How a Sheer, Universally Flattering Shade Changed My Makeup Game Forever

The first time I held Lipstick Queen Medieval in my hand, I didn’t realize I was about to discover what would become my signature lip color for years to come. There’s something almost magical about finding that perfect lipstick—the one that makes you feel instantly put together, the one you reach for when you’re running late but still want to look polished, the one that somehow manages to look right with absolutely everything. For me, that lipstick is Lipstick Queen Medieval, and today I’m sharing my complete guide to this cult-favorite product.

I’m embarrassingly late to the Medieval party. For years, I watched beauty influencers and makeup artists sing its praises, while I continued my quest for the perfect sheer red—something that would give me that just-bitten look without veering into full-on dramatic territory. Little did I know that the answer had been sitting on beauty counters all along, waiting patiently for me to discover it.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story behind this iconic product, allow me to fill you in. Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King created Medieval inspired by the practice of medieval women who would bite their lips to achieve a rosy flush when lipstick was considered scandalous. This historical nod is what gives the product its name and its unique approach to red lips. Instead of an opaque, statement-making crimson, Medieval delivers a sheer, buildable wash of color that looks like your lips—just better.

What Makes Medieval Different from Other Red Lipsticks

I’ve gone through dozens of red lipsticks in my lifetime. Brick reds, blue-reds, orange-reds, berry-reds—you name it, I’ve tried it. But Medieval stands apart from all of them for several key reasons.

First, its formula is unlike anything else in my collection. The texture is lightweight and feels almost like a balm, yet it delivers a surprising amount of pigment for something so sheer. It contains vitamin E, which explains why my lips feel moisturized rather than parched after wearing it all day. The buildable nature of Medieval allows you to control exactly how intense you want the color to be, something that’s nearly impossible with traditional red lipsticks that demand precision and commitment.

The color itself deserves special mention. It’s a true red with slightly cool undertones, but because it’s so sheer, it adapts to your natural lip color. This is why it’s often described as universally flattering—it works with your complexion rather than competing with it. On me, it creates a gorgeous raspberry stain effect that looks like I’ve just eaten a popsicle on a summer day.

Perhaps most impressively, Medieval manages to be both a statement and a neutral at the same time. It’s red enough to qualify as a “look,” but subtle enough that it doesn’t feel out of place with a bare face and mascara for a quick grocery store run. I’ve worn it to business meetings, weddings, casual brunches, and even to the gym (don’t judge me), and it’s never once felt inappropriate.

The History Behind Lipstick Queen and Medieval

Before diving deeper into my personal experience with Medieval, I think it’s worth appreciating the brand that created it. Lipstick Queen was founded by Poppy King, an Australian entrepreneur who started her first lipstick company at just 18 years old. Frustrated by the lack of matte lipsticks in the market, she created her own line, which became wildly successful in Australia before she eventually moved to New York and launched Lipstick Queen in 2006.

King has always been fascinated by lipstick’s cultural significance throughout history, which explains the inspiration behind Medieval. During medieval times, women were discouraged from wearing makeup as it was associated with prostitution and considered sinful. Instead, they would pinch or bite their lips to give them a natural flush—a look that was considered acceptable because it enhanced their natural beauty rather than masking it.

Medieval pays homage to this practice by creating a lipstick that enhances rather than covers. It’s a brilliant concept that bridges centuries of beauty traditions and speaks to our enduring desire for that perfect flush of color.

The brand itself has undergone changes in recent years, with King departing and the brand changing ownership. However, Medieval remains a constant in their lineup—a testament to its enduring appeal and cult status among beauty enthusiasts.

My Personal Experience: First Impressions to Long-Term Love

I still remember my first application of Medieval. I was skeptical—how could something so sheer actually make an impact? But as I swiped it across my lips, I watched in the mirror as they transformed into a more vibrant, healthy-looking version of themselves. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was noticeable. My face suddenly looked more alive, more polished.

What truly won me over, though, was how it wore throughout the day. Unlike most red lipsticks that leave a ring around your lips or fade patchily, Medieval gradually and evenly fades, leaving behind a subtle stain that continues to look beautiful for hours. I didn’t have to worry about checking my reflection every half hour or carrying a compact mirror for touch-ups. It was liberating.

