We all have our own ways of transforming our everyday selves into our more sophisticated alter egos. While some of us rely on a curling iron and sea salt spray to add some sex appeal, others craft a seductive smokey eye. But if there's one thing that's truly universal when it comes to feeling like our most exciting selves, it's a big, bad red lipstick. Swiping on such a bold color can have real mood-boosting effects, and takes any makeup look up a chic notch.
What shade of red lipstick should I wear?
There are a lot of people who insist that they just can't wear red lipstick. And to that, I say: You sure as hell can. It's just a matter of finding the right shade, finish, and method of application. Finding the red shade for your skin tone means the difference between looking like a silver screen siren and like you might still have ketchup on your face from dinner. Once you've nailed that, the opportunities are endless: Add a matte to your cart for a classic look that lasts all night, and keep a satin finish on hand for a touch of glossiness that looks pitch-perfect for daytime.
As fate would have it, July 29 is National Lipstick Day, which means you have an excuse to stock up on as many shades as you want! Here, a mix of the most iconic shades to hit the market and our newer favorites to satisfy every mood, event, and whim that comes your way.
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Russian Red
For Fair and Deep Skin Tones
Ruby Woo gets all the hype when you think of MAC's iconic red lipsticks, but we're partial to Russian Red, which has blue undertones that look flawless on fair and deep skin tones (plus, they make your teeth look whiter).
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Individualist
For
We're not sure what dark magic Maybelline conjured when it came to whipping up this formula, but we're believers: this stuff doesn't move until you want it to. The formula dries down to a gorgeously matte finish, and it's un-budgeable.
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick in 999
For White Outfits
You've see this iconic shade before, but never like this. Dior's newest liquid formula is nearly weightless, but has immense color payoff for a bold, bright pout. And once it's one, it's on—we're comfortable declaring this one as transfer-proof. But our favorite thing about this release? The pointed applicator, which helps you create a perfect vermilion line with the precision of a liner.
Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte
For Francophiles
Beauty icon and makeup artist Violette has been inspiring the masses with her French girl beauty tips for years, and now, she's given us her signature red to keep. This liquid looks as beautiful dappled on with your finger as it does applied precisely, and it dries down to the hue of a red rose petal.
Rituel de Fille Forbidden Lipstick in Fortune Teller
For Fair Skin Tones
If you're on a vampire movie kick and feel like cosplaying, this creamy formula provides sexy, bloody berry hue that follows suit. Apply multiple coats for a bold lip, or smudge it out with your finger for a subtle stain.
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored
For Precise Application
Rihanna said she'd give us a universal red, and damn, did she deliver. But the best part about this scarlet option is the applicator you apply it with, which is shaped to provide extra precision on your vermillion line and the "m" of your top lip.
Hermes Rouge Hermes Matte Lipstick in Rouge Casaque
The Warm Red
It only takes one coat of this warm red shade to give you a warm red pout, but the precision tip is what makes this the perfect addition to your on-the-go kit. (And the casing is pretty enough to leave on your sink for the indefinite future.)
