15 best red lipsticks for every skin tone, reviewed for 2024
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Think of red lipsticks as the “little black dress” of your capsule makeup collection. They're classic, versatile, and can zhuzh up your look in one quick swipe. And while most of us tend to whip out our red lipsticks solely during the festive season, trust us when we tell you that they deserve a place in your makeup bag all year round.
From Marilyn Monroe to Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefani and Taylor Swift, it's safe to say that throughout the years, the popularity of a red lip has never faltered. If anything, it has only become more evident.
Whether you're after that glamorous ‘Old Hollywood’ look or a bold, rebellious statement, the right red lipstick has the ability to adapt to any aesthetic. And before you say it: yes, everyone can pull it off. After all, Gwyneth Paltrow was onto something when she said: "Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."
To help you decide which exact shade of red and the kind of finish is right for you, we've put together an edit of the best red lipsticks out there, including editor-approved cult classics and newer launches that will suit every preference and skin tone. Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO: How to find the right red lipstick for you | How we test red lipsticks | Our full reviews.
Best red lipsticks at a glance – our five top picks:
- Best Overall: Mac Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
- Best Pigment: NARS Explicit Lipstick in Incendiary
- Best Matte: Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Ribbon
- Best Liquid: Dior Rouge Forever Liquid in 999 Forever Dior
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Best overall: Mac Macximal Silky Matte
Why we love it: To no one's surprise, we've awarded the MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick the top spot; particularly its shade Ruby Woo, which has practically become synonymous with a perfect red lip. Our Fashion Editor Rosie Lai was impressed with the strong colour pay-off and how comfortable it felt on the lips. The precise bullet helped achieve a perfect shape without the need for a lip liner. An easy 10/10.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Ruby Woo
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Best pigment: NARS Explicit Lipstick
Why we love it: Having launched just earlier this year, the NARS Explicit Lipstick has quickly become a favourite at the GLAMOUR office. Offering high-impact pigment, this formula delivers smudge-proof coverage, a lasting finish and a stunning satin finish. It also comes infused with the likes of hyaluronic acid and rosehip seed oil to keep your lips nice and hydrated throughout the whole day. “I love how seamlessly it glides on the lips, offering precise application and impressive pigment,” says our Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Incendiary
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Best matte: Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour
Why we love it: Made by celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge, this red lipstick scored high in every department – be it the punchy pigment, the blurring finish or the creamy formula. Our Social Media Editor Robyn Eugene was impressed with its long-lasting formula, which easily survived a three-course dinner without the need for a touch-up.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Ribbon
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Best liquid formula: Dior Rouge Forever Liquid
Why we love it: You may think that liquid lipsticks are a thing of the past (2016 makeup, anyone?), however, trust us when we tell you that some formulas are still well worth holding onto, particularly if we're talking about red lipstick. This Dior Rouge Forever Liquid Lipstick is not only bold and long-lasting but also nourishing and weightless. Our Senior Beauty Editor Elle Turner was particularly fond of the 999 Forever Dior shade, which is a classic red that can instantly elevate any makeup look in seconds.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: 999 Forever Dior
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Best orange-red: Merit Signature Lip
Why we love it: Every makeup minimalist knows just how coveted Merit products are, especially when it comes to the brand's impressive lipstick range. Whether you're after a satin or a matte finish, Merit offers a versatile line-up of shades to suit a variety of skin tones. And if you're on the hunt for a burnt orange-y red, we recommend checking out the shade Court, which is a great option for the Autumn/Winter season. Our Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd loved the weightless feel, the buildable pigment and the hydrating feel.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Court
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Enter: shop more of the best red lipsticks, according to the GLAMOUR team.
Why we love it: High-impact colour with low maintenance is exactly what we love to see. This red lipstick from Fenty Beauty is sure to turn heads, and not just because it features a shade of red that's bound to suit pretty much every skin tone. It's also one of the most weightless and long-lasting formulas around. Thanks, Rihanna.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Uncensored
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Why we love it: One of the best matte lipsticks around, this Pat McGrath formula has an oil-infused powder finish that is incredibly hydrating and weightless on the lips at the same time. The Obsessed! shade also delivers a vivid colour pay-off, making it a great option for a special occasion. Plus, thanks to the soft-focus effect it gives your lips, you could even use it on your cheeks to give them a nice, healthy flush of colour.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Obsessed!
