To red lip or not to red lip? If you ask Joyce Arias, founder and owner of Baltimore-based online beauty brand SOLSIS, it’s not even a question.

Sure, an understated lip color that flatters all skin tones is definitely a go-to. But for Arias, it’s red lipstick that really makes a statement and packs a punch. And it was a red lip—which she also sees as a nod to her Latina heritage—that propelled her beauty product journey.

Since she’s a marketing professional by trade, it didn’t take long for Arias to discover that Hispanic and Black women dominate the beauty category—in terms of spending.

“[But then] I started looking at ownership,” she says. There was a quite a gap. “We don’t see that representation. And that really drove me to say, you know what? I’m going to do this. I’m going to launch a beauty brand.”

As Arias began to research what might go into creating these products, she knew she wanted to make them right, and that meant using cruelty-free and vegan ingredients. It took a year, but by August 2019, she introduced her signature red lipstick, “Mamacita.”

For Arias, wearing makeup has always been a simple thing she does to feel empowered.

“I am not a professional makeup artist; I just happen to love makeup,” she admits. “You don’t have to be an expert, and you can experiment. I think that’s super important and is the heart of our brand because it’s for everyday women.”

To be clear, SOLSIS sells more than red lipstick. The line has expanded a lot in the past two years.

“Getting a lot of feedback fuels how I prioritize products. I’m listening to women in terms of what they like, what they want, what they can’t find, and then tailoring [my products] to that.”

This month, SOLSIS will introduce a much-requested new product line to its online shop: mascara. But it doesn’t stop there.

“I want people to feel connected to [the brand] in more ways than one,” Arias says.

She even crowd-sources her product names (a recent crowd pick was the name of her brown lipstick shade: “Spice Rum”). She also makes a point to donate portions of sales to nonprofits that are doing work that empowers and aids underserved communities. And listening to her customers extends beyond the makeup: During holidays and heritage months throughout the year, SOLSIS supports various nonprofits that the customers vote online to support.

Says Arias, “Giving back to the community is truly embedded into everything that we do.”

When the temperatures drop, not only do we unpack our sweaters and boots, but our makeup palette gets a little darker, too. With family feasts, office soirees, and holiday parties filling up our calendar, we wanted to review bold lip colors for the season. Subscription makeup service Birchbox sent us some goodies—all available in the Baltimore locations of Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters. 

1. Gnarly by Milk Makeup

Sarah

Molly

Lydia

Michelle

Sarah: I like the applicator shape, the point gives you more precision. This is a color I would wear—reminds me of an orchid. Looks good with my hair color. I have a lot of pink undertones, so pinks with blue in them look better. Texture is smooth and doesn’t feel like it will go anywhere. Her favorite!

Lydia: It feels dreamy, goes on really nice and smooth. This is definitely too pink for me, but it feels good and I like the applicator. I think it washes me out a little bit, and I don’t like the way it makes my skin tone look.

Molly: I like the consistency of it. Feels like you’re not really wearing anything. It’s very pink, but it doesn’t make my face too rosy. I like it. I think it’s a fun color.

Michelle: The applicator shape is awesome, it goes on really smooth, but it takes a couple more swipes for me. Not as moisture-rich and almost too pink. It has more of a fuchsia look to it. If I had blush and lighter eye shadow, it would work better. Could wear to a happy hour with friends.

2. Inspiration by Smashbox

Sarah: More satin-like texture with moisturizer feeling. Feels like you could wear in the winter and your mouth wouldn’t shrivel up. I like the shine. No gloss needed! This is a going-out lipstick or a holiday party lipstick. More of a berry tone with glitter-like shine.

Lydia: This is the best texture so far. It’s more pink than I realized it was going to be. I like the plum nature to it, it’s a little bit warmer. Would wear it on a fancy night out.

Molly: Feels smooth and smells like vanilla. Yeah, there does seem to be a sheen. I like the application the best. It’s really festive and fun, probably wear it in the evening. It would look good with a black or neutral outfit.

Michelle: Effortless application—like putting on ChapStick. It’s versatile so I could make it sheer or darker if I wanted to. This is definitely not a daytime color. I love the hot pink color and the sheen on it. Perfect color for date night. Her favorite!

3. King by Lipstick Queen

Sarah: Nice point on the applicator. Texture is good and creamy. This is pushing the edge of how dark a color I can wear. Because it has red and blue, it’s better than something brown and dark. Would maybe want lip liner because it’s so dark.

Lydia: Smooth application. It’s heavily pigmented so you don’t need to use a lot. This one is deeper, more purple. I think it compliments the olive colors of my skin. But it feels like my lips might be drying beneath it.

Molly: This goes on really easy and smooth, but you might need a lip liner because it didn’t go well over my cupid’s bow. I like the color because it’s not so pink. Berry colors look good with my skin, and brings out the golden tones. Would be a fun party shade. Her favorite!

Michelle: I like the applicator point on this one. It’s a little velvety. The precision point helps even if you don’t have a lip liner. Closer to a color I would typically wear. If it had more blue in it and was a little darker, I would love it.

4. Adoring by The Balm Cosmetics

Sarah: Smells like a thin mint and tingles a little bit. Don’t like these kind of applicators—I have to clean up as I go. Really need a liner with these. Like I said, dark stuff goes very quickly from cute to vampire. This does not work for me.

Lydia: The smell reminds me of LipSmackers and the application is like a slip and slide. This is the best, color-wise. The brick-red and brown undertones really work well with my skin. Would wear this out, especially in winter. Her favorite!

Molly: It’s messy and it just wants to not go in a straight line. It globs at the top, so you have to scrape off the excess. Takes several layers of application. It’s a bold lip, but it goes well with my skin tone. It has more purple undertones so it compliments a redhead.

Michelle: Cookie overload when you smell it! You really need a steady hand to put this on. I do like the brick-red color. Looks better with people who have fuller lips. It’s hard to get an even coat—and stays a little sticky. But it does last a while and won’t come off on a wine glass.