Every July 29, beauty lovers around the world celebrate National Lipstick Day, and this year, the spotlight is on a true icon, the signature ¡HOLA! red. It's bold. It's timeless. It's the red that turns heads without screaming for attention. And thanks to a bit of help from a top lipstick chemist, we've cracked the code on exactly how to recreate it.
We're talking about the exact formula, down to the pigment ratio. Whether you're a lipstick obsessive, a makeup minimalist with one power lip color, or a beauty brand dreaming of launching a best-selling shade, this is the red you need in your life.
© Getty ImagesLet's dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into crafting the perfect satin-finish red lipstick, and how you can get your hands on the iconic ¡HOLA! red.
First, Why Red Lipstick Still Rules the World
Red lipstick has been a beauty power move for decades — from Marilyn Monroe to Rihanna. It signals confidence, elegance, and a touch of rebellion. But not all reds are created equal. Some are too cool, some too warm, and some too matte or glossy to wear daily.
The ¡HOLA! red hits that sweet spot: bold, wearable, and perfectly balanced between classic glamour and modern chic. Its secret weapon is not just the color but also the texture and undertone, which elevate this red into icon status.
The Satin Finish: Why It Matters
This isn't your high-shine gloss or your ultra-matte liquid lipstick. A satin finish is what you get when you want a luxurious, smooth feel with a soft-focus sheen. It glides on easily, gives your lips a hydrated look, and stays put without caking or cracking.
© Getty ImagesThe Exact Formula: R² 1 + Saffron 0.5
We tapped into the expertise of a professional LIP LAB chemist, who gave us the exact breakdown:
- R² (R Squared) – 1 part: This is the base red pigment that gives the lipstick its true, punchy red depth. It's a high-saturation, blue-red pigment that makes teeth look whiter and skin tones glow no matter your undertone.
- Saffron – 0.5 part: This rich golden-orange pigment warms up the red, giving it that slightly sun-kissed finish. It keeps the red from feeling too cold or too stark, making it universally flattering.
Together, R² 1 + Saffron 0.5 creates a perfectly balanced satin red, not too bright, not too deep, not too orange or pink. Just classic red, but with an edge.
How the Lip Lab Chemist Nailed It
Creating this formula isn't as simple as mixing colors. A lot goes into making sure the lipstick doesn't just look good, but feels good and wears well.
Here's what the chemist focused on:
- Pigment dispersion: Ensuring the red and saffron pigments blend seamlessly without streaks.
- Base oils and waxes: To create that buttery satin texture that melts onto the lips.
- Color fastness: So the red stays true all day without fading to fuchsia or orange.
- Skin tone testing: Making sure the formula looked amazing across a wide range of undertones and complexions.
The result is a custom-formulated masterpiece that can easily rival any luxury red lipstick on the market, and now you know exactly how to replicate it.
© Getty ImagesHow to Recreate ¡HOLA! Red Yourself
Enjoy a fun day with your bestie and visit a custom lip lab popping up in major cities. You can ask your technician to mix: 1 part R² red pigment with 0.5 part saffron pigment, in a satin-finish base.
Or, if you're working with your DIY lip kit at home, look for primary red and warm orange-gold tones, and follow the 2:1 ratio (two scoops red, one scoop saffron) to start experimenting.
Want to personalize it even more? Ask for a hint of vanilla or rose scent.
The Final Swipe
National Lipstick Day isn't just about celebrating a makeup product; it's about celebrating expression, confidence, and creativity. And there's nothing more empowering than swiping on the perfect red.
© Getty ImagesNow that you know the exact formula for ¡HOLA! 's red, maybe it's time to create your own. Or better yet, wear it proudly knowing you've got one of the most iconic reds ever created, made by science, approved by editors, and ready to rule your makeup bag.
Happy National Lipstick Day!
