The 21 Best Red Lipsticks on the Market
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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, who's worn many variations of the shade over the years.) Not only is the color trending right now, but it's also 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 on the market? 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 and preferences. Maybe you like orange-red options to punch up your look, or a blue-toned red to make your teeth look brighter. Either way, keep reading for a breakdown of the best red lipstick for your undertone.
The Best Red Lipstick For Your Undertone
Your skin's undertone will fall into one of these categories: neutral, cool, or warm. Knowing that can make a world of difference when it comes to makeup shopping. Cherry reds are typically blue-toned, which makes them great for cooler undertones. They give you that classic, retro vibe. 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 affordable drugstore lipsticks to luxury splurges. Scroll through for the best red lipsticks on the market, ahead.
— Additional reporting by Jessica Harrington
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Best Matte Red Lipstick
Pat McGrath LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson ($34)
If you've been wondering which red lipstick Taylor Swift has been wearing lately, look no further than this one from Pat McGrath in the shade Elson. It's a matte red formula that won't budge but still feels comfortable on the lips.
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Best Shiny Red Lipstick
Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear No-Budge Liquid Lipcolor ($7, originally $13)
Looking for a budgeproof lipstick that offers a high-shine finish instead of matte? Try the Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear No-Budge Liquid Lipcolor. The liquid formula won't smudge or transfer after it dries, without losing its glisten.
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Best Red Lipstick Crayon
Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Cherry Chunk ($22)
The Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm in Cherry Chunk 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."
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Best Classic Red Lipstick
MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($23)
There might not be another red lipstick shade that rivals the fame of MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo. The blue-based hue is so popular due to how the shade flatters almost anyone who tries it on.
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Best Drugstore Red Lipstick
NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Alabama ($6)
In one opaque swipe of NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick in Alabama, you'll fall in love. The slightly deep cherry hue is a good first step out of your traditional red lipstick comfort zone.
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Best Orange-Red Lipstick
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Carnal ($36)
The nearly orange Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Carnal is a great departure from classic red lipsticks. Ideal for summer, it has a smooth formula and plenty of pigmentation.
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Best Liquid Red Lipstick
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored ($28)
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. This universal red is extremely pigmented and will surely last throughout your entire day.
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Best Red Lipstick Tint
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Tuxedo ($43)
Need a buildable red lipstick? Try the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Tuxedo. 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.
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Best Cream Red Lipstick
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire ($20)
People are raving about this red lipstick for a reason. The Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire is lightweight and packed with pigment, and it hydrates the lips while leaving a soft matte finish. The formula is a unique whipped cream that goes on ultra smooth. Read our editor's full review of the lipstick here.
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Best Cool-Toned Red Lipstick
CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick ($28)
The CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick 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.
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Best Velvet Red Lipstick
The Lip Bar's Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick ($14)
Hot Mama is correct. Once you put on The Lip Bar's Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick your lips will be a fashion statement all their own. The formula is a comfortable, velvety matte that won't budget once it dries down.
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Best Sephora Red Lipstick
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red ($15)
We've long been obsessed with the creamy, no-transfer formula of the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Always Red. This red lipstick is a particularly popular pick for its ability to flatter many skin tones. Read our full Sephora Collection Cream Lip review for more information.
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Best Long-Wearing Red Lipstick
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll ($20)
The blue-based Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll is universally flattering and the classic red lipstick your makeup collection needs. It also stays on all day long.
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Best Universal Red Lipstick
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso ($24)
Not only does the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso 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.
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Best Hydrating Red Lipstick
Nars's Audacious Lipstick ($34)
You're bound to fall in love with the moisturizing formula of Nars's Audacious Lipstick 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.
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Best Refillable Red Lipstick
Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick ($39)
Hourglass has created the Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick, 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.
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Best Red Lipstick With Primer
Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bang Bang ($27)
Infused with jojoba and apricot oils, the Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bang Bang is the long-wear red lipstick you need. Plus, its built-in primer leaves no room for pigment smudges.
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Best Natural-Finish Red Lipstick
BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick in Courage ($22)
Prefer a sleek and shiny finish to your red-lipstick looks? Try the BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick in Courage. This lipstick applies as smooth as butter, minus the mess.
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Best Red Lipstick Balm
Dior Addict Lip Glow ($38)
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. 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.
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Best Luxury Red Lipstick
Tom Ford Lip Color ($59)
One glance at the Tom Ford Lip Color 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.
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Best Pigmented Red Lipstick
Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte ($28)
There's a reason POPSUGAR editor can't get enough of this lipstick. 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. Read our full Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte review.