back beautifully with both cool-toned and warm-toned burgundy shades.
The synchronized tones allow each element to shine without competing. It’s a makeup trick I never tire of as a designer crafting complete seasonal looks.
Rose gold eyes
When pairing eye makeup with a burgundy dress as a fashion designer, I always find rose gold tones create a stunning look.
There’s a reason colors like rose gold remain so on trend – they have a magical ability to complement without ever clashing.
Rose gold eyeshadow picks up on the subtle wine-berry undertones that make burgundy such a rich hue. Swept across the lid and into the crease, it adds the perfect touch of shimmering dimension.
I love applying a darker rose gold in the outer V as well for contouring depth.
The pale pinky-copper gleam of rose gold elongates eyes beautifully.
It feels glamorous yet wearable paired with burgundy for day or night. Sweep a matching rose gold pencil along the lower lash line to enhance the eye shape.
This wash of color looks incredible on all skin tones and eye colors.
Green, brown and blue eyes simply pop against the backdrop of the dress and its metallic counterpart. Swiping highlighter on the brow bone and inner corners lifts the whole look.
In my career styling clients, rose gold eyes are a trick I constantly return to for any burgundy ensemble. The harmonic pigments flatter features all season long.
Strobe cream
When developing complete makeup looks to pair with burgundy dresses as a fashion designer, I’m always drawn to the subtle luminosity that a cream highlighter or strobe cream provides.
A sheer strobe cream delicately dusted onto high points of the face sculpts and lifts features without ever looking chalky or overly done. Its radiant gleam picks up the rich highlights intrinsic to burgundy fabric.
Applied sparingly to the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone and cupid’s bow, a cream highlighter acts like a natural flush of glow. It elevates makeup in a way that feels fresh and seamlessly tied to the luxurious shade of the dress.
I find strobe creams flattering for all complexions, whether fair, medium or deep. The luminosity plays well against any skin tone without enhancing texture.
Its refined sheen counterbalances high-intensity burgundy hues without competing for attention.
Overall, as a designer, I think the lit-from-within radiance of a cream highlighter/strobe cream adds just the right luminous pop to any ensemble centered around a stunning burgundy dress color.
The monochromatic glow harmonizes beautifully.
Dark berry lips
When putting together makeup looks to match burgundy dresses as a fashion designer, one of my favorite combos is a dark berry lip.
Nothing pulls an entire evening aesthetic together like the right lip shade.
Burgundy naturally pairs beautifully with lip colors that have a similar wine or plum base.
A lush dark berry really enhances all the rich tones throughout the outfit in a cohesive yet bold way.
I love applying a deep berry lip when power shades are on trend for the season.
Its pigment saturates lips for statement-making full coverage. Yet the berry undertones ensure it doesn’t swamp lighter skin tones when paired with an equally intense burgundy dress.
Whether you choose a matte or glossy finish, dark berry lips photograph beautifully by candlelight or under event lighting.
The monochromatic look feels elegant without being too matchy-matchy.
I appreciate how a striking berry lip keeps eyes focused on the face without distracting from exquisite burgundy fabrics.
I love playing with complementary makeup shades to pair beautifully with burgundy dresses.
Burgundy is such a rich, sophisticated hue that lends itself to elegant looks.
The right eye makeup, blush, highlighter and lip color can truly make burgundy ensembles pop. Neutral tones like plum, mauve and rose gold enhance features without competing for attention.
Meanwhile, vibrant berries and coppers pick up on the dress undertones.
Whether you’re headed to brunch or a black-tie event, small makeup adjustments keep burgundy on trend all season long. Subtle day looks seamlessly amp up for evening with the addition of liner, lashes or darker lips.
Ultimately, taking cues from analogous makeup allows any woman to feel confident and put-together wearing burgundy.
A unified color story ensures all eyes will be drawn to your features feeling beautifully aglow.
As a designer, I love seeing clients embrace harmonious pairings that let luxurious fabrics shine. Burgundy is always a statement-making choice, especially when complemented with the perfect makeup.
