“There are too many red shades in the Lip Monster line, I can’t choose!” “What exactly is the difference between the popular ‘Pink Banana’ and the new limited shade?”
If you’ve ever had these questions, this guide is for you!
Today, I’m picking the top 3 “Red/Pink” shades from my 10-lipstick collection that will brighten your complexion instantly.
The Lineup:
- 02 Pink Banana (Classic Pink Beige / Standard Line)
- EX-9 Senritsu no Kisho (Deep Red / 2025 Limited)
- G02 Pink Moon no Shizuku (Clear Pink / Tsuyaverse Series)
Standard favorites vs. Limited editions… they might look similar in the tube, but on the lips, they are completely different! Let’s review them with swatch comparisons.
1. The Royal Road to Popularity! “02 Pink Banana”
- Vibe: Mellow pink with a healthy flush.
- Finish: An exquisite pink that melts into the skin.
~ Start here! The perfectly balanced color ~ Just like its name “Pink Banana,” this is a neutral classic that balances the yellow and blue tones of pink perfectly.
- Universal Tone: The balance is god-tier. It works for both Yellow Base (Warm Tone) and Blue Base (Cool Tone) skin types.
- Brightens the Face: The color is vivid and bright, giving you an energetic “healthy look” in just one swipe.
- Adjustable: Apply heavily for an “Idol-level cute” look, or lightly for office makeup. It changes based on how much you layer.
My Take: As a Warm Autumn type who usually prefers deep colors, this is the brightest shade I own! If I apply too much, it can float a bit on my lips, so I prefer a quick, single coat to blend it in naturally.
2. 2025 Limited “EX-9 Senritsu no Kisho” (Trembling Joy)
- Vibe: Deep red with a stylish “Mode” impression.
- Finish: A deep red that tightens your expression in one stroke.
~ For days when you want a mature Deep Red ~ This is a limited shade released in Summer 2025. At first glance, it looks “quite red,” but once applied, it settles into a surprisingly deep, skin-blending red.
- Sophisticated: If 02 Pink Banana feels a bit too cute or young for you, this offers the perfect amount of “calmness.”
- Skin Brightening: The contrast of the red makes the skin look clearer and fairer.
- “Pon-Pon” Application: If you dab it on lightly with your finger (pon-pon), it creates a natural “blooming from within” flush.
Recommendation: If standard shades like “07 Las Boss” or “01 Yokubo no Katamari” feel too blue/cool-toned for you, I highly recommend this neutral red.
3. Bonus: Tsuyaverse “G02 Pink Moon no Shizuku” (Pink Moon Droplet)
- Vibe: Melting Coral Pink.
- Finish: Rich, melting gloss with “Mucous Membrane” (Nenmaku) pink color.
~ Perfect for dates! Cunningly cute, watery lips ~ Finally, a totally different texture from the stick types: the “Tsuyaverse” (High Gloss) series. This is the brightest, clearest pink of the bunch.
- Overwhelming Gloss: You don’t need lip gloss. This gives you distinctively plump, jelly-like lips.
- Pure Color: It lets your natural lip color show through, so it doesn’t look like “heavy makeup.” Very natural.
- Moisturizing: It feels as hydrating as a lip balm.
Pro Tip: Since the pigment is sheer, I recommend applying 02 Pink Banana first, then layering this G02 just in the center of your lips for a dimension boost!
Summary: Which Red is for you?
💄 Choose “02 Pink Banana” if:
- You want a fail-safe first lipstick.
- You want one stick that works for both office and weekends.
- You want to look bright and energetic.
💄 Choose “EX-9 Senritsu no Kisho” if:
- 02 feels a bit lacking and you want a distinct color.
- You want a shade for Autumn/Winter or to match mature outfits.
- You want a red lip that feels “proper” and polite.
💄 Choose “G02 Pink Moon no Shizuku” if:
- You value Gloss & Moisture over long-lasting color stain.
- You prefer “Natural Makeup” or the “No-Makeup” look.
- You want maximum cuteness for a date.
Red-toned lips have the power to brighten your mood just by wearing them! Limited colors often sell out fast in Japan, so if you see EX-9, grab it while you can!
(Check out my other articles comparing the “Beige” and “Dark” Lip Monster shades if you prefer calmer colors!)
📝 J-Beauty Vocabulary Note
- Nenmaku Lip (粘膜リップ): Literally “Mucous Membrane Lip.” It refers to a shade that closely mimics the natural, fleshy pink color of the inside of your lips. It’s a huge trend for a natural, sexy look.
- Pon-Pon Nuri (ポンポン塗り): Applying lipstick by dabbing it gently with a finger rather than sliding the stick across the lips.
- Kichinto-kan (きちんと感): A “proper” or “put-together” look suitable for work or formal situations.
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