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Why we love it: An edit of the best red lipsticks without Charlotte Tilbury is hardly it. Featuring a blend of nourishing oils, this formula feels comfortable on the lips all day long and delivers a strong colour pay-off. The Red Carpet Red is a gorgeous red for darker skin tones, thanks to its mauve-y hues and a pigmented finish. Buildable, long-lasting, and glides onto your lips like butter. What's not to love?
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Red Carpet Red
Why we love it: Sometimes, sometimes… The best lipstick is, in fact, a lip pencil. Hailing from NARS, this creamy lip crayon offers a diffused matte finish that's ideal for when you're not in the mood for a precise look. Simply use your fingers to dab out the edges and there you have it: a blurred-out look straight out of the 2000s romcom.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Cruella
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Why we love it: For a liquid lipstick, this one from Maybelline New York sure is long-lasting. With a staying power of up to 16 hours, it provides a smudge-proof, shiny finish that you know won't run out on you in the middle of the day. Its formula is also enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera to help keep your lips hydrated and prevent cracking. Did we mention it's vegan too?
GLAMOUR-approved shade: 10 Lippy
Why we love it: Looking to create a luxurious, high-intensity look? We've got just the thing. This red lipstick has a formula that's both moisturising and comfortable and with good reason. Brimming with plant-derived oils, this light-reflecting lipstick feels extra-nourishing on the lips too. It also comes in Chanel's iconic black-and-gold click case, which is sure to make a luxe addition to your makeup bag.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: 854
Why we love it: For less than £4, you can get your hands on a red lipstick that packs a strong level of pigment and offers a stunning matte finish. What's even better is that this vivid red lipstick formula also comes enriched with camelia oil for enhanced comfort and that extra bit of hydration. Need we say more?
GLAMOUR-approved shade: 346 Scarlet Silhouette
Why we love it: This newly reformulated lip stain formula from Sephora Collection is unmatched when it comes to delivering lasting pigment. Not only does it offer a transfer-proof finish, but it also dries down matte, resulting in a high coverage look that will no doubt last you all evening. Ideal for when you need to rely on the hold (think weddings and hen-dos).
GLAMOUR-approved shade: 01 Always Red
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Why we love it: The newest addition to Lisa Eldridge's lip lineup, this refillable lipstick has “luxury” written all over it. From the chic gold packaging (that can also be engraved with your initials) to the gorgeous satin finish and a buttery feel, this lipstick can easily make a great beauty gift. The shade Ribbon offers a solid balance between the red and orange undertones, making it a universal red for all skin tones.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Ribbon
Why we love it: Infused with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, this Westman Atelier lipstick offers a nourishing feel without compromising on the pigment. Thanks to its blurred matte finish, you'll be left with a gorgeous velvety pout after just one swipe. Hands down, one of our favourite vegan lipsticks to date.
GLAMOUR-approved shade: Pip
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How to find the right red lipstick to complement your skin tone
“Generally, we find that blue-toned reds work best on skin with cooler undertones, while warmer skin can get away with most shades of red, from orange hues to intense wine tones,” explains Emolyne Ramlov, founder of Emolyne Beauty.
That said, Emolyne also points out that “skin tone differs so immensely from person to person (and through the seasons), and who are we to say if you can or can’t wear a shade that you love? That’s why we like to say, ‘Your shade, your rules'. Confidence is the key to looking striking in any shade.”
How we test the best red lipsticks:
As you can see by our videos, we've tried countless red lipsticks that have landed on the GLAMOUR beauty desk. Before reviewing a red lipstick, we consider ingredients, whether there's a shade range that's inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones, whether it's safe for sensitive skin, price point and packaging. When actually testing, we look at how easy it is to apply, staying power and wear.
