10 Best Red Lipsticks in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)
Among the plethora of lip colors, red is considered one of the most attractive and appealing. Nevertheless, there are many red lipstick products with different qualities and shades that may make you wonder which lipstick would be the right choice for you.
To help you choose the most suitable red lipstick for yourself, we looked through e-commerce websites such as Amazon and Sephora and combined a list of the top 10 red lipsticks currently loved by the beauty community. Tom Ford's Lip Color Lipstick caught our eye for its ultra-smooth texture and ability to last long. Check it out and see if any of them catch your eye! There's also a buying guide to help you choose the right red lipstick.
Quick List - Top Red Lipsticks
L'Oreal Paris
Argan Oil, Omega 3, and Vitamin E for Ultra Hydration and Anti-Aging Effects
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
How to Choose a Red Lipstick - Buying Guide
Red lipstick can complement your overall look and makeup if you choose the right shade that matches your skin tone and undertone. Besides that, however, there are some more categories that you should consider before buying a lipstick, such as its ingredients or your lips' thickness.
Match a Shade of Red Based on the Desired Effect
Generally, there are three types of finish that red lipsticks can create after application: a glossy effect, 3D luminous effect, or matte effect. Depending on the events you are attending, you can choose which effect goes best with your outfits and makeup and the overall theme.
Tinted, Satin, and Sheer Lipsticks for a 3D Luminous Effect
Tinted, satin and sheer lipsticks often contain fine pigments that can deliver ardent and high-impact color. They also moisturize and give your lips a bold shine. What's great about these types of lipsticks is that they can create a 3D effect, which will help your lips look plumper.
Tinted, satin, and sheer lipsticks are great for all types of occasions—especially for formal events, parties, or nights out. However, the colors may fade after eating or drinking, so you will probably need to reapply.
These lipsticks give you a younger and fuller lip look. A tinted, sheer, and satin lip gives you that bright and volumized lip that appears smooth and gives the appearance of bigger lips without the burn from a lip plumping product. The lighter the color is, the plumper the lip will look. A darker matte color will give you a smaller and poutier look.
Having a magnified lip product, such as a satin, sheer, or tint, makes the lips look more defined and appear larger. Without having to define the lip with a darker lip liner and a lighter lip shade in the middle of the lip, a sheer lipstick is the key to a 3D luminous effect. The high shine will give you the optical illusion of a plump lip.
Applying a sheer lip can attract light and give you the instant pump of volume. It is easiest just to apply a sheer or tinted lipstick with just one swipe, instead of having to over line and give an ombre effect with multiple lip products. These lipsticks draw more attention to the lips and can be considered dramatic.
Glossy Effect to Leave a Long-Lasting Impression
To create a glossy effect, you should choose lipsticks that can give your lips a lot of radiance. Usually, lip gloss is the ideal choice since it can moisturize your lips while giving them that high shine.
A glossy effect would work for multiple events, but it can really complement your appearance for casual dates or outings. Even though lip gloss color tends to stay for a long time, you should still reapply after eating or drinking to keep the color as glittery as possible!
Also, lip gloss tends to have a sticky texture. So if you have long hair, you should be careful of windy days and maybe tie up your hair to prevent it from sticking to your lips and ruining your look.
A lip gloss can have a thicker texture than lipsticks and require less application throughout the day. A lip gloss can be eye-catching and reflects light and feels more moisturizing on the lips. These lip glosses have a sparkle to them and less pigmentation. Lip glosses are buildable and will not give the look of being "over done."
Matte Lipstick for a Mature and Elegant Look
The color of matte lipsticks can last for quite a long time and do not fade away after a couple of drinks. Even though most matte lipsticks do not moisturize or give your lips a glossy look, their colors are bold and intense, thus suitable for formal events.
However, since matte lipsticks are created differently than their glossy counterpart, with more wax and pigment and less oil, they may dry your lips. You should carefully moisturize or prep them before applying.
A gloss can give off a more feminine and delicate look, whereas a matte lip gives off a strong, formal look. A matte lip is more vibrant and can give you that "I am confident" boost. The matte lip is a powerful asset and will brighten your complexion. A gloss can give off a more playful look, whereas a matte lip will show the lip shape and can be considered classy.
Select a Lipstick Based on Your Lips' Thickness
You may think that the thickness of your lips has nothing to do with you choosing your lipstick's color. But actually, it is a good measure to help you choose a shade that flatters your lips.
