The Red Lipstick Review

Are you constantly on the lookout for the best red lipstick? This classic lip color has been worn by everyone and anyone, and has been glamorizing women (and men) for centuries!

These days we don’t have to rely on crushed gemstones and extracted dyes for our ruby reds. Luckily, there are tons of great brands out there doing the lip service for us. We’ve rounded up nine highly-rated lipsticks to suit every style and skin tone, to give you the ultimate red review. So tonight, whether you’re rocking a retro look or making it more minimalist, you’re sure to find the perfect red lipstick below.

L’Oreal

Color Riche Boosting Serum lipstick in True Red | $6

In the tube, this cool-toned, mega-red lipstick looks showgirl-glittery. We want to save it for a kiss under the mistletoe. Once applied, this shimmering red illuminates as the tiny glitter particles subtly pick up light without giving you disco-lips. The baby powder-scented formula feels great and the price is right—making it one of the better picks at the drugstore.

Inglot Cosmetics

Lipstick in #230 Cream | $13 | shop it

A cool red with a strong blue undertone that feels well-rounded and basic. The shade looks creamy and appealing when worn, and the sugary, fruity scent makes it sweet.  Its no-nonsense packaging helps it look right at home in everyone’s makeup bag. Overall this affordable, no-frills lipstick delivers the perfect dose of color. A covetable red that everyone should own.

MAC

Lipstick in Russian Red | $15

One of the most cult-loved colors of them all! MAC’s Russian Red imparts the ideal satin-matte hybrid—perfect as a professional red, yet stunningly sophisticated at night. The Siberian shade is a true red créme leaning slightly towards the blue spectrum, a color which both flatters the face as well as brightens the teeth. A universal option for all!

Smashbox

Be Legendary Lipstick in Legendary | $19

Here’s an extremely rich and glossy lipstick that is practically begging to be slathered on. This mild, warm-toned shade is dripping in bright color. The formula feels sexy when worn, albeit a bit sticky. Word of advice: the buttery color disperses after a few hours of wear, so touch up often and in between legendary makeout sessions. The high fashion shine of the modern-looking tube is a sultry plus.

Too Faced

La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in Stiletto Red | $22 | shop it

The spicy citrus scent of this hydrating lipstick makes it an instant go-to for holiday red lips. The neutral red formula has a strong blue undertone, and is creamy and buttery soft with a high-gloss sheen that feels great on chapped winter lips. The color is sheer, which works well for daytime wear, while the toned-down gold-colored tube looks both regal and casual all at once. Overall, it’s an understated red for a modern princess.

Bésame

Classic Color Lipstick in Bésame Red | $22

This prim floral tube contains a gorgeous true red that glides on thick and creamy with a classic matte finish. The vintage-pretty package is fit for a flapper, but it looks darling in our clutch alongside our cell phone. The universally flattering signature shade is long-lasting through both dinner and drinks—and the flat formula didn’t leave our lips dry. The unique, chiseled edge of the lipstick makes drawing the perfect cupid’s bow shape on your lips a total breeze. Call us old fashioned, but Bésame Red is nothing short of marvy!

Illamasqua

Lipstick in Box | $24

This lipstick has a very matte formula that stays put all night long. The warm red is neutral enough to flatter a wide variety of faces, and the sweet-spicy scent compliments the edgy shade very well. The formula felt a bit on the powdery side, but the gothy-glam aesthetic made us feel pin-up pretty and a little mysterious. It’s a powerful red for an evening of decadence.

Anna Sui

Lip Rouge V Vivid in #460 | $25

A red lipstick that smells like roses: what’s not to love? This moisturizing lipstick looks beautiful both in the package and on your lips, making it a glamorous pick for a wild night out, or just to dress up your everyday makeup stash. The balmy, cool-toned red looks almost sheer when on, but the color feels cashmere-soft and tastes sweet. A flirty choice, for sure!

NARS

Pure Matte Lipstick in Vesuvio | $25

This is a cool-toned neutral that feels hip and sleek. The NARS tube is in a modern matte black, and the shape is skinny enough to be tucked in any purse or pocket for a Gal On The Go. The no-scent formula goes on smooth and produces a rich, matte color that doesn’t budge, all day long. Here is the perfect red lipstick option for a busy day of work and play.

Tarte

Glamazon Pure Performance Lipstick in Fierce | $26

For a natural lipstick, this color is on fire! The electric orange-red looks and feels fantastic, delivering high performance color with the feel of a lip balm. The bamboo-like tube looks easy going and friendly while still making a statement. Thanks to the 12 hour wearability, it’s a great red to tote to your morning yoga class and then out for a night with the girls. The lipstick itself is the perfect width that covers the lips in one good swipe. And the all-natural ingredients are a plus!