The 17 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone, Tested and Reviewed by Editors
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Updated August 2: This article on the best red lipstick was updated with firsthand testing review notes, as well as new product picks and additional expert advice on choosing the right red lipstick for your skin tone.
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There’s nothing that pulls your look together quite like red lipstick. While popular lipstick shades come and go, the best red lipsticks are some of the most enduring beauty products. In fact, some are so iconic that you know them by name alone — Ruby Woo, Russian Red, Fire and Ice, and Dior 999.
Although red lipstick can be traced back centuries, they’re still as relevant as ever today. Not only just relevant, but downright trending: A red pout was seen all over fall runways, making it a popular shade to wear well into 2024. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, who’s constantly spotted with a red lip (allegedly Pat McGrath’s Liquilust in Elson 4), are also contributing to the popularity of this makeup bag essential. Makeup aside, burgundy red continues to be a top color trend for 2024, most notably seen in Gucci’s Rosso Ancora collection that recently expanded to include a lipstick in the lust-worthy shade.
“I think red lipstick never goes out of style because it is so classic and glamorous,” says makeup artist Dom Della. “The look has been seen on iconic celebrities for centuries, and every person looks good wearing a red lip — it can elevate any look to make it sophisticated and chic,” she adds. Not only does it add a pop of color, but red lipstick easily adds a level of style to your makeup look in mere seconds — the tricky part is choosing the best red lip for your look.
Red lipsticks are a vast category though, covering thousands of shades and formula variations. Warm reds, which tend to have orange-red hues, and cool reds, likely blue-toned red lipsticks, look entirely different once swiped on, which is why it’s helpful to understand your undertones for the most flattering shade. The formula of a lipstick also has a big impact on the look of your red lip. From liquid lipsticks to more traditional creams in a bullet, one of the main benefits of formulas is versatility. For example, if you prefer a last-all-day formula, consider liquid lipsticks (famed for their staying power), but if a hydrating feel is more important, try a cream formula. Lipstick finishes also affect the look of your red lip in a major way, whether you choose a matte, satin, or radiant finish. Matte can give a bold, striking appearance, while satin adds a hint of moisture, and a radiant finish lipstick imparts a luminous shine.
Not sure which red lipstick is right for you? We asked some of the top makeup artists, including Terri Bryant, Nikki DeRoest, the aforementioned Della, and Colby Smith for their best lipstick picks, as well as tricks for finding the perfect red and application tips. From arguably the most famous red lipsticks to newcomers worth knowing about, these are the 15 best red lipsticks we tested and reviewed to add to your beauty lineup now.
Best Red Lipsticks 2024
Editor’s Choice: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in 999
Editor’s Choice: Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Matte in Ruby Woo
Editor’s Choice: Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Lipstick in 509 Rosso Ancora
Best Drugstore Option: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice
Best for Fair Skin: Nars Iconic Lipstick in Bad Reputation
Best for Dark Skin: Byredo Lipstick in Mad Red
Best Long-Lasting Formula: Pound Cake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet
Best Brick Red: Armani Beauty Lip Power in Sultan
Best for Olive Skin: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Alicia
Best Matte Red: Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson 2
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Red Lipsticks
Selecting one best overall red lipstick was simply not a choice: It’s a makeup category full of all-star shades and formulations, and what works best for one person may not be the gold-standard pick for another. That said, certain formulas are superlative for different skin tones and results — maybe you only wear matte or perhaps you lean towards cool reds versus warm-toned ones. Our editors spent hours researching and testing the red lipstick category to narrow down this list of the 17 best red lipsticks. After multiple rounds of testing, we’ve dubbed the below the top three red lipsticks for their sophisticated shades, impressive comfort, and statement-making color payoff.
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in 999: Our vote for the most flattering red lipstick goes to Dior’s iconic 999 shade. This particular red is rumored to be the lip color worn on Christian Dior’s first runway in 1947, and it’s continued to remain relevant for today’s tastes (as recently seen on Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence). It’s a striking true red shade that feels classic and a little moody. This is the red lipstick you’ll reach for when you want your lips to do the talking — you really don’t need much beyond a skin tint and a swipe of mascara to look pulled together when you’re wearing this iconic shade.
Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Matte in Ruby Woo: Red shades with blue undertones are regarded as the easiest red lipsticks to wear — those cool undertones make your pearly whites look brighter (where warm-toned reds can draw attention to yellowing in the teeth). But that’s not the only reason to love Ruby Woo. Compared to red lipsticks with a similarly long wear time, this lipstick feels ultra-creamy when you swipe it on, making it comfortable to apply touch ups during a long period of wear.
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Lipstick in 509 Rosso Ancora: An icon in the making, Gucci’s new red lipstick is for beauty lovers who want a red lip that feels uniquely on-trend. It’s done in the house’s now-signature Rosso Ancora shade, a rich burgundy red that adds intrigue on any skin tone. It comes in a matte formula that’s not drying, and it’s so intensely pigmented that you only need two swipes for a flawless, opaque red lip.
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EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in 999
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte
Special features: Transfer proof
$45
$45
Dior 999 is said to be inspired by the lip color worn at the first-ever Christian Dior runway show in 1947. The bright cherry red hue might not look universally flattering at first glance, yet somehow the multifaceted shade manages to look good on everyone. Many testers note the shade is particularly flattering on darker skin tones, too. Also worth celebrating is the brand’s transfer-proof formula.
The lipstick went viral in recent years, with over 385 million TikTok views in awe of its budge-proof nature. The unique lipstick applies creamy like a lip balm, but is designed to set, allowing the formula to dry down to a matte, ultra-pigmented appearance in just three minutes. The brand notes the lipstick can last up to 16 hours, yet was formulated to feel weightless.
What testers say: “999 is an absolutely beautiful, true blue-red. I’ve tried SO many red lipsticks and this is my new favorite. Applies smoothly with no feathering…The case looks and feels elegant; a little luxury.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Matte in Ruby Woo
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Famously iconic shade
$23
$23
You can’t talk about red lipsticks without including the creator of cult-status lipsticks: MAC and its iconic Ruby Woo shade. The all-time bestselling lipstick features an intense, opaque color and a completely matte finish. It’s so popular that Mac Cosmetics says it sells four Ruby Woo lipsticks per minute worldwide. The iconic, blue-red shade was created in 1999 after an artist tweaked the tone of the brand’s Russian Red formula to make it more universally flattering. It’s also gone viral on TikTok numerous times, with #RubyWoo viewed over 31 million times. The iconic shade is always in Bryant’s kit. “I have relied on it countless times to always deliver a gorgeous, elevated red lip,” she says.
The brand’s other iconic shade Russian Red is also worth celebrating. Custom made for Madonna for her Blonde Ambition Tour in 1990, the shade is still one of their bestsellers today with renewed popularity as a TikTok-famous beauty product.
What testers say: “This is a bright, bold and beautiful lipstick. Like most lipsticks, it still eventually comes off and you have to reapply, but it is a fun color and I get tons of compliments!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $23
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Lipstick in 509 Rosso Ancora
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte
Special features: Comes in a color-coordinated bullet
$47
Burgundy red is trending in fashion, home, and beauty in large part due to Sabato de Sarno’s spring 2024 Gucci Rosso Ancora collection. The Gucci Rouge lipstick — de Sarno’s first for Gucci — is a great entry point to the iconic color delivering the tone in a richly-pigmented matte formula that our testers were able to wear for three hours without touch ups. This top red lipstick is lightly scented with a floral fragrance that invites reapplication, and because of the depth of the shade, you don’t need much makeup to compliment the tone. Consider a chunky lash look mascara and a touch of bronzer, and you’re set.
Our editors independently ordered Gucci’s red lipstick to put it to the test; when you shop this lipstick online, you can choose from three different packaging options (this writer went with the monogrammed canvas mini tote bag).
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
BEST HIGH-SHINE RED LIPSTICK
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Ultime
Formula: Cream
Finish: Radiant
Special features: Hydrating formula
$48
If you’re partial to a high shine red lipstick, Chanel’s Coco Flash lipstick is for you. The pigmented formula delivers a dose of color, shine, and hydration in just a few swipes. Not only is the finish shiny, but the texture is infused with hydrating oils that add a comfortable slip to the lips. The red shades are all hypnotic, but Ultime is classically candy apple red and deeply flattering. This high-shine lipstick offers the perfect show-stopping pop of color that makes you instantly look pulled together, even if it’s the only makeup on your face. Reviewers note the hues are more sheer than opaque, which is perfect for those who prefer just a wash of color.
