A good red lipstick is as much of a staple in your makeup bag as your concealer or go-to eyebrow pencil. Why? Because red lipstick is sort of like your favorite black cocktail dress: it’s bold, timeless, and makes you feel great. Much like that staple dress, though, there are a lot of red lipstick options on the market, and finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
Here, we rounded up the very best 22 red lipsticks on the market for every style—whether you’re looking for a classic matte red, prefer a glossy finish, or hints of coral. We also spoke with Ann Benjamas, an NYC-based makeup artist, and Nydia Figueroa, a celebrity makeup artist, for their red lipstick application tips, plus what to look for when shopping. Find our top picks, ahead.
Experts In This Article
- Ann Benjamas, NYC-based makeup artist
- Nydia Figueroa, Nydia Figueroa is a celebrity makeup artist whose work has been featured in publications such as Nylon, Buzzfeed, Byrdie.
Our top 22 red lipsticks, at a glance:
- Best overall: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain 10HR Liquid Lipstick in Always Red, $16
- Best true red: Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Devoted, $20
- Best coral red: Patrick Ta Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick in SShe’sNot From Here, $32
- Best blue-toned red: MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick in Power, $26
- Best for fair skin: MAC Cosmetics M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $25
- Best for medium skin: NARS Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick in Dragon Girl, $34
- Best for deep skin: CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Rooi, $28
- Best liquid lipstick: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick in Forever Dior, $47
- Best matte red: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen, $35
- Best satin red: Hourglass Unlocked Satin Creme Lipstick in Red 0, $38
- Best glossy red: Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick in Unbreakable, $28
- Best budget: NYX Professional Makeup Smooth Whip Blurring Matte Lip Cream in Cherry Creme, $8
- Best luxe: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate, $48
- Best clean: Kosas Weightless Lip Color Nourishing Satin Lipstick in Deep Talks, $26
- Best hydrating: Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hydrating Matte Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid in Pip, $50
- Best brick red: PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance Lipstick in Vendetta, $39
- Best drugstore: Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick in Poppy, $9
- Best long-wear lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored, $29
- Best creamy red: Maed Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red, $36
- Best sheer red: Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Zip, $20
- Best deep red: ILIA Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Tango, $28
- Best splurge: Prada Beauty Monochrome Hyper Matte Refillable Lipstick in R28 Fuoco, $50
Shop the best 22 red lipsticks
Best overall: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain 10HR Liquid Lipstick in Always Red — $16.00
Finish: Matte
“When choosing a red lipstick, longevity is crucial. You want something that stays put and doesn’t bleed outside the lip line,” says Benjamas. This matte liquid lip formula does just this and more, which puts it at the top of our red lipstick list. It’s very pigmented, takes one or two swipes to fully saturate the lips, has a 10-hour wear, and feels comfortable for hours on end, with no flaking or drying in sight.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Transfer proof
- Looks stunning on all skin tones
- Reviewers share that the newer formula doesn’t last as long as the original formula of this product
Best true red: Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Devoted — $20.00
Finish: Matte
This true-red hue is bold, bright and suits a variety of skin tones, whether you have cool or warm undertones. The comfortability of this formula also earns it a top spot because it leaves behind a soft and velvety finish.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains nourishing plant and flower oils
- Contains fragrance, which might be irritating to some
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Best blue-toned red: MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick in Power — $26.00
Finish: Matte
“If your skin tone has a pink or blue undertone, red lipsticks with cool undertones work best,” says Figueroa. This lightweight matte lipstick has a blue undertone that does just the trick and leaves behind a bold, pinky-red washed hue that looks stunning on its own or paired with minimal makeup.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate
- Contains sesame seed extract, which might be irritating to some
Best for fair skin: MAC Cosmetics M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo — $25.00
Finish: Silky matte
If you’ve been a makeup wearer for the past ten-odd years, chances are you’ve heard about Ruby Woo. This creamy red shade is long-wearing, non-bleeding, and has cool blue undertones, making it a great pick for fair skin.