Over time, my appreciation for Medieval has only deepened. I’ve discovered its versatility—how I can apply a single layer for a hint of color during daytime, or build it up for a more noticeable red for evenings. I’ve found that pressing it into my lips with my finger creates an even more natural-looking stain, while applying straight from the bullet gives a glossier, more defined look.

After years of use, I can confidently say that Lipstick Queen Medieval is the most versatile and user-friendly red lipstick I’ve ever owned. It’s the lipstick equivalent of that perfect white shirt or those jeans that somehow work for every occasion—a true wardrobe staple that makes getting ready infinitely easier.

The Formula Breakdown: What’s Inside and Why It Works

For those who care about what they’re putting on their lips (and we all should), Medieval’s formula is worth discussing. The lipstick contains a blend of ingredients that contribute to both its color and comfort factor.

The base is a mixture of emollients and waxes that give it that balm-like consistency. It contains vitamin E, which provides antioxidant properties and helps keep lips moisturized. The pigment concentration is precisely calibrated to deliver that sheer-but-noticeable color payoff that makes Medieval so special.

What’s notably absent from the formula is fragrance. While some luxury lipsticks come heavily scented, Medieval has just a faint, natural smell that won’t interfere with your perfume or bother those sensitive to fragrance. This might seem like a small detail, but for someone like me who gets headaches from overly perfumed products, it’s a significant plus.

The formula strikes that perfect balance between makeup and skincare that modern beauty consumers crave. It doesn’t just look good—it feels good on the lips and actually benefits them while you wear it. After a full day of wear, my lips feel comfortable rather than dried out, which can’t be said for most red lipsticks I’ve tried.

Application Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most from Medieval

Over my years of devotion to this lipstick, I’ve developed some techniques for applying it that I think maximize its potential:

1. For the most natural look: Apply a thin layer of lip balm, blot, then dab Medieval onto your lips with your fingertip. This creates a diffused stain effect that looks incredibly natural.
2. For more impact: Apply directly from the bullet, building up in layers until you reach your desired intensity. You can go from a subtle flush to a more noticeable red this way.
3. For longest wear: Apply a layer, blot with a tissue, then apply another layer. This helps the color adhere better to your lips and extends wear time significantly.
4. For a glossy finish: Top with a clear lip balm or gloss. Medieval’s formula plays well with other products, allowing for versatile finishes.
5. For precise application: Though Medieval is forgiving due to its sheerness, using a lip brush can give you more control, especially if you’re building up to a more intense color.

One of my favorite techniques is using Medieval as both a lip color and a cheek tint. The formula blends beautifully on the cheeks, creating a natural flush that perfectly coordinates with the lip color. Just dab a tiny amount on the apples of your cheeks and blend quickly before it sets.

Unlike traditional red lipsticks, Medieval doesn’t require a lip liner, which simplifies application enormously. The sheer formula means that even if you slightly overdraw your lips or don’t follow your natural lip line perfectly, it won’t be noticeable. This forgiveness factor makes it ideal for lipstick beginners or those who don’t have the time (or steady hand) for precise application.

How Medieval Compares to Other Cult Lip Products

In my extensive lipstick collection, I have several other products that are often compared to Medieval, and I think it’s worth discussing how they stack up against each other.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is perhaps the most frequent comparison. Both create a sheer, your-lips-but-better effect, but Black Honey leans more berry/brown while Medieval is decidedly a sheer red. I find Medieval more brightening on my complexion, while Black Honey creates a more subdued, ’90s-inspired look.

Dior Lip Glow is another product that aims for that natural enhancement effect. While Lip Glow adapts to your pH to create a personalized pink tint, Medieval gives you that consistent red tone. Lip Glow feels more like a balm with a hint of color, whereas Medieval manages to feel balm-like while delivering more noticeable pigment.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Rosé provides a similar sheer red effect, but with a much more emollient, slippery texture. I find Medieval has better staying power and builds color more effectively, while the Fresh option feels more like a tinted balm than a proper lipstick.

What sets Medieval apart from all these alternatives is its perfect balance of properties. It’s not too sheer to be unnoticeable, not too opaque to be intimidating. It’s moisturizing without being slippery, long-lasting without being drying. In the world of sheer lip colors, Medieval occupies that rare sweet spot where all desirable qualities converge.