For people with thin lips, you should look for a bright red shade that can give your lips a light shine and more fullness. Meanwhile, people with plump lips may find matte lipsticks and darker red shades more suitable.
Pick a Red Lipstick Based on Your Skin Undertone
Not all red shades complement all skin undertones, so you should determine your undertone first before considering a lipstick's shade. To see what your undertone is, you should look at the color of your wrist's blood vessel under sunlight.
If your blood vessel looks blueish or purplish, it means you have a cool undertone. If it is green, then you probably have a warm undertone. In some cases, the veins are colorless, match the skin color or look like a mix of blue and green. This indicates a neutral undertone.
Go for a Blue Base If You Have Cool Undertones
With cool undertones, you should choose a red shade with the same undertone, such as blue or plum. Some of the color shade names you may frequently see include burgundy, wine, rose, or cherry. These will highlight your skin without looking too flashy or unnatural.
When you go shopping, or put makeup on, or choose between gold or silver jewelry, you want to find what looks best for you. Some colors do not look right with certain skin tones.
Cool undertone foundations tend to have a slight pink or blue tone to make the skin look natural, so a red lip that has a blue base would make the lip look even with your skin. Cool colors lean towards more blue and purple and a warm color is more towards yellow.
A red lip should even out your skin tone and look very casual. Match your face with your body when you are finding what your undertone is. Cool tone reds have more blue in the color. A deeper, darker blue tone lip will also make your teeth look more white. A darker red would like best on cool toned skin.
Oranges, Coppers, and Browns Will Complement Warmer Undertones
If you have a warm undertone, a red shade of the same undertone, such as orange, copper, and brown, would be a good option. The shade names usually found in shops are coral, gold, or copper. However, if your teeth are a bit yellow, you should avoid red shades with orange tones since they can draw extra attention to your teeth.
Neutral Undertones Can Be Paired With Any Shade
People with neutral undertones may find choosing red shades much easier since most shades can match with their undertones. If you want, you can experiment with different shades and choose which ones flatter you the most!
Look for Ingredients That Are Safe for You
Many lipsticks contain colorings, preservatives, and chemicals that may be harmful to your body. If you're not looking at the ingredients list thoroughly, you may mistakenly choose lipsticks that contain lead. Furthermore, it's easy to make that mistake because lead can be a component of the coloring used in lipsticks, particularly red powder coloring.
It is often safer to choose lipsticks with ingredients that have been approved by the FDA. These are said to be safer with nourishing ingredients for the lips. You can also consider those containing organic plant-based butter such as cocoa butter, shea butter, or avocado butter.
Organic wax (beeswax, carnauba wax) or oil produced using the cold-pressed method such as castor oil are also great options since they can protect your lips from daily toxins. Lipsticks infused with extracts from fruits and flowers like pomegranate and hibiscus are recommended, as they can provide both anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects for your lips.
10 Best Red Lipsticks
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick｜True Coral | | Luxurious Lipstick for the Perfect Look | |
2 | L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour｜British Red | | Argan Oil, Omega 3, and Vitamin E for Ultra Hydration and Anti-Aging Effects | |
3 | Revlon ColorStay Overtime｜Unending Red | | Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Gloss That Lasts | |
4 | Haus Laboratories Sparkle Lipstick｜True Sparkle Red | | Vegan Sparkle Lipstick for All Skin Tones | |
5 | Maybelline New York Sensational Color ｜On Fire Red | | Shea Butter and Pure Color Pigments for Deep Moisture | |
6 | Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick｜18 Reverse Red - Bordeaux | | Unique Square Lipstick With Intense and Creamy Pigment | |
7 | Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipstick ｜Red Carpet - Rich Red | | A Matte Red Lipstick With Effective Moisturizers | |
8 | Armani Beauty Ecstasy Lacquer Lip Gloss｜302 Amber - Coral Peach | | Glycerin for Lasting Moisturizing Impact and Comfortable Application | |
9 | Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick｜Red-Light Medium | | Hypoallergenic Lipstick Rich in Shea Butter and Coconut Oil | |
10 | NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment｜Starwoman - Vivid Blue Red | | Bold Yet Weightless Impressive Color for Up to 8 Hours |
Luxurious Lipstick for the Perfect Look
The price of a Tom Ford lipstick might scare you away, but its quality is really worth the price tag. This lipstick consists of unique and exotic ingredients such as chamomilla flower oil, Brazilian murumuru butter, and soja seed extract, creating an ultra-smooth and creamy texture.
