I Own Well Over 100 Red Lipsticks—But I Always Come Back to These 11

Classic, bold, and worth buying.

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As a beauty writer and editor whose favorite category is color cosmetics—which is oddly rarer than you’d think—I find that there are a handful of makeup products that really seem to intimidate people. I often hear folks say they find eyeshadow palettes overwhelming, for example, or express fear surrounding liquid eyeliner. A shocking entry on that list? Red lipstick. As classic and ubiquitous as it is, many people panic at the prospect of it being too bold, too bright, too… not them. Which I get. But I do firmly believe that there is a red lipstick for everyone; you just have to figure out which one fits your needs.

For example, if you’re all for a bold moment but have concerns about longevity (or getting lipstick on your teeth), consider a matte formula. “I’m a huge fan of matte reds because I think they look super chic, last longer, and make a statement,” says professional makeup artist Julianna Grogan. However, “if matte lips are too bold, there are many beautiful satin finishes that will be more moisturizing and nourishing for your lips.” Looking for max hydration? “There’s glossy reds for a little more glam and super hydration.”

You’ll also want to consider your formats (AKA the packaging it comes in). “The application wand is also important for ease of use; a liquid lipstick will have maximum pigment and payoff, but can be messier than the traditional bullet, and a pencil-style lipstick can give you really precise application and an effortless swipe,” says Grogan.

I spoke to Grogan and professional makeup artists Taylor Fitzgerald and Eddie Duyos—and drew on my extensive red lipstick collection and decades of experience with the hue—to round up the 11 best red lipsticks and compile expert tips for finding your dream red. Scroll on for more.

The Best Red Lipsticks

Eden Stuart wearing True Velvet Lipstick in Velvet Ribbon.

Eden Stuart wearing True Velvet Lipstick in Velvet Ribbon.

(Image credit: Eden Stuart)

eden stuart wearing red lipstick

Eden Stuart wearing Maed Signature Lip Pigment Matte Liquid Lipstick.

(Image credit: Eden Stuart)

eden stuart wearing red lipstick

Eden Stuart wearing NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

(Image credit: Eden Stuart)

Eden Stuart wearing Dior Rouge Dior in #999.

Eden Stuart wearing Dior Rouge Dior in #999.

(Image credit: Eden Stuart)

Eden Stuart wearing M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Red Rock .

Eden Stuart wearing MAC M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Red Rock .

(Image credit: Eden Stuart)

How Do I Pick the Best Shade of Red Lipstick?

A shortcut to picking a red lipstick shade you’ll love? Consulting the color wheel. “If you have cooler, pink undertones, a blue-based red can be especially striking,” says Duyos. “For warmer or golden undertones, a true red or a slightly warmer red will feel more complementary and natural.”

That said, the only hard and fast rule when it comes to color is that you love it. “Makeup should be fun and playful,” says Fitzgerald. “Just be sure to consider what tone complements the outfit you’re wearing, and the tones you’re incorporating into the rest of the face.”

Should I Wear Matte or Satin Red Lipstick?

When selecting a formula and finish—think satin or matte—and a format (i.e., bullet or liquid), consider your lip condition, desired longevity, and how you prefer your lip products to feel. “Matte formulas tend to offer the longest wear, while satin or cream finishes feel more hydrating and comfortable for everyday use,” says Duyos. “Liquid formulas can give you both intensity and staying power, while traditional bullets are great for easy touch-ups on the go.”

But ultimately, your best red lipstick will be like your best SPF: something you enjoy wearing and reapplying. “It’s the focal point of your look, so choosing a formula you’re confident in executing, wearing, and potentially touching up is key,” says Fitzgerald.

How Do I Apply Red Lipstick?

  • Prep your base: Much like how you’d apply a priming moisturizer ahead of foundation, you’ll want to make sure your lips are ready for red. “A nonnegotiable step is to apply some kind of moisturiser to your lips and let it soak in while you do the rest of your makeup,” says Grogan. “Then blot it off before you start your red lip.”
  • Work on your technique: Red lipstick can be intimidating, but approaching the process with a technique in mind can make it less so. Duyos suggests using a lip brush to get a precise line, while Fitzgerald likes to do what she calls reverse lining. "Instead of starting with liner, start with lipstick, applying it just next to the lip line,” she explains. “Then, I like to finish it with liner to make it crisp, and clean the edges with concealer and a flat brush. There’s something less intimidating about perfecting a red lip when the lipstick is on first for some reason.”
  • Be prepared to tidy up: Speaking of cleanup, “the number one tip I have for applying red lipstick is to have Q-tips on hand to clean up the edges of the mouth and really perfect the look,” says Grogan. “A cleanser like a micellar water works perfectly, too.”

How We Tested

Our testing process merged long-time editor favorites with picks from professional makeup artists. Reviews and online sentiment were also taken into consideration when selecting our top contenders.

We evaluated each on ease of use, texture, pigment payoff, and lasting power.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

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Julianna Grogan

Julianna Grogan is a professional makeup artist with more than 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Vogue Paris, Vogue India, Elle, and Harpers Bazaar, among many other publications.

headshot of taylor fitzgerald
Taylor Fitzgerald

Taylor Fitzgerald is a New York City-based makeup artist. Her clients include Paige DeSorbo, Renee Rapp, and Sunisa Lee.

headshot of eddie duyos
Eddie Duyos

Eddie Duyos is a New York City-based makeup artist and educator with more than 25 years of experience.

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Eden Stuart
Eden Stuart
Contributing Beauty Writer

Eden Stuart is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with more than a decade of experience, most recently as a beauty editor at Byrdie. 

After beginning her career as an assistant editor with a regional lifestyle magazine in her native Virginia, Eden decided to try her luck in the Big Apple. She soon landed a job as a news editor with a leading beauty B2B media company, eventually climbing the ranks to assistant managing editor. She left the B2B space to join Byrdie, where she tackled everything from skincare explainers and nail galleries to celebrity interviews and personal essays for nearly five years.