There’s nothing like a lady in red. Not only does the sultry shade represent passion and desire, but there’s no question that iconic red lips make the biggest statement (if you’re looking for nude lipsticks, you’ve come to the wrong place). That said, before we pucker our pout, we have to recognize red lipstick isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. There are variations in color, finish, and pigment. There’s long-wearing red lipstick; there’s weightless lip stick; there are lip stains, tints, balms, and glosses—you name it. Are you a matte lipstick lover? A satin finish wearer? There are so many red lipstick shades (does “true red” mean anything anymore?!). You’ve got blue undertones, cherry red, orange-red—the list goes on. With all the beauty products in the world to keep up with, why does finding a perfect shade of red lipstick seem like the biggest challenge?
It’s ok if you don’t know right off the bat which red lipstick is a fit for you. As your beauty bestie, we’re sharing a few of our personal faves, along with recs from some of the pros. Keep reading for a roundup of the best red lipstick for every skin tone, so you can snag the perfect red lip color for you. (And don’t forget the lip liner on your way out!)
About the Experts:
Makeup artist Sophia Porter loves this lip color because of its classic look. “This is a velvet matte gel formula that feels so comfortable and hydrating while providing rich, pigmented color with four-hour wear,” she raves.
If you’re after a unique and especially vibrant shade of red, Porter is drawn to this because of its blue-red finish. “This is one of my favorite blue-reds that doesn’t lean too “pink” but still has a richness to it,” she says.
Porter is a fan of this matte brick red shade because she especially loves the texture “The formula is a fluid that dries comfortably to a gorgeous matte finish without being overly drying,” she says.
Porter fully stands by YSL for the best dark lip shades altogether, and says this in particular is her favorite. “It’s a gorgeous bordeaux shade with a matte finish,” she says. “This is perfect for a dark statement lip that will look nice on pretty much anyone.”
We’re personally big on hues with a hint of orange, and Porter assures us this is our best bet. “This is a juicy red orange with a beautiful satiny finish,” she says. “It’s also a vegan formula and ultra pigmented.”
If you’re after the quintessential red lip, this is it—according to celebrity makeup artist Nikki Parisi. “It’s the classic look,” she says. “I love the look this lipstick dries down to. It’s perfect for a red carpet or gala.”
If you’re looking to make a statement, Parisi ensures this lipstick will make you the showstopper at your next outing. “This velvet red will also keep your lips from becoming dry at the same time,” she says. “I absolutely love this creamy texture”
Another classic, according to Parisi. “Other than this delicious texture, the radiance of this shade is slim to none! This is Hollywood at its best.”
If you’re a shiny girl, this one’s for you. Parisi lives for a shining red lip and says this one’s great for major nights out like birthdays and New Year’s Eve. “You cannot miss with this shine,” she says.
Beauty on a budget? “This is one of the best over-the-counter liquid lipstick lines for me,” Parisi says. “I use these on set and they are accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
“After it dries, it lasts all day and is super vibrant,” says just one of many favorable IPSY subscriber comments about this longtime statement-making staple from Huda Kattan.And quite frankly, we agree. This lasts on lips from coffee to cocktails (trust us, we tested it) without getting patchy or feathering. And just because this cream lipstick dries down matte, doesn’t mean it’s drying. The water-rich formula offers up intense hydration so your lips never feel chapped or uncomfortable.
They don’t call this liquid lipstick Infinity for nothing. The pigment will stay put forever (or until you take it off with a cleanser or makeup remover), so you won’t need to worry about annoying touch-ups or smudges. And it’s especially great for olive skin tones, according to one of our subscribers, who commented, “The shade is perfect without making me look orange or yellow.” What you see in the tube (an ultra flattering classic red) is what you get. The color is bold and totally full-coverage.
We found a semi-matte finish, pink-based red lipstick that's perfect for fair skin tones with warm undertones—and it’s a pick for the sunniest season. “Loved this lipstick! Fun shade perfect for summer,” commented one of our IPSY subscribers.This creamy formula is non-drying and glides across your lips for a luxurious dose of hydrating, long-lasting color. Suitable for wear at the office and pigmented enough to make a statement at night, this lipstick color will amp up your look wherever you go.
We get the best of both worlds with this deep magenta-red lip color: supreme comfort and intense, eye-catching color. And luckily, our IPSY members agree. “Outstanding color! Nice, saturated, good staying power, doesn’t dry out, love it,” raved one user. The creamy formula has a satin-to-matte finish, yet glides on like a balm thanks to nourishing vitamin E and moisturizing beeswax.
If you’re looking for a shade that packs a big punch, we found it. “Love the packaging and the petite size,” one of our IPSY commenters said of this classic red shade. “It’s perfect for a small purse.” The mineral-infused (and vegan!) formula is made of 19 healthy ingredients, including cold-pressed sea buckthorn fruit oil that delivers tons of vitamins and minerals to your lips.
Want to snag some of these red lipsticks and more? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already a member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
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