The color can also stay on for a long time without bleeding or smearing. Many reviewers have complimented this lipstick for its moisturizing effect that gives their lips a comfortable feel for quite a while.
We recommend the True Coral shade, which can give you a natural and glittering look. But there are many other red shades that are worth trying, so you should look into more reviews and decide which one fits your preferences.
Argan Oil, Omega 3, and Vitamin E for Ultra Hydration and Anti-Aging Effects
Made with argan oil, the lipstick is rich in omega 3 and vitamin E to help nourish and soften your lips as well as protect them from the harsh environment. Vitamin E is also a great antioxidant to give your lips a lively look. There are also nine shades in the red family for you to choose from. The shade we'd opt for is British Red, a gorgeous and warm color.
Since the color has a bit of an orange undertone, people with warm undertones may find this color a good option. Also, some reviewers mentioned that in order to keep the color, you should re-apply every two to three hours. Still, many others said the formula was comfortable to wear and felt good on the lips.
Anti-Aging and Moisturizing Gloss That Lasts
This lipstick with gloss is infused with chamomile and soy extracts to keep your lips moist while preventing them from being chapped or damaged. It is also packed with vitamin E, which provides strong anti-aging effects while coating your lips. Another great point about this lipstick is its lasting power of up to 16 hours. Plus, it won't smear or bleed even after eating or drinking.
However, since the ingredients contain soy extracts, those with allergies should be careful before purchasing this product. Among the six shades of red available, Unending Red really flatters people with fair skin. Reviewers recommended the product because this was a truly long-wearing lipstick!
Vegan Sparkle Lipstick for All Skin Tones
This is a vegan, cruelty-free lipstick made by Haus Laboratories, Lady Gaga's beauty brand, and you won't be disappointed. The creamy texture makes the application totally stress- and smudge-free. This lipstick can also give your lips a glittering shine.
Some reviewers mentioned that the color faded after a few cups of coffee, so you might need to re-apply now and then. But the red color of this lipstick goes well with all skin tones, said many others. The universal red color was created using a blend of all undertones, saving you from the headache of choosing a perfectly skin-matching red shade.
Maybelline New York Sensational Color ｜ On Fire Red
Shea Butter and Pure Color Pigments for Deep Moisture
With a moisturizing formula infused with shea butter and pure color pigments, this lipstick will not make your lips feel dry or uncomfortable at all. There are many colors for you to choose from, but we recommend On Fire Red for those with medium to fair skin.
However, some reviewers experienced smearing and staining around their lips during application. Since this lipstick is highly pigmented, you probably need to pay attention when applying to avoid the mess. The smooth application of the product was a highlight for many other reviewers.
Yves Saint LaurentRouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick ｜ 18 Reverse Red - Bordeaux
Unique Square Lipstick With Intense and Creamy Pigment
An award winner of Allure Best of Beauty in 2019, this YSL lipstick is loved for its luxurious and highly pigmented color that complements all skin types. The weightless, creamy formula is easy to apply and can give you your desired color in just a few swipes. It's also got a unique, square designed tube. The long-wearing formulation means fewer reapplications.
However, some reviewers commented that this lipstick might make your lips feel a bit dry, so be sure to moisturize your lips carefully before application. Other reviewers really liked how creamy the lipstick formula was and how easy it was to apply.
Bobbi BrownLuxe Matte Lipstick ｜ Red Carpet - Rich Red
A Matte Red Lipstick With Effective Moisturizers
Bobbi Brown's Matte Luxe Lipstick is infused with oil powders to nourish and soften your lips. Furthermore, the product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, and minerals, so you know exactly what you're getting! The addition of candelilla wax and chamomilla flower oil rejuvenate and provide great support for dry and sensitive lips.
The lightweight and comfortable formula also keep the color vibrant for up to 12 hours. Some reviewers thought the formulation was a bit too powdery, while many others complimented the vibrant color of the lipstick. With the help of some lip liner, the color lasted for hours on their lips.
Armani BeautyEcstasy Lacquer Lip Gloss ｜ 302 Amber - Coral Peach
Glycerin for Lasting Moisturizing Impact and Comfortable Application
This lip gloss is made using Armani's liquid vinyl technology that allows colors to stay vibrant for about eight hours. The formula is rich in glycerin, an ingredient that can deeply hydrate and soften your lips. Go for one layer for a natural look or more for extra shine. The Amber shade has a subdued red finish that matches light to dark skin tones.