What testers say: “It glides on like butter and stays on my lips until lunch, even after drinking.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Lipstick in Amour Fou
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
Special features: This lipstick was in development for over a year
$31
$31
Created by renowned makeup artist Violette, Petal Bouche lipstick is your ticket to an effortless French girl red lip. Violette herself hails from Paris, and the shade is directly inspired by a red-black rose the Guerlain creative director eyed at Jardin Bagatelle in the City of Light. The shade’s velvety matte formulation creates a contoured effect on the lips that reads like you spent an hour perfecting your red lip — liner and all — even if you just apply two coats of color. Beyond that, the formulation impressed our testers with its ability to stay put for four hours of talking, snacking, and sipping. Consider it the leather jacket of red lipsticks; it’s timeless and adds that je ne sais quoi to your look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $31
BEST DRUGSTORE RED LIPSTICK
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Historic shade
$7.95
$10.49
The myth, the legend, the Fire and Ice. Revlon’s Super Lustrous lipstick in Fire and Ice is one of the most iconic lip colors that has stood the test of time (since 1952 to be precise). According to the brand, the shade is so popular that it’s currently the bestselling drugstore lipstick in America. Revlon’s Super Lustrous lipstick collection is incredibly popular as a whole too, and for good reason — with over 50 shades and five finishes including matte, crème, pearl, sheer, and gloss. The lipstick seems to fly off shelves because, as testers note, it offers high color payoff and wears comfortably. Fire and Ice has warm, orange tones, making it an especially great option for those with warmer undertones and fair skin.
What testers say: “I’ve never felt so ladylike and classic until I got these and I love that some of the shades have been around for more than half a century. This has convinced me to never buy an expensive lippie again.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.95
BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR FAIR SKIN
Nars Iconic Lipstick in Bad Reputation
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Includes botanical oils for hydration
$26
Nars Iconic lipsticks have recently been updated to be more conditioning and lip-healing, but the range of shades are still just as bold and vibrant as ever. The lipsticks now feature a blend of moringa and passion fruit seed oils for an impossibly silky, lightweight feel that hydrates lips. The bright strawberry red shade of Bad Reputation is particularly flattering for fair skin and has a satin finish that glides on effortlessly. Nars makes great lipsticks, which makes sense — it’s the first product the brand developed. Founded by high-fashion editorial makeup artist and photographer Fran?ois Nars in 1994, the brand began with 12 lipsticks sold exclusively at Barneys New York. In 2000, Shiseido Cosmetics acquired Nars, helping to infuse the formulas with more skincare ingredients and knowledge — which is why the lipsticks are deeply moisturizing.
What testers say: “I love NARS lipsticks, and this one does not disappoint. Color lasts for hours, and does not dry lips at all.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR DARK SKIN
Byredo Lipstick in Mad Red
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Lightweight feel
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bergdorf Goodman Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
$50
$50
While merely just a few years into its foray into makeup, Byredo is already cementing its unique hold within the beauty industry. The brand, founded in 2006 by Ben Gorham, is famous for its bold and complex perfumes for women and colognes for men. But it’s quickly becoming known for its wonderfully unique and unexpected makeup formulas and finishes, too. The lipstick is already a go-to among beauty editors for its vibrant raspberry red hue and universally flattering tone. I find myself reflexively reaching for the chic tube before heading out to dinner, knowing I can swipe it on with ease at the table (sans mirror!) for a bright pop of color. The velvety satin finish lipstick is vegan, as are all Byredo cosmetics, and glides on satisfyingly easy for an on-the-go, full-coverage lip. Plus, the bi-color metal packaging is an objet d’art all of its own.
What testers say: “The texture is perfect, creamy, silky, and long-lasting.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR BEGINNERS
Bobbi Brown Luxe Defining Lipstick in Redefined
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte
Special features: Easy to apply
$41
$41
“My favorite reds are from Bobbi Brown, as they have great color payoff and shades,” DeRoest says. Lately, she’s been loving the brand’s Luxe Defining lipstick in the shade Redefined, explaining that it’s great for beginners and professionals alike. “The shape is more like a large pencil with a pointed tip, so it’s much easier to get precision, which is so important for red lipstick application,” she says. Testers agree that the liner-meets-lipstick applicator and formula make perfecting the red lip a breeze. Plus, the color payoff with this matte lipstick is instantly bold with just a single swipe. DeRoest describes this hue as a “true red” and flattering on many cool-hued skin tones.
