The explanation makes sense, and yet, it may *not* be the key in these success stories.
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.
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
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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Transfer proof
- Looks stunning on all skin tones
Cons:
- Reviewers share that the newer formula doesn’t last as long as the original formula of this product
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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains nourishing plant and flower oils
Cons:
- Contains fragrance, which might be irritating to some
Finish: Matte
A coral-red lipstick is perfect if you’re looking to level up your makeup routine for a special occasion. This long-wearing lippie has pigmented coverage, a smooth, silky texture, and minimal dry-down time, making it a favorite of editors and makeup artists alike.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Powdery-soft finish
Cons:
- Pricey
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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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate
Cons:
- Contains sesame seed extract, which might be irritating to some
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.
Pros:
- Contains coconut oil and cocoa butter to nourish the lips
- Up to 12 hours of wear
Cons:
- Some say the formula does transfer
Finish: Matte
This transfer-resistant pick pops on medium skin tones and leaves you with a striking cherry-hued look. It won’t smudge or budge throughout the day (even while eating or drinking) and won’t dry out your lips.
Pros:
- Lightweight consistency
- Takes one swipe to fully saturate the lips
Cons:
- Pricey
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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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Carmine-free
Cons:
- Some reviewers don’t love the consistency of the lipstick
Finish: Matte
For an iconic red, look no further than this liquid lipstick. It’s long-wearing, provides 12 hours of coverage, and has a feathery feel that makes you feel like you’re not wearing lipstick at all.
Pros:
- Non-bleeding and won’t settle into lip lines
Cons:
- Expensive
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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains glowing pigments to give lips a plump appearance
Cons:
- Reviewers report that the formula doesn’t have a ton of longevity
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Finish: Satin
A satin red lipstick finish can give you a lot of pigment and a little shine, and that’s exactly what this pick accomplishes. It feels balmy and smooth upon application and dries down to a deep satin red hue that feels vampy and playful.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Can be messy to apply
- Pricey
Finish: Glossy
For a glossy red lipstick finish, we love this pick. It’s long-wearing with up to 16 hours of wear and is completely transfer-proof and smudge-proof. Unbreakable is a bold warm-toned red that looks great on any skin tone.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Comfortable-wear
Cons:
- Some reviewers report it’s a bit sticky
Finish: Soft matte
There’s nothing better than a red lipstick that wears all day and feels super comfortable and smooth— and this under $10 pick fit the bill. It’s ultra-pigmented, won’t flake or cake throughout the day, and is the ultimate cherry-red color.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Blurring finish
Cons:
- It can get a little cakey if you apply too many layers
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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.
Pros:
- Contains sweet almond oil and sappan wood to smooth and moisturize lips
- Long-wearing
Cons:
- Expensive
Finish: Satin
This deep brick shade is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a red lipstick that has longevity and staying power. It’s also extremely hydrating, with mango and cocoa butter, plus rosehip oil to soften and condition the lips.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Very pigmented
Cons:
- Contains lanolin, which may be irritating to some
Finish: Matte
For a poppy red that won’t leave your lips dry or chalky, try this hydrating matte lipstick. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and meadowfoam oil work together in the formula to plump and hydrate lips, while kaolin clay mattifies the pigment for a budge-proof and nourishing finish.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the application can be messy
- Expensive
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Finish: Matte
Pigmented and velvety, you won’t be able to get enough of this deep red lipstick pick. It has a buildable consistency that gives you a vampy, dimensional finish without looking flat.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Weightless feel
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on the quality and texture, some reviewers share that the consistency can feel chalky
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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Velvety-matte finish
Cons:
- Not super long-wearing
Finish: Matte
If you’re looking for a red lipstick formula that won’t budge, don’t sleep on this liquid lipstick. It has a soft-matte finish and an orangey-red shade that looks stunning on every skin tone, whether you have a cool, warm, or neutral undertone.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-drying
Cons:
- Can be messy to apply
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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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-staining
Cons:
- Very pigmented so can be a little messy
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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Comfortable, non-sticky wear
Cons:
- Has a crayon-y smell according to reviewers
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.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Lightweight coverage
Cons:
- Some reviewers say that the consistency is very drying
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Finish: Matte
If you’re a red lipstick collector and want to splurge on your next lip purchase, we love this refillable pick in an iconic bright red hue. It has a long-wearing matte finish and only takes a swipe or two to fully saturate the lips.
Pros:
- Contains jojoba oil to soothe the lips
Cons:
- Pricey
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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