However, some reviewers complained about the fragrance of the lipsticks. So, you should check more reviews before choosing! Reviewers did enjoy the shine that this lip gloss gave to their lips, though. They said that this was one of the best lip gloss to have.
AlmaySmart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick ｜ Red-Light Medium
Hypoallergenic Lipstick Rich in Shea Butter and Coconut Oil
This lipstick is made with shea butter and coconut oil, and, true to its name, "butter kiss," glides on your lips smooth as butter. The lipstick is also hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists, so it is a great option for those who have sensitive lips.
We recommend Red Medium, which is similar to a rich burgundy shade and can flatter every skin tone. However, the color is not long-lasting. You may have to re-apply a few times throughout the day. Reviewers felt that it was lightweight and not too bold of a red color.
NARSPowermatte Lip Pigment ｜ Starwoman - Vivid Blue Red
Bold Yet Weightless Impressive Color for Up to 8 Hours
This liquid matte lipstick is lightweight and dries immediately after application, so you don't have to worry about color fading or bleeding. Moreover, the applicator is doe-footed, allowing you to apply the color easily and precisely in just one swipe.
Besides it being long-lasting, this lipstick also has shades that can complement all skin tones, but one of the most beloved colors is Starwoman. One reviewer mentioned that the lipstick needs to set and dry on your lips first, or it will smudge your teeth. Many other reviewers complimented that the color pigment was vivid and did not smear at all (after setting).
Natalya's Recommended Red Lipstick
The Ofra Flexi Slick - Spark is a great red lip choice. This red lip is not only long-lasting, but adds a shine and applies like cream. It is super smooth on the lip and does not have a sticky feeling to it. I reach for this lip first when I think of a red lip. I line the lips with a deeper red and then apply this all over the lips to give it an ombre look and a fuller look.
This is a cruelty-free and vegan product, and I recommend this as the first choice for my clients because it is not drying and has a light shine that give your lips that healthy, youthful look. A red lip can be scary at times because you want to make sure that it doesn't bleed or smudge. A bold red lip is a lip you want to look good throughout the whole day, so I recommend this one because it really won't budge or move on you throughout the day and you can still eat and drink without having to worry.
Tips on Applying Red Lipstick
Red lipsticks will put your lips in the spotlight, so you should apply light makeup to your eyes and cheeks for a balanced look. If you focus too much on each part of your face, the whole makeup look can look too heavy. So if you want to emphasize your eyes or cheeks instead, you can use a lighter lipstick shade (coral, gold, and the like) and vice versa.
Experts also suggest smoothing the lips' because red lipstick requires prepped and hydrated lips. Furthermore, starting with a lip primer or lip liner helps keep the bold color from bleeding and fading quickly.
With a bold color such as red, makeup artists recommend applying from the center of the lip, going up, to make your lips look plumper. Don't forget to set once the color is in place!
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer a commonly-asked question about red lipsticks.
How can I get red lipstick to stay on?
"The best way to make your red lip last is to start with an exfoliant to get rid of any dead skin cells. This can create a great surface that will keep the lips hydrated and not look dry with the bold red lip. Then apply a lip primer or even apply your foundation over the lip to help it stay all day. A primer can create a smooth canvas and helps lock the color on the lips."
Natalya continues, "Next, applying a lip liner first can help prevent any bleeding or smearing of the red lip. Filling the entire lip can help ensure that your red lip will last all day. The next step would be to dab the red lip product on the lip. Smearing the product on can lift the product, so dabbing on the product will make sure you get every crease of the lip as well, as it packs the product on.
Lastly, setting the lip with a powder can make sure your lip lasts all day. This can be set with a translucent powder with a tiny brush, which gives it a matte look as well."
Need More Lip Product Options? Check Out Our Other Articles!
If you don't want to have just red lipstick all the time, we have plenty of other excellent products you can browse.
Top 5 Red Lipsticks
No. 1: Tom Ford｜Lip Color Lipstick｜True Coral
No. 2: L'Oreal Paris｜Colour Riche Lipcolour｜British Red
No. 3: Revlon｜ColorStay Overtime｜Unending Red
No. 4: Haus Laboratories｜Sparkle Lipstick｜True Sparkle Red
No. 5: Maybelline New York ｜Sensational Color ｜On Fire Red
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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