What testers say: “The easiest lipstick to apply perfectly, the color is excellent, and it lasts. Probably the best lipstick I’ve ever used.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $41
BEST VEGAN RED LIPSTICK
Hourglass Confession Lipstick Red 0
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Vegan
$39
$39
Carmine is the industry’s standard red pigment, produced from crushed female insects. (In fact, there are about 70,000 insects in one pound of carmine, resulting in as many as 1,000 insects in a single traditional lipstick.) Hourglass is proudly vegan and has perfected a pigment alternative that flawlessly mimics the saturated, true red hue associated with carmine. The patent-pending Red 0 delivers a creamy red color payoff that looks and feels even better than the old standard lipsticks. An ultra-slim tube makes straight-from-the-bullet application more precise and easier than ever. Plus, the lipstick is refillable to reduce waste, working with any of the Confession Lipstick Refills.
What testers say: “This is the most perfect red lipstick I’ve ever used. I bought it initially just to help support the vegan mission but ended up shoving aside all my other red lipsticks. Long-lasting and perfect color.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39
BEST LONG LASTING RED LIPSTICK
Pound Cake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Satin
Special features: Avocado oil and vitamin E for hydration
$24
$24
Some brands say their shades of red lipsticks are universally flattering, but Pound Cake rejects that idea, instead believing that “everyone is owed a product that was made for their unique skin and lip tone,” according to the brand. Each incredibly opaque shade is designed to celebrate a specific skin tone. The hues are worth the best red lipstick award alone, but it’s the formula that secures its place as the best long-lasting red lipstick. The semi-matte liquid lipsticks dry down for lasting coverage (the label says you can expect each application to last between 7 to 8 hours), but the formula is also infused with nourishing avocado and vitamin E oils, so it doesn’t leave lips thirsty for balms or lip masks. Additionally, the vegan lipsticks are infused with a “vanilla icing” scent and flavor, making the brand name oh-so-appropriate. Testers can’t get enough of this thoughtful, groundbreaking brand, with many noting they’ve been unable to find a flattering hue of red until now.
What testers say: “The color is so beautiful — I never thought I’d be able to find a red that worked for me but also lasted on my lips with a single application. I talked, ate, drank, checked the mirror, and it was still there!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
BEST BRIGHT RED LIPSTICK
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
Special features: Whipped texture
$20
This Selena Gomez-created liquid lipstick is an anomaly. The Lip Soufflé, as the name hints, has a whipped, weightless texture that stays on all day, yet is hydrating and softening. The velvet matte, bright red Inspire hue is Gomez’s favorite and flatters not only her gorgeous olive skin tone, but also an impressively wide array of fair to ebony skin tones. It applies softly, giving a blurred lip effect, and dries down quickly for a lightweight feel. Still, lips stay nourished thanks to vitamin E and botanical oils. The brand, while only founded in 2019, has nine billion views on TikTok, with hoards of fans singing its praises for the bold color payoff and thoughtful formulas.
What testers say: “Love this formula, everything about it is amazing. My personal favorite liquid lipstick.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
BEST BRICK RED LIPSTICK
Armani Beauty Lip Power in Sultan
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Silky texture
$45
$45
$38.25 $45 15% off
Designed to be more comfortable for long wear than standard lipsticks, Armani’s Lip Power formula has a handful of oils that make it glide on smoothly and feel hydrating for hours. In consumer tests conducted by the brand, 90 percent of users said the formula felt comfortable while wearing. The slim, pear-shaped bullet also makes applying this best red lipstick much more precise and foolproof, and the satin-finish formula delivers opaque coverage in just a swipe or two. Lip Power comes in over 20 shades, with the red tones, like Sultan, being especially vibrant. The brick red lipstick is particularly flattering for warmer skin tones, as well as darker complexions, too. Reviewers note that it’s not as long-lasting as other lipsticks on this list, but all the more reason to take the sleek packaging out and reapply the formula during your coffee break.
