21 Burgundy Techniques for Dramatic, Wine-Inspired Color

The Allure of the Vine: Understanding Burgundy’s Depth

Before diving into techniques, it’s crucial to understand what sets burgundy apart. Unlike a primary red, burgundy is a complex, low-chroma color created by mixing red with hints of blue and brown. This gives it its characteristic depth and somber richness. It can lean cool (with more blue, think merlot) or warm (with more brown, think oxblood). Recognizing this undertone is the first secret to using it successfully. A cool burgundy pairs beautifully with grays and jewel tones, while a warm burgundy complements creams, golds, and earthy greens.

For the Face: Makeup Techniques in Rich Hues

Burgundy makeup is far from one-note. It can be smoky, romantic, edgy, or classic, depending on application.

1. The Smoky Wine Eye: Ditch the basic black. Use a matte burgundy shadow in the crease, blending a deeper plum or chocolate brown into the outer V. Highlight the inner corner with a shimmery champagne for a multidimensional, sultry look.

2. Burgundy Eyeliner Accent: Swap your standard liner for a burgundy pencil or liquid formula. It’s unexpectedly flattering on all eye colors, especially making greens and hazels pop, and is less harsh than black for daytime.

3. Gradient Lip Art: Create a stunning ombré lip by applying a deep burgundy at the outer corners and blending a brighter berry or true red toward the center. This adds incredible volume and drama.

4. Blush as Contour: For deeper skin tones, a matte burgundy blush can act as a beautiful, natural-looking contour, adding warmth and definition without grayness.

5. Monochromatic Moment: Use a single burgundy cream pigment lightly blended on eyes, cheeks, and lips for a cohesive, modern, and artistically flushed appearance.

For the Crown: Hair Color Transformations

Burgundy hair is a commitment to glamour. The key is choosing the right shade for your base and maintaining its vibrancy.

6. Balayage with a Twist: Ask your colorist for burgundy balayage pieces over a dark brown base. This creates soft, dimensional ribbons of color that are low-maintenance and grow out gracefully.

7. Shadow Root Perfection: To avoid harsh regrowth, opt for a burgundy dye job with a darker (even black) root shadow. This adds rock ‘n’ roll edge and makes upkeep much easier.

8. Burgundy Underlights: For a hidden surprise, color the underlayer of your hair burgundy. It’s a subtle yet striking reveal when you wear your hair up or in a ponytail.

9. Color-Depositing Maintenance: Essential for longevity. Use a burgundy color-depositing shampoo or mask once a week to combat fading and keep the tone rich and wine-dark.

10. Temporary Spray Play: Test the waters with temporary burgundy hair spray or wax for festivals or a single night out, without the long-term commitment.

For the Body: Fashion and Wardrobe Wisdom

Incorporating burgundy into your wardrobe is an exercise in sophisticated style. It’s a neutral in its own right for fall and winter.

11. The Power Suit Alternative: Choose a burgundy blazer or full suit instead of navy or black. It commands attention while radiating confidence and approachable authority.

12. Leather Luxe: A burgundy leather jacket, skirt, or bag is an instant classic. It has all the cool factor of black but feels more unique and rich.

13. Texture Mixing: Elevate your outfit by pairing different burgundy textures together: a cable-knit burgundy sweater with a sleek burgundy satin skirt creates depth and interest.

14. Pop of Shoe: One of the easiest entry points. Burgundy heels, loafers, or boots add a polished, colorful anchor to neutral outfits of denim, gray, black, or camel.

15. Jewelry in Hue: Look for statement jewelry in burgundy stones like garnet, red jasper, or dyed howlite. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to tie the theme together.

For the Home: Interior Design with Depth

In interior design, burgundy creates spaces that feel both intimate and grand. The trick is balance.

16. Accent Wall Alchemy: Paint a single wall in a matte, deep burgundy. This immediately creates a focal point, perfect for a dining room, study, or bedroom headboard wall, making the space feel cozy and enveloping.

17. Velvet Embrace: Invest in a burgundy velvet sofa, armchair, or set of cushions. The fabric’s light-catching quality interacts beautifully with the deep color, adding luxury and tactile comfort.

18. Kitchen Cabinetry Drama: For the bold, consider burgundy (or a very deep berry) for kitchen cabinets. Paired with brass hardware and marble or wood countertops, it’s utterly breathtaking and timeless.

19. Layered Textiles: Introduce the color through layers: a burgundy wool throw over a neutral sofa, a patterned rug with burgundy threads, and linen curtains in a lighter wine shade.

20. Artful Curation: Use art as your color source. A large painting featuring burgundy tones allows you to keep walls and large furniture neutral while still capturing the dramatic mood.

21. Lighting for Mood: The color changes dramatically with light. Use warm-golden bulbs to enhance its warmth, or cooler lights to bring out its blue undertones. A burgundy stained glass lamp or shade will cast a gorgeous, rosy glow.

Blending Your Palette: Final Tips for Mastery

As you experiment with these 21 techniques, remember the unifying principles of working with burgundy: start small, mind the undertone, and embrace contrast. This color sings when paired with metallics (gold, brass, copper), crisp whites, warm neutrals (camel, taupe), and certain greens (sage, olive). It also creates a stunning, analogous palette with other deep tones like navy, plum, and forest green.

Most importantly, have fun. Burgundy is a color of passion and depth, inviting you to explore your own dramatic side. Whether you choose a single burgundy eyeliner or commit to a wine-dark feature wall, you’re tapping into a centuries-old tradition of richness and refinement. So go ahead, uncork your creativity, and let the deep, dramatic, and inspiring world of burgundy transform your look and your space.