Why Medieval Works for Every Skin Tone

One of the most impressive aspects of Medieval is its ability to look good on virtually everyone. I’ve seen it worn by friends with complexions ranging from the fairest porcelain to the deepest ebony, and it somehow manages to complement each person beautifully.

This universal appeal comes down to a few factors. First, the transparency of the formula allows your natural lip color to influence the final result, creating a personalized shade that harmonizes with your individual coloring. Second, the red pigment used has a balanced undertone that doesn’t lean too warm or too cool, making it compatible with all skin undertones.

On fair skin, Medieval creates a striking yet wearable pop of color that brightens the complexion. On medium skin, it enhances natural warmth and creates a healthy-looking flush. On deeper skin tones, it adds a subtle dimension and luminosity to the lips without disappearing or looking ashy.

This versatility makes it an excellent recommendation for anyone who’s intimidated by red lipstick or who has struggled to find their perfect shade. It’s also a fantastic option for gifting, as you don’t need to worry about whether it will suit the recipient’s coloring.

The Cost Analysis: Is Medieval Worth the Price Tag?

At around $25-$30 (depending on where you purchase it), Medieval sits in the mid-range of lipstick pricing—more expensive than drugstore options but less costly than luxury brands. Is it worth the investment? In my opinion, absolutely.

The price per wear has made Medieval one of the most economical beauty purchases I’ve ever made. Because I reach for it so frequently—often several times a week—the cost per application is minimal. Compare this to the numerous bright red lipsticks in my collection that I wear once or twice a year, and Medieval emerges as the clear value winner.

Additionally, a single tube lasts for an impressively long time. Because the formula is sheer, you typically use less product per application than you would with an opaque lipstick. I typically get about a year of regular use from one tube before needing to replace it.

When considering the versatility factor—how it works for different occasions, different looks, and different seasons—the value proposition becomes even stronger. Rather than buying separate lip products for day and evening, casual and formal, summer and winter, Medieval can adapt to all these scenarios.

How to Build a Makeup Look Around Medieval

One of the joys of a versatile lip color like Medieval is how effortlessly it pairs with different makeup looks. Here are some of my favorite ways to style it:

Minimal Daytime Look: Tinted moisturizer, cream blush (I often use Medieval itself as a cheek tint), mascara, and Medieval on the lips. This creates a cohesive, natural look that’s perfect for everyday wear.

Polished Office Look: Light foundation, subtle taupe eyeshadow, thin eyeliner, defined brows, and Medieval built up to a medium intensity. This looks put-together without being overpowering for professional settings.

Evening Elegance: Full foundation, champagne shimmer on the lids, winged liner, lots of mascara, and Medieval built up to its fullest intensity. The lipstick adds sophistication without competing with the eye makeup.

Weekend Casual: Just concealer where needed, cream bronzer, lots of mascara, and a single swipe of Medieval. This effortless combination looks like you tried without actually having to try.

What I love about all these combinations is that Medieval never feels like it’s fighting with the rest of the makeup. It enhances rather than dominates, adding just the right amount of polish to complete each look.

The Psychology of the Perfect Red: Why Medieval Makes Me Feel Confident

There’s something psychologically powerful about wearing red lipstick. Studies have shown that it can make the wearer feel more confident and is often perceived as a sign of competence and authority. But traditional red lipstick can also feel like a commitment—a bold statement that demands attention and a certain level of self-assurance to pull off.

Medieval bridges this gap beautifully. It gives me the confidence boost of wearing red without feeling like I’m shouting for attention. It’s like a secret weapon—I know I’m wearing red lipstick, but it presents to the world as an enhanced version of my natural self rather than a dramatic transformation.

I’ve noticed that on days when I wear Medieval, I stand a little straighter, speak a little more assertively, and generally feel more put together. Yet I never feel self-conscious about it the way I sometimes do with bolder lip colors. There’s a psychological comfort in knowing that it looks natural and flattering, without the worry that it might be on my teeth or smudged outside my lip line.

This confidence-without-anxiety effect is perhaps Medieval’s most valuable quality. It delivers the empowering aspects of a classic red lipstick while eliminating the stress factors that can come with high-maintenance makeup.

