Even for girls who prefer a natural makeup look, red lipstick can most likely be found in their makeup arsenal. Why? Because red lipstick is one of the easiest ways to transform your look from bare to put together; and for many girls, it is just the right pop of color to make them feel more confident and mature. So whether you proudly incorporate a red lip into your everyday makeup routine or are just easing in, we’ve got the best red lipsticks for every level of experience and skin tone.
The most iconic red lipstick of all time:
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $18.50
Hailed by makeup artists as the holy grail of red lipstick, this matte lipstick has blue undertones that make this red universal and suitable for literally all skin tones and complexions. Since its release in 1999, it has remained a cult favorite and is the top-selling red lipstick of all time.
Rock this red: out dancing! This shade definitely reads as a more nighttime red and is perfect for a night out on the town.
Meet the lipstick that makeup artists are calling “the new Ruby Woo”:
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored, $24
Back in 2013, Rihanna collaborated with MAC to create “RiRi Woo,” a play on the iconic lipstick. Since then, Rihanna has demonstrated her beauty-know-how in her own makeup line, Fenty Beauty, known for its wide range of products for women, and men, of every skin tone- 50 shades of concealer (!!)- that rocked the industry upon its release in 2017. Having owned, and consistently re-bought, this lip paint, I can truly attest to its universality. It dries matte, lasts over 8 hours without touch-ups, and looks good on every single one of my friends who begs to borrow it.
Rock this red: to your next business meeting! Wearing a statement red lip is definitely a bold power move.
The perfect lipstick for girls easing their way into a red lip:
Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Zip, $18
Made with sunflower oil and beeswax, this lipstick’s payoff reads and feels more like a tinted chapstick, perfect for girls who still want a pop a color without the dramatic effect. What’s great about this lipstick is that it is buildable. If you’re looking for sheer coverage, apply just one swipe. If you want just-blotted lipstick perfection, apply 2-3 coats. Since coverage is bare and color payoff minimal, we recommend the shade “jam,” a beautiful plum color, for ladies with olive or darker skin tones for a more pronounced pop of color.
Rock this red: while running errands! The light red tint of this lipstick is subtle enough to wear every day.
That red lipstick Carolyn Bassette Kennedy wore:
Face Stockholm Veil Lipstick in Cranberry, $24
Carolyn Bassette Kennedy was a fashion icon in her own right and was almost always seen on the arm of JFK Jr. wearing this red lip from Face Stockholm. Since the coverage is semi-sheer it’s the go-to choice for girls who wear little to no makeup. The shade “cranberry” offers a purple-red option without looking vampy.
Rock this red: out to brunch with your friends! This fashionable purple-red will be the topic of your boozy brunch conversations.
The drugstore dupe:
For only $6 you won’t break your bank to achieve a pouty matte red lip look with this beauty dupe. NYX is known for being a drugstore alternative to finding makeup products that are cruelty-free, vegan, and inexpensive. This lipstick is a take on the classic red, is highly pigmented, and guaranteed to last the transition from day to nightwear.
Rock this red: at the office! This lipstick is so inexpensive so feel free to reapply to brighten up an otherwise dull day at work.
The glossy alternative to the matte red lip:
Chanel Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lip Color in Ever Red, $38
Most red lipsticks tend to be matte in finish, this option from Chanel is the glossy alternative. The design features two parts: a light-weight base coat that ensures lasting longevity and creates a smooth surface, and a glossy top coat for shine. The shade “ever red” is a bloodier red that especially flatters olive and darker skin tones.
Rock this red: meeting the family! Take the dread out of meeting potential in-laws with a glossy red lip that speaks to your innocent and playful side.
Matte or glossy, can’t decide? Try:
Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Creme Lipstick in Oh Miley, $32
If you can’t decide between matte or gloss finish, try a creme lipstick like this one from Marc Jacobs Beauty. This lipstick is marketed as a spicy strawberry shade of red and is the perfect tint for girls who want to flaunt a red lip all year long and not just in the winter. In fact, I would argue this is the summer red we’ve been waiting for.
Rock this red: all summer long! This strawberry shade is the perfect pop of color for a picnic, poolside, or family BBQ.
The unanimous long-wear champion:
Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in #401 Red Fire, $38
Makeup artists everywhere agree Giorgio Armani lipsticks provide the perfect long-lasting formula to go from day to night without feathering and smudging. This lipstick is a perfect pair for date night, which is code for you can kiss at the end of the night and your red smooch won’t transfer.
Rock this red: at your wedding! This long-wear formula will last through I do’s, the reception dinner, and dancing throughout the night.
What’s your go-to red lipstick and where do you like to rock it? Let us know in the comments below!
By: Rachel Ladeby