- Contains coconut oil and cocoa butter to nourish the lips
- Up to 12 hours of wear
- Some say the formula does transfer
Best for deep skin: CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Rooi — $28.00
Finish: Matte
For a red that looks stunning on deeper skin tones, opt for this creamy matte lipstick pick with cool undertones. The pigment is rich and saturated, and the formula contains hydrating ceramides and raspberry leaf extract for extra hydration.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Carmine-free
- Some reviewers don’t love the consistency of the lipstick
Best matte red: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen — $35.00
Finish: Matte
The ultimate matte red lipstick shouldn’t crack, fade, or feel dry, and we’re happy to report that this one exceeds expectations when it comes to all three. The formula has nourishing waxes and antioxidants to help condition and protect the lips, but the formula doesn’t compromise color for texture: it’s matte, long-wearing, and pigmented.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains glowing pigments to give lips a plump appearance
- Reviewers report that the formula doesn’t have a ton of longevity
Best luxe: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate — $48.00
Finish: Satin
If you’re in the market for a luxe red lipstick formula, let us introduce you to this intense satin lip pick that will give you pigment and shine. It’s full-coverage and comes in a blue-toned red that complements all skin tones.
- Contains sweet almond oil and sappan wood to smooth and moisturize lips
- Long-wearing
Best drugstore: Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick in Poppy — $9.00
Finish: Matte
Look to this matte red lipstick pick if you’re searching for an under $20 option that you can pick up at your local drugstore. This formula is creamy and dries down to a saturated matte that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the lips.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Velvety-matte finish
Best creamy red: Maed Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red — $36.00
Finish: Matte
Try this red lip pigment if you’re looking for a creamy formula won’t crack or flake throughout the day. It has a blend of cherry seed oil and maca root to plump and protect the lips, plus tucuma butter and jojoba to deeply nourish and hydrate.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-staining
- Very pigmented so can be a little messy
Best sheer red: Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Zip — $20.00
Finish: Matte
Just because you’re in the market for red lipstick doesn’t mean you necessarily want it to be super saturated, and if this is the case, this sheer red lipstick formula is for you. It glides on like a balm and leaves behind a wash of red color that isn’t too potent or concentrated.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Comfortable, non-sticky wear
- Has a crayon-y smell according to reviewers
Best deep red: ILIA Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Tango — $28.00
Finish: Satin
A rich, deep red like this pick will instantly elevate your fall or winter makeup routine. It has a cool undertone that suits a variety of skin tones and it also contains apricot seed, castor seed, and mango seed oils to nourish and hydrate the lips—perfect as the seasons get colder.
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Lightweight coverage
- Some reviewers say that the consistency is very drying
What to look for in a red lipstick:
According to the experts, there are a few things to look out for when shopping for red lipstick, including longevity, pigment consistency, and undertones. Here’s what to keep in mind before you buy:
The longevity
How long a red lipstick lasts is super important when choosing a formula. “I would avoid a color that cracks or doesn’t apply evenly,” says Figueroa. Look for lipsticks that are long-wearing to get the most out of them (and to ensure they won’t smudge or budge by lunchtime).
The pigment + consistency
“The richer the pigment, the fewer touch-ups you’ll need,” says Benjamas. Opt for a formula that has a saturated pigment and precise applicator, so that it doesn’t bleed or get messy during application. She also says that she likes to look for lipsticks that are comfortable to wear and non-drying.
The undertones
Undertones are also extremely important when choosing red lipstick. “Generally, people with warm undertones might lean toward reds with a bit of orange, while those with cooler undertones may prefer blue-based reds,” says Benjamas, noting that you can also end up somewhere in the middle and that’s totally okay. The best way to determine the right red lipstick undertone for you is to test various shades, according to the experts. “If your skin doesn’t lean strongly toward either warm or cool, you can wear any red lipstick undertone,” says Figueroa.
Tips for applying red lipstick
Both experts share a few tips for achieving the perfect red lipstick application. “Start with exfoliated and moisturized lips,” says Benjamas. Opt for a lip exfoliator or scrub like the Lanolips Lip Scrub ($14) and a moisturizing lip balm like the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($24). Next, Figueroa says that the perfect way to achieve a crisp red lipstick is to use a matching red lip liner to draw on clean lines. After applying the lipstick on top, blot with a blotting paper or thin tissue, and reapply it to increase longevity, and then clean up the edge with a full-coverage concealer.
“Red lipstick is such a bold statement, and it’s versatile for any occasion. It can elevate a look instantly, and finding the right red will make you feel confident and unstoppable,” says Benjamas, and we couldn’t agree more.
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