25 Best Red Lipsticks of 2023
The Best Red Lipsticks on the Market, Period
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- Red lipstick is a staple makeup item that can change your entire look.
- The perfect shade of red lipstick depends on many factors, but brands have created different options to complement all skin tones.
- Shop our favorites, from budget lipsticks under $10 to luxury buys worth the splurge.
The same way a good pair of denim jeans is an essential in everyone's closet, a red great lipstick is something everyone should have in their makeup collection. (Just ask Taylor Swift.) It's bold, attention-grabbing, and the perfect way to take your look to the next level, whether you pair it with a cat eye and a full face of foundation or simply swipe on the shade and wear it alone.
But what are the best red lipsticks? Well, if you're especially into makeup, we recommend owning more than one — especially because the color can look different depending on your skin's undertones. Cherry reds, for example, are ideal for when you are feeling retro and want something classic. They also tend to be blue-toned, which makes them great for cooler undertones. Dark crimson shades are perfect for colder months because they can can give your entire look a moody vibe, and tend to complement neutral or warm undertones. In the summer, you may want to try out a warm orange-red or one with a glossy finish to complement the warm weather.
Regardless of how many red lipsticks you plan to add to your collection, we've got you covered. We've tried dozens of brands and shades to ensure we bring you the very best red lipstick for both fair, medium, and dark skin tones (plus every tone in between) in every finish, from matte to glossy to creamy. Our picks range in price from the best drugstore options to luxury splurges. So what are you waiting for? Scroll through for the best red lipsticks on the market, ahead.
Best Red Lipstick: Tom Ford Lip Color in Cherry Crush
One glance at the Tom Ford Lip Color ($55) tube and you know you've reached the epitome of luxury and glamour. Inside the golden packaging, you'll find a smooth, buttery red lipstick formula that's comfortable enough to wear daily. As for the color? Try the slightly pink Cherry Crush.
Best Red Lipstick: Wet N Wild MegaLast Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Spotlight Red
The Wet N Wild MegaLast Catsuit Matte Lipstick ($3) proves that you don't need a lot of money to get a quality product. The Stoplight Red shade will give you major color payoff and is one of the best red lipsticks at the drugstore.
Best Red Lipstick: Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Fever Dream
The sienna-hued Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Fever Dream ($38) is a velvety matte red lipstick formula that is perfect for those who like their red lipsticks on the pinkish side.
Best Red Lipstick: NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Alabama
In one opaque swipe of NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Alabama ($4), you'll fall in love. The slightly deep cherry hue is a good first step out of your traditional red lipstick comfort zone.
Best Red Lipstick: Givenchy Le Rouge in Rouge Égérie
Not only will the black leather studded bullet of the Givenchy Le Rouge in Rouge Égérie ($36) bring you KonMari-level joy every time you see the tube, but the formula is also hydrating and buttery, with staying power. This blue-hued red lipstick shade is great for a classic look.
Best Red Lipstick: Armani Lip Maestro #400
Even those with the driest of lips will be able to wear the liquid formula of Armani Lip Maestro #400 ($34) with comfort. The texture is smooth, and the brick color is reminiscent of a '90s red lipstick style.
Best Red Lipstick: Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon
Don't head to dinner without the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon ($28). The dark hue is sexy enough for a romantic night out and won't come off on your wine glass, or your date. Can't ask for much more from a red lipstick.
Best Red Lipstick: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red
POPSUGAR editors have long been obsessed with the creamy, no-transfer formula of the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red ($13). This red lipstick is a particularly popular pick for its ability to flatter many skin tones.
Best Red Lipstick: MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
There might not be another red lipstick shade that rivals the fame of MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($15). The blue-based hue is so popular due to how the shade flatters almost anyone who tries it on.
Best Red Lipstick: Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in I Crave
Hourglass has created the Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick ($36), which is as beautiful as it is environmentally responsible. The thin tube makes it easy to apply precisely, and the hydrating formula is comfortable enough to wear in even the driest of climates. The shade I Crave is a vibrant coral-red lipstick that will look gorgeous on olive undertones.
Best Red Lipstick: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll
The blue-based Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll ($20) is universally flattering and the classic red lipstick your makeup collection needs. It also stays on all day long.
Best Red Lipstick: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Two Ton Tomato
The Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Two Ton Tomato ($19) is a tinted, easy-to-apply way of dipping your toes into the red lipstick pool. It will never dry out your lips and is as easy as "swipe on and go."
Best Red Lipstick: Nars Audacious Lipstick in Rita
You're bound to fall in love with the moisturizing formula of Nars's Audacious Lipstick ($29) almost instantly. It is soft, without being overly slippery (and smearing all over your chin), and applies opaquely in a single swipe. Rita is a slightly deep flirty crimson that's a must-add to your red lipstick collection.
Best Red Lipstick: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso
Not only does the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso ($22) look seriously good on many complexions, but the staying power is also ultra impressive. Once you apply it, you can be sure this red lipstick is not going anywhere.
Best Red Lipstick: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Carnal
The nearly orange Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Carnal ($20 originally $33) is a great departure from classic red lipsticks. Ideal for summer, it has a smooth formula and plenty of pigmentation.
Best Red Lipstick: Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Lady Balls
The Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in Lady Balls ($22) has a great formula if you're sick of drying liquid lipsticks. This one doesn't completely dry down, so you'll never experience that crusty feeling. Ruby is a classic cardinal shade that will easily fit into your red lipstick arsenal.
Best Red Lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored
If you want a bold red lipstick that will fit you no matter what your skin tone is, you must consider the Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored ($25). This universal red is extremely pigmented and will surely last throughout your entire day.
Best Red Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Tuxedo
Need a buildable red lipstick? Try the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Tuxedo ($38). You can choose whether you want a subtle tint of color or a bold statement. Either way, your lips will thank you for this lipstick's moisturizing qualities.
Best Red Lipstick: The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick in Hot Mama
Hot Mama is correct. Once you put on The Lip Bar's Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick ($13), your lips will be a fashion statement all their own. Talk about making your red lipstick a fashion statement!
Best Red Lipstick: Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire
People are raving about this red lipstick for a reason. The Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire ($20) is lightweight and packed with pigment, and it hydrates the lips while leaving a soft matte finish.
Best Red Lipstick: Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bang Bang
Infused with jojoba and apricot oils, the Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bang Bang ($18) is the long-wear red lipstick you need. Plus, its built-in primer leaves no room for pigment smudges.
Best Red Lipstick: BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick in Courage
Prefer a sleek and shiny finish to your red-lipstick looks? Try the BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick in Courage ($20). This lipstick applies as smooth as butter, minus the mess.
Best Red Lipstick: Dior Addict Lip Glow in Burgundy
Sometimes you need a red lipstick that offers a hint of color and is a true tinted lip balm. If that is the case, look no further than the Dior Addict Lip Glow in Burgundy ($38). A balm in every sense of the word, this lip glow offers a deep red flush of color to the lips and actually shows up on deep skin tones and two-toned lips.
Best Red Lipstick: CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Laal
The CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick ($28) in Laal just may be your next go-to red lipstick. The formula glides seamlessly onto the lips and is actually pigmented enough to need only one coat.
Best Red Lipstick: Violette Fr Petal Bouche Matte
There's a reason POPSUGAR editors can't get enough of the Violette Fr Petal Bouche Matte ($28) in Amour Fou. The color perfectly deepens to a rich red and has the velvety feel of a rose petal for maximum comfort. A red lipstick has never been this chic.