What testers say: “I am obsessed with the formulation and pigmentation in this lipstick. Love love love!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
BEST RED LIPSTICK FOR OLIVE SKIN
Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick in Alicia
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte
Special features: Vegan formula
$26
Recreate Mario Dedivanovic’s viral Lip Lift technique for fuller, lifted lips with this Ultra Suede lipstick. The renowned celebrity makeup artist launched his namesake beauty brand in 2020 with a collection of products designed to recreate his signature techniques. Formulated to be comfortable above all, the non-drying lipstick features botanical oils to moisturize and soften lips (the brand describes the feel as “super-sensorial” with an “addictive glide”). Della loves the Makeup by Mario lipsticks and the shade Alicia. “I love the formula and how pigmented the lipstick is,” she explains. Dedivanovic himself describes the hue Alicia as a “bright yellow red” and the shade will be especially flattering on warmer skin tones and olive skin.
What testers say: “I’m a huge lipstick junkie, and this lipstick is DIVINE. It’s lighter than air, gorgeously pigmented, great for overdrawing, not drying or cracked, and can last through some of my slurpiest meals.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
BEST MATTE RED LIPSTICK
Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson 2
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte
Special features: Richly pigmented
$39
$39
From the genius mind of legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, the MatteTrance lipstick is a revelation in a tube. The brand’s liquid lipstick recently became an internet sensation when it was revealed that Taylor Swift uses the blue-hued red LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in the shade Elson 4 (a color that is now, understandably, sold out). But the brand’s lipstick in Elson 2 is a nearly identical match to Elson 4, in the convenience of a richly pigmented bullet, which provides “opulently opaque color” (notes the brand). The matte lipstick is famed for its deep saturation, and Smith agrees. “It’s one swipe and done,” he says, noting the pigment gives full coverage in one stroke. “Plus, the formula is cushiony but matte.”
What testers say: “I am so impressed by the formula, very soft and creamy. I ate dinner and saw that it did transfer to the glass, but when I checked my lips they still looked gorgeous as if nothing happened. I am in love.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $39
BEST RED LIPSTICK COMPACT
Fara Homidi Essential Lip Compact
Formula: Cream
Finish: Sheer to matte
Special features: Contains hyaluronic acid, cupua?u butter, squalane, and meadowfoam
$88
$88
Cool-girl makeup artist Fara Homidi created the must-have, ultimate effortless lip compact with this dual-sided palette. The luxe (and refillable) compact contains a lip primer/balm with a blend of botanical oils and waxes (all vegan) to leave a hydrated and plumped base for lipstick. The formula includes hyaluronic acid, cupua?u butter, cherry seed oil, squalane, and meadowfoam for all-day moisture. Then follow up with the bold pigment, which is designed to be customizable and buildable — allowing you to layer from a sheer lipstick all the way to an opaque look. Choose from two reds: Red 1 is a true red with orange undertones; Red 2 is a true red with blue undertones. Homidi formulated Red 1 to suit light to medium-dark skin tones, and Red 2 to flatter deep to dark complexions — but she stresses you can wear whatever tone you prefer interchangeably.
What testers say: “Very beautiful, extremely well made, and high quality. Love everything about it…Most importantly, the lipstick has saturated color and feels weightless, love the matte texture as well.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $88
The Most Iconic Red Lipsticks
While the red lip can be traced back to the ancient worlds of Mesopotamia and Rome, its modern iterations have also stood the test of time (albeit for only less than a century thus far). Brands like Mac Cosmetics, Nars, Revlon, Dior, and Chanel have been innovating great red lipsticks for the last few decades. Take Revlon for example, who began formulating lipsticks in 1939 and struck gold with their iconic shade Fire and Ice in 1952.
Speaking of Fire and Ice, some of the greats hardly need an introduction, including Mac Cosmetics’ Ruby Woo, Nars Jungle Red, Dior 999, and Chanel Pirate. Not only are they beloved by customers, but they also have well-noted celebrity fans. Madonna needed a seductive red lip to match her avant-garde style on her Blonde Ambition Tour in 1990. Cue then-indie-brand Mac (founded in 1984), who created the iconic Russian Red matte lipstick for her, a shade that is still one of their bestsellers today. Or take two popular fashion brands that have dipped into their archives for lasting inspiration: Chanel and Dior. Dior 999 is said to be inspired by the lip color worn at the first-ever Christian Dior runway show in 1947. While Pirate by Chanel, a classic red with blue undertones, was created in 2006 to mimic Coco Chanel’s signature red lip.
