As I settle into the last chunk of 2019 I find it fun to think about all the great historical romance titles I’ve read this year. From reformed rakes to dukes in disguise to smarty scientists, there have been so many beautiful stories this year! So I decided to do a roundup of some of my favorite titles and add an extra layer of enjoyment with lip colors inspired by their book covers.
Most of these titles are Regency or Victorian romances, because they have some of the flashiest colors on their covers. But 2019 has held many other great historical stories in the Gilded Age, the American Civil War and more, so never fear…there are PLENTY more titles to explore beyond the handful that sparked my makeup inspiration!
Without further ado, let’s get the ball rolling with some luscious lipsticks and love stories!
Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas and Sugarpill Metallic Lipstick in Gold
I don’t think I’m alone in my conviction that so far West Ravenal is the BEST Ravenal in this Lisa Kleypas series. I was champing at the bit to get to this story in February, because it combines a fan-favorite Ravenals character with the daughter of a fan-favorite Wallflowers couple. Sparks were bound to fly, and I was not disappointed!
Speaking of sparks flying, why not add some super duper sparkle to your beauty routine with this glittering gold liquid lipstick? This show stopping lip color will add a pop of panache that will turn heads in the best way!
A Duke in Disguise by Cat Sebastian and L’Oréal Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Luminous Coral
I’ve positively inhaled Cat Sebastian’s other stories, and was excited to see what the pairing in this book would be like. This couple is beautiful because they’re smart, caring, radical and subvert the expectation that a Duke is the best thing to be in a historical romance. I was thoroughly smitten by their story!
I’ve chosen a coral lipstick by L’Oréal to complement the coral-y pink dress that Verity wears on the cover of this book. It’s feminine and feisty all at once—just like our heroine!
Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean and Manic Panic Atomic Turquoise Lipstick
This summer kicked of “The Year of Hattie” in Sarah MacLean’s latest entry to the Bareknuckle Bastards series. Hattie is one of my favorite heroines of the year because her arc is all about refusing to wait til others say she can live the life she wants—it’s time for her to reach out and take it for herself! It’s also one of my favorite covers for any romance in 2019 because it features a curvy heroine owning the photo in a splash of gorgeous blue.
Speaking of doing what you want no matter what others say is right for you…doesn’t this cover make you want to be bold? Maybe it’s time to take a risk and wear a bright blue lipstick like Manic Panic’s Atomic Turquoise! You’ve gotta admit, it would be pretty brazen (which is entirely the point)!
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite and Maybelline Super Stay Lip Ink in Pioneer
This book is special for so many reasons, including the fact that it was The Ripped Bodice’s Great Big Romance Read pick! It’s no secret that romances between two women don’t always get the love they deserve in the greater romance community, so it’s a joy to have this book in the spotlight! Furthermore, this book does what I love most in a historical read—it makes room for recognizing marginalized folks in the past (Lady Scientists! Regency Lesbians!) while encouraging readers to view the current world differently, too (Feminine arts like sewing are valid and important!).
A lush red cover like this deserves a lush red lip to go with it. I recommend Maybelline’s Super Stay Lip Ink in Pioneer because it’ll keep the va-va-voom color going allllll day!
The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare and Luscious Cosmetics Lipstick in Temptation
Tessa Dare was the first historical romance author whose books hit home for me, so she’ll forever hold a place in my heart! This book’s main character, Penelope, has an enormous heart for wounded and unloved animals and she extends the same loving care to her hero, Gabriel Duke. As with any Dare novel, there are big feelings and big laughs along the way!
Since Penelope is dressed in a soft, petal-pink gown, I thought this particular lip color would match up quite well. But—more importantly—it’s vegan! Penelope wouldn’t want it any other way!
I hope this roundup provides some beauty inspiration and book inspiration for you! And if you have any other favorite historical books from 2019, let us know about ‘em at @onfrolic!