When to Choose Medieval (And When to Reach for Something Else)

Despite my obvious devotion to Medieval, I recognize that no single beauty product is perfect for every situation. Here’s my honest assessment of when Medieval shines and when you might want to consider alternatives:

Reach for Medieval when:

• You want a polished look with minimal effort
• You’re unsure what lip color will work with your outfit
• You need a lipstick that won’t need constant touch-ups
• You want a red that’s appropriate for daytime or conservative environments
• Your lips are dry and you can’t bear the thought of a matte formula
• You’re a red lipstick beginner looking for a foolproof option

Consider alternatives when:

• You want a bold, statement-making lip color for photography or special events
• You need extremely long-wearing color that won’t transfer (Medieval will transfer some)
• You prefer a completely matte finish
• You want a very specific shade of red that doesn’t adapt to your natural lip color
• You’re looking for full, opaque coverage to completely change your lip color

I find that Medieval covers about 80% of my lipstick needs, with other formulas filling in specialized situations. It’s my everyday go-to, while I save my high-maintenance reds for occasions when I’m willing to commit to the upkeep they require.

How Medieval Fits into a Minimalist Makeup Collection

In recent years, I’ve been working to streamline my beauty collection, focusing on versatile products that earn their keep. Medieval has been a cornerstone of this minimalist approach. If you’re similarly inclined toward makeup minimalism, Medieval deserves consideration as a collection staple.

In a minimalist makeup kit, each product should ideally serve multiple purposes and work harmoniously with everything else. Medieval excels on both counts. As mentioned earlier, it can double as a cheek tint, eliminating the need for a separate blush. Its neutral-yet-enhancing quality means it coordinates with any eye look, from bare lids to smoky eyes.

For those building a capsule makeup collection, I’d suggest Medieval as the perfect “in-between” lip color—more polished than a clear balm but less demanding than a bold lipstick. Paired with a clear gloss for more casual days and a true red for special occasions, it forms part of a complete but concise lip wardrobe.

Where to Buy Medieval and What to Look Out For

Lipstick Queen Medieval is widely available at Ulta, Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Amazon, and various other retailers. The price typically ranges from $25-$30 depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

When purchasing, there are a few things to be aware of. First, make sure you’re buying from an authorized retailer to avoid counterfeits, which unfortunately do exist for popular makeup items. The packaging should feature the distinctive medieval-inspired design with a deep burgundy tube.

Occasionally, you might find Medieval included in holiday sets or value bundles from Lipstick Queen, which can offer good value if you’re interested in trying other products from the brand. I’ve also sometimes spotted it in beauty subscription boxes, which can be a more affordable way to try it for the first time.

One thing to note is that Medieval has remarkably consistent quality across batches—I’ve purchased multiple tubes over the years and have never encountered significant variation in color or formula. This consistency is refreshing in a beauty world where reformulations and quality control issues are not uncommon.

The Bottom Line: Why Medieval Deserves a Place in Your Makeup Bag

After years of daily use and dozens of compliments received, I can confidently say that Lipstick Queen Medieval is the rare beauty product that actually lives up to its cult status. Its unique formula, versatile color, and user-friendly application make it stand out in an oversaturated lipstick market.

What I value most about Medieval is how it simplifies my beauty routine without sacrificing the put-together feeling that makeup can provide. It’s the lipstick equivalent of a capsule wardrobe—thoughtfully designed to work in multiple contexts while maintaining its distinctive character.

If you’re hesitant about red lipstick, intimidated by application techniques, or simply tired of high-maintenance beauty products, Medieval offers a refreshing alternative. It delivers the essence of what makes red lipstick iconic—confidence, polish, timeless appeal—without the traditional drawbacks.

And if, like me, you find yourself reaching for it day after day, don’t be surprised. There’s something almost addictive about finding a beauty product that enhances rather than masks, that works with your natural features rather than against them. Medieval has mastered this balance, creating a product that feels both special and effortless—a rare combination in the beauty world and a worthy addition to any makeup collection.

Whether you’re a makeup minimalist, a beauty enthusiast, or someone who just wants to look polished without much effort, Medieval offers something valuable. In a world of fleeting beauty trends and endless new releases, it stands as a testament to the power of a truly well-designed product—one that transcends trends and continues to earn devoted fans year after year.

I may have been late to discover this gem, but I’m certainly making up for lost time now. Medieval has earned its permanent place in my makeup bag, and I suspect it might just earn one in yours too.