What to Look for in the Best Red Lipsticks
Undertones: You can choose your perfect red lipstick based on your skin’s undertones, says DeRoest. Not sure of your undertones? Consider your closet. “You typically know what tones of clothing you feel your best in,” DeRoest says. Whether that’s warm or cool colors, consider which shades flatter you most. Or, forget about undertones altogether, Bryant says. “While we often hear to select reds based on your skin’s undertone, there are so many exceptions to this rule. It’s well worth playing to see what colors you like and how you like your reds to wear against your skin. Sometimes, contrast allows a color to really pop off the skin in a beautiful way.”
Formula: When narrowing down your ideal formula, consider your preferences and lifestyle. If you want a high impact without much upkeep, consider a long-lasting formula, like a liquid lipstick. They give a bold look without the need for frequent reapplication. If low maintenance is preferred, consider a sheer formula, which can be swiped on without glancing at a mirror. Fine with regular reapplication? A traditional lipstick is a great choice, just zero in on your ideal finish, whether that be glossy, matte, or satin.
Finish: If you want all-day staying power, reach for a matte lipstick, while creamy, shiny, and satin finishes tend to be a bit more comfortable on the lip but still have a big color payoff (just with different finishes). According to both DeRoest and Bryant, choosing a matte, satin, or glossy look is usually up to personal preference. DeRoest tends to lean towards satin finishes, since “they have a little moisture to them,” she mentions, but notes that lip gloss-style ’90s-inspired lips are making a comeback. Meanwhile, Bryant almost always opts for a matte red lipstick. “To me, a rich hue in this velvety finish looks so chic and is a luxe way to wear red,” she says. When in doubt, experiment. “The good news about lipstick is that you can try it on and remove it quickly, so I always suggest going in person to test red lipsticks before you buy,” DeRoest adds.
The Best Way to Apply Red Lipstick
Choosing the perfect red lipstick shade is only half the battle; applying it is perhaps the most difficult part. Here’s the expert-approved way to apply a red lip.
While there’s no one right way to create an effortless red lip, Bryant prefers to start by buffing away dry skin with a lip scrub and then applying a lip balm or lip mask (or even a lip oil), allowing it to sink in for a handful of minutes before applying lipstick. (If the lip balm hasn’t been thoroughly absorbed by then, she blots away the excess with a tissue.)
Then, she likes to start with a light application of lipstick using a lip brush to really work the pigment into the lips.
With the lips filled in, she uses a corresponding lip liner to shape the lips around the edges, following up by lightly blotting the lips with a tissue, adding one more layer of lipstick with a makeup brush, and then blotting once more. “This way, when your lip color starts to inevitably fade, it will do so evenly, and you’ll always have at least a color stain coating the lips evenly at the end of the day,” Bryant says.
Finally, clean up the edges with a small concealer brush.
How to Wear Red Lipstick
After you find your ideal red hue, formula, and finish, and have perfected your application, then comes the question of what makeup to pair with your red pout. You can lean into the sexiness of a red lip with a complimentary (and equally enchanting) eye. “I love pairing a red lip with glowy skin and a sultry eye look,” says Della. But she notes it’s important to not overdue the rest of the makeup, as a red lip is a very powerful statement. For a night out on the town, consider smudging an eyeliner around the eye, perhaps with an eye-enhancing copper, dark brown, or black liner for a lived-in eye with a bright red lip.
Or, for an everyday look, keep things clean. “I love a cleaner eye, with a blast of mascara,” says Smith. This polished look works for every occasion, from the office to a first date. Just swipe on a red lip and mascara and see where the day takes you. But, don’t forget the blush, too. “The red will pull so much color from the face that a bit of a flush on the cheek helps round out the look,” adds Smith.
How to Make Red Lipstick Last
Some comments on the product pages of lipsticks known for their longevity will still mention a lack of durability — but this may have more to do with how a lipstick is applied than the formula itself. Follow the expert-provided tips in the ‘Best Way to Apply Red Lipstick’ section first and foremost. This includes utilizing the often-overlooked lip liner to lock in color.
