Looking For the Best Red Lipstick? You Can Stop Right Here
Iantha Yu is an experienced beauty editor with over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. Her words can be found on Marie Claire, Beauty Crew, Women's Health, Virgin Voyeur, SHOP Til You Drop, Broadsheet, and more.
Trying to figure out how to find the right shade of red lipstick?
You’ll be glad to know we’ve done the hard work for you.
Get ready to meet our ultimate wishlist of the best red lipsticks in different tones and finishes.
1. The Best Berry Red Lipstick
What it is: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick is one of the most iconic lipsticks on the market, hands down.
Why it's so good: As for the best berry red lipstick colour, we’re hugely attracted to Rouge Audacieux, a dark reddy purple shade that seriously pops on all skin tones.
Swipe this red straight onto lips to quickly update your makeup look.
Or use a lip brush to meticulously paint it onto your lips, paying special attention to trickier areas like the corners of your mouth and the Cupid’s bow.
2. The Best Shiny Red Lipstick
What it is: Bobbi Brown Mini Crushed Lip Color is a must-have in any serious beauty kit.
Why it's so good: This lippy is more of a tint than a bold velvet lipstick, but its shiny finish draws mega attention to your smackers.
Dry lips will love the Crushed Lip Color formula, which is packed with Vitamin E, C and Beeswax to nourish skin and prevent chapping.
Grab shade Ruby for a rich shiny red lipstick.
3. The Best Red Velvet Lipstick
What it is: Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream is your perfect match if you’re looking for a lipstick with a velvet finish.
Why it's so good: Shade 133, Sunrise Ruby, is a classic blue-based red that can brighten the appearance of your teeth.
Expect up to 6 hours of wear that won’t feather even after eating and drinking.
4. The Best Red Lipstick for Fair Skin
What it is: INIKA Certified Organic Lipstick Crayon in Chilli Red is the way to go if you’re on the hunt for a red lipstick for fair skin.
Why it's so good: The creamy yet highly pigmented formula, along with the blue-based shade of rouge, is what makes this lipstick so enticing and easy to wear.
Psst…This lip colour is 100% natural and made sans fragrance and flavour, so it’s perfect to use on sensitive skin.
5. The Best MAC Red Lipstick
What it is: M.A.C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick
MAC is well known for producing high quality lipsticks at an affordable price, and the brand offers an array of red lipsticks.
Our top picks: Bestseller Russian Red is a bright bluish-red. Another popular MAC lipstick shade is Chilli, which is more of a brownish red that pops against darker skin tones.
6. The Best Vintage Red Lipstick
What it is: One of the best red lipsticks we’ve come across is elf Day To Night Lipstick Duo in Red Hot Reds.
Why it's so good: This dual-ended product is incredibly wallet-friendly (only $14 as of this writing).
Red Hot Reds features a softer red colour on one side and a dark red lipstick on the other side.
So you get not one vintage red lipstick but two. How’s that for bang for your buck?
7. The Best Red Liquid Lipstick
What it is: Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro, especially in shade Four Hundred, is where it’s at if you crave something seriously bold.
Why it's so good: Liquid lipsticks may be a newer makeup category, but that doesn’t mean they’re less reliable than their classic lipstick counterparts are.
The luxurious gel texture leaves your lips feeling soft and nourished for hours to come.
8. The Best Satin-finish Red Lipstick
What it is: Your best bet when it comes to shopping for a satin-finish red lipstick is MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Lipstick in shade 402, Untamed Fire.
Why it's so good: The creamy texture hydrates without looking overly shiny. And the rich colour pay-off means minimal touch-ups throughout the day.
Bonus: You’ll be pleased to know that this lippy also offers a blurring effect that makes the skin on your smackers look super-smooth.
So there’s the low-down on how to find the right shade of red lipstick for traffic-stopping lips.
As you can see, there are many red lipsticks to pick from.
There really is something for everyone.
Want more red lipstick tips and product recommendations? Check out the articles below...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
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