What Are the Best Red Lipsticks?
These 25 Best Red Lipsticks Will Make You Feel Like a Frickin' Bombshell
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The same way a little black dress is essential in your closet, a red lipstick is a vital component of your makeup collection. It's the perfect hue for taking your look to the next level, whether you pair it with a cat eye and 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. Cherry reds are ideal for when you are feeling retro and want to emulate your favorite pinup girl, while dark crimsons are the sexy color that can make you feel like a femme fatale. In the Summer, you may want to try out a warm-orange red or one with a glossy finish to complement the bright weather.
Regardless of how many 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. Ahead, you'll find lipsticks with formulas that are lust-worthy and shades that are sure to flatter.
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 formula that's comfortable enough to wear daily. As for the color? Try the slightly pink Cherry Crush.
Wet N Wild MegaLast Lip Color in Spotlight Red
The Wet N Wild MegaLast Lip Color ($2) 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 on a budget.
Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Fever Dream
The sienna-hued Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Fever Dream ($38) is a velvety matte formula in a softer pinkish shade.
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Ma'Damn
If you're usually not a fan of lipsticks, you'll love the balmy texture of the Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick ($18). It's not the least bit drying, and the Ma'Damn shade is a bright cherry worthy of Rihanna herself.
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dragon Girl
The thin pencil packaging of Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dragon Girl ($25) allows you to line and fill in your lips with precision. It applies smoothly, and the orange-red shade is an edgy update to the classic look.
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Alabama
In one opaque swipe of NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Alabama ($6), you'll fall in love. The slightly deep cherry hue is a good first step out of your true-red comfort zone.
E.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Carpet
The warm-toned E.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Carpet ($3) has a shiny finish and creamy formula that will make you feel like an Old Hollywood starlet.
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 shade is great for a classic red look.
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 '90s style.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Miss Scarlet
The deep ruby shade of Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in Miss Scarlet ($32) is sure to turn heads. Plus, the silky formula of the lipstick and magnetic closure of the tube will get you hooked on it, instantly.
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.
Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Tuscan Toast
Milani Color Statement Lipsticks ($5) are affordable, are reliable, and smell like a fruity drink. This wine shade of Tuscan Toast is a great way to make your look a little more edgy.
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). The shade is a particularly popular pick for its ability to flatter many skin tones.
Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love in Flame
The Flame shade of the Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love ($24) is satiny soft and long lasting. The formula is super hydrating and comfortable to wear.
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Made It
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipsticks ($21) are creamy without you having to worry about smearing. It's easy to apply straight from the tube, and the brick Made It color is a unique shade worthy of your stash.
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo
There might not be another lipstick shade that rivals the fame of MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($19). The blue-based red is so popular due to how the shade flatters almost anyone who tries it on.
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in I Live For
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 Live For is a vibrant coral-red that will look gorgeous on olive undertones.
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 lip you need. It also stays on all day long.
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 pool. It will never dry out your lips and is as easy as "swipe on and go."
Nars Audacious Lipstick in Rita
You're bound to fall in love with the moisturizing formula of Nars Audacious Lipstick ($34) 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 makeup bag.
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 it's not going anywhere.
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Light Sculpting Lipstick in Pretty Shocking
The nearly orange Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Light Sculpting Lipstick in Pretty Shocking ($32) is a great departure from the classic crimson shade. Ideal for Summer, it has a smooth formula and plenty of pigmentation.
Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick in Wine For Me
Even the sheer selection of red shades within the Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick ($6) line is impressive. Our favorite hue is Wine For Me, which will give you a slightly purple shade.
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Ruby
The Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Ruby ($21) 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 you're sure to love.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Cherries in the Snow ($5) is a cult-favorite shade that flatters many skin tones and leans slightly pink. For the price of a fancy latte, you really can't go wrong trying out this popular pick.