Secondly, for staying power, consider applying a thin coat of setting powder in between layers of lipstick — it basically velcros the color to the lips for longer wear without looking splotchy. Additionally, ensure you thoroughly prep the lips for lipstick (as mentioned earlier). This includes a good lip scrub, like Lanolips Lemonaid Scrubba Balm, which Emily Blunt‘s makeup artist Jenn Streicher recently revealed is Blunt’s go-to lip exfoliant. A lip scrub not only ensures there are no dry spots or flakes, but also helps lips better absorb hydration from a balm (the second step in prep, directly after a scrub).
How We Tested and Selected the Best Red Lipsticks
To compile this list of the best red lipsticks, a veteran beauty writer and WWD Shop’s beauty editor spent countless hours researching, interviewing our experts, comparing customer reviews to narrow down the top 50 red lipsticks to try. Then, a panel of four testers with various skin tones and lip shapes completed an initial round of product testing. After first publishing this article in December 2023, our editors have continued to wear the red lipsticks on our list, while also testing new formulations for consideration in this article.
During each testing period, our panel of testers wore red lipsticks for five to 10 hours at a time, taking note of how the product applied, whether it smeared throughout wear time, and if it left lips parched or supple after wear time. We also considered other key factors that shoppers look for in the best red lipsticks, including the feel of the formula, its finish, and the wearability of the shade. We compiled all of these insights to thoughtfully craft this list of the best red lipsticks. Below, more details on our testing review criteria:
Ease of application: Red lipsticks are highly pigmented, so our testers kept ease of application top of mind during testing. Red lipstick bullets with pointed tips earned high marks, as they’re easier to apply on thin lips and in the outer corners of your mouth. For liquid red lipsticks, we made sure that the doe foot applicator was narrow enough to cover the same area without smudging or smearing.
Texture: Stains, creams, and matte liquid formulas feel different on the lips due to their consistency, but the best red lipsticks will dry down to comfortable feel a few minutes after application (if not immediately). Our testers took note of how our lips felt before, during, and after wearing these red lipsticks for over 10 hours at a time. Any lipsticks that left our lips dehydrated after wear were removed from our list.
Color payoff: Buildable coverage is easiest to manage with shades like the best pink lipsticks or the best nude lipsticks, where you can work up from sheer pigments to a more concentrated finish. However the best red lipsticks should deposit your desired pigment intensity in one to two swipes. On top of concentrated color payoff, we also noted if the lipsticks applied evenly (any that streaked on application didn’t make the cut). Our panel of testers evaluated the wear time of the colors, too, checking in on the look of the lipstick after one, two, and three hours of wear without touch-ups.
Potential to transfer: Not all lipsticks are designed to be transfer-proof (the balmy feel of cream formulas results in a higher likelihood the formula may mark your glass or coffee mug). However red lipsticks that promise to stay put should do just that. We cross-referenced brand claims to the formulas, making sure that stains and budge-proof options lived up to their promise. Our testers evaluated this by blotting the pigment with a tissue, as well as sipping and snacking while wearing the product.
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Meet the Experts
Terri Bryant is a celebrity makeup artist, educator, activist, and the founder of GUIDE Beauty. She has been credited with making makeup more inclusive for those with disabilities after revealing her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2018.
Nikki DeRoest is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Ciele Cosmetics, a makeup brand focused on clean, acne-safe formulations. She’s known for her ‘it-girl’ clients and their undone, cool makeup looks.
Colby Smith is a New York-based celebrity and editorial makeup artist. You’re likely a fan of his regular clients, which include Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson, Tove Lo, Ashley Graham, and Lorde.
Dom Della is a celebrity and editorial makeup artist who specializes in forward-thinking looks (always trend-forecasting). Her celebrity clientele includes Becky G, Paris Jackson, Bebe Rexha, Noah Cyrus, Kris Jenner, and Demi Lovato, just to name a few.
Meet the Authors
Kristin Limoges is a seasoned beauty writer specializing in skincare, haircare, fragrance, and makeup. With nearly a decade of expertise, she’s known for her thoughtful and thorough point of view. Her work can be seen at Harper’s Bazaar, Allure, InStyle, Byrdie, Bustle, Departures, and more. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Domino magazine, where she created and crafted the wellness vertical. Limoges’ extensive expertise in covering the beauty market informed the product selections on this list of the best red lipsticks.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan contributed to the August 2024 update of this article on the best red lipsticks to include new product picks after an additional round of testing. She’s tested each of the lipsticks on this list.
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