Revlon’s Rum Raisin lipstick (shade 535) is a universally beloved, warm-toned, medium-dark plum shade that has maintained its cult-classic status since the 1990s due to its versatile color, creamy satin finish, and hydrating formula. This iconic hue adapts beautifully to diverse skin tones, offering a sophisticated coppery red or nude-brown appearance with rosy undertones, making it a timeless staple in many cosmetic bags.
The Allure of Rum Raisin: A Shade Defined
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Our Picks for the Best Lip Stick in 2026
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| Num | Product | Action |
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| 1 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Blazing Lava , 1 Count |
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| 2 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Fairest Nude, 1 Count |
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| 3 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Berry Parisienne , 1 Count |
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| 4 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour, Ballerina Shoes [135], 1 Count |
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| 5 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, British Red , 1 Count |
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| 6 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Brazil Nut , 1 Count |
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| 7 | Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Lip Tint, Long Lasting Matte Lipstick For Up To 12HR Wear, Kneehigh, 1 Count |
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| 8 | Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick, Moisturizing Lip Balm Pack, Relieves Dryness, 0.17 Oz Stick, Pack of 2 |
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| 9 | L\'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Blushing Berry , 1 Count |
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| 10 | Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Lipstick, Rose & Dagger |
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At its heart, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rum Raisin (shade 535) presents a complex, warm-toned, medium-dark plum. It often appears as a sophisticated coppery red, sometimes leaning into a nude-brown with rosy undertones, or even a nuanced mix of berry, brown, and pink. This multi-dimensional quality is precisely what grants it such widespread appeal, adapting beautifully to a diverse range of skin tones. The original formulation delivers a creamy, satin finish that feels luxurious and comfortable on the lips. For compare top lipstick on this site.
More recently, Revlon introduced the Super Lustrous Melting Glass Shine Lipstick in Rum Raisin (shade 008), offering a luminous, glassy finish that drenches lips in moisture and a mirror-like sheen, akin to a lipstick, lip balm, and lip gloss combined.
Beyond the Color: Features That Make it a Favorite
The enduring popularity of Rum Raisin extends beyond its flattering color to its exceptional formula. The Revlon Super Lustrous line is celebrated for its conditioning ingredients, with some formulations boasting up to 80% nourishing components. Key benefits include:
- Smooth Application: The lipstick glides effortlessly, providing comfortable wear without tugging.
- Hydration: Infused with ingredients like Vitamin E and avocado oil (and hyaluronic acid and rose quartz in the Glass Shine version), it helps keep lips soft, smooth, and moisturized, visibly minimizing lines and promoting a fuller appearance.
- Rich Pigmentation: Made with microfine pigments, it delivers rich, buildable color payoff, from a semi-opaque wash to full coverage.
- Lightweight Feel: Despite its creamy texture and rich color, it feels remarkably lightweight on the lips.
- Long-Lasting: Many users praise its staying power, providing several hours of wear while feeling moisturizing.
- Clean Formulation: Certain iterations are formulated without parabens, phthalates, aluminum, and sulfates, catering to those seeking mindful beauty choices.
A True Cult Classic: Why Rum Raisin Endures
Rum Raisin has maintained its “cult classic” status for decades, tracing its roots back to the 1990s. Its consistent quality and affordable price point have made it a go-to choice. Its versatility allows it to transition seamlessly from a subtle daytime look to a more dramatic evening statement, making it a reliable option for any occasion. The shade’s ability to complement almost every skin tone has solidified its reputation as a “your lips but better” hue, enhancing natural beauty without overpowering it.
Exploring Similar Shades: Dupes and Alternatives
For those seeking variations or alternatives, the market offers several comparable shades. From other affordable drugstore options to high-end luxury lipsticks, many brands have shades that echo the unique character of Rum Raisin. These alternatives often vary in finish, from matte to balmy, allowing individuals to find their perfect match while capturing the essence of this iconic color.
Tips for Embracing Your Rum Raisin Look
To maximize the beauty of Rum Raisin lipstick, consider these tips:
- Prep Your Lips: Start with exfoliated, moisturized lips for the smoothest application. A lip balm can create an ideal canvas.
- Define with Liner: For a more precise and defined look, pair Rum Raisin with a complementary lip liner before filling in your lips.
- Layer for Intensity: Apply a single swipe for a sheer wash of color, or layer for deeper, more impactful pigmentation.
- Mix and Match: Experiment with a touch of clear gloss over the original cream finish for added shine, or combine it with other lip products to create a custom shade.
Whether you’re new to the world of Rum Raisin or revisiting an old favorite, this iconic lipstick continues to be a shows timeless beauty, offering elegance, comfort, and universal appeal in a single, sophisticated shade.
Embrace Your Rum Raisin Lipstick Look
Maximize the beauty and wear of your Rum Raisin lipstick with these simple steps for application and customization.
Begin by ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated. Gently exfoliate to remove any dry skin, then apply a nourishing lip balm to create an ideal, even canvas for the lipstick.
For a more precise and polished look, outline your lips with a complementary lip liner. This step helps prevent feathering and provides a clean edge before you fill in your lips with Rum Raisin.
Apply a single swipe of Rum Raisin for a sheer wash of color, perfect for a subtle daytime look. For deeper, more impactful pigmentation and a dramatic evening statement, layer the lipstick with additional applications until desired intensity is achieved.
Experiment with your Rum Raisin lipstick to create custom looks. Apply a touch of clear gloss over the original cream finish for added shine, or combine it with other lip products to create a unique, personalized shade that suits your style.
I’ve been wearing Revlon Rum Raisin since high school in the 90s, and it’s still my go-to! The creamy satin finish is just perfect, not too matte and not too glossy. It really does adapt to my skin tone, sometimes looking more like a coppery red and other times a lovely nude-brown. It’s truly a timeless shade.
I finally tried Revlon Rum Raisin after hearing so much about its cult status. While I appreciate the warm-toned plum, on my very fair skin, it leans a little too brown for my preference. The texture is nice and smooth, but I was hoping for more of those rosy undertones to come through. It’s okay, but not my absolute favorite.
Rum Raisin is my holy grail lipstick! I love that it’s a multi-dimensional mix of berry, brown, and pink, which makes it so unique. It’s amazing how it looks different on everyone but always beautiful. The fact that it’s been around since the 90s and is still so popular speaks volumes about its enduring charm.
This lipstick is a classic for a reason. I love how versatile the medium-dark plum shade is; it works for so many occasions. The hydrating formula is a huge plus, especially since my lips tend to get dry with other lipsticks. I just wish it had a bit more staying power, but for the price, you can’t beat it.