13 best red lipsticks Glamour editors swear by, tried and tested
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Red lipstick is basically the beauty equivalent of a little black dress, in my opinion. While most of us tend to reach for a red lip during the festive season, we’re here to prove it deserves a permanent spot in your makeup bag all year round - especially with Valentine's Day around the corner. It can be just as versatile as your favourite brown nude - and with so many undertones and finishes to choose from, there really is a red for everyone.
And it’s not exactly a new trend, either. From iconic looks worn by Marilyn Monroe and Dita Von Teese, to Taylor Swift’s signature scarlet pout and Margot Robbie’s recent gothic moment at the Wuthering Heights premiere, the red lip has never really gone out of style - and it isn’t going anywhere.
Whether you’re after full-glam ‘Old Hollywood’ drama or a softer, more wearable red that works just as well for day as it does for night, Glamour editors have been busy testing the very best red lipsticks out there - for every skin tone and preference. Here's everything you need to know.
How we test:
At Glamour, testing products is basically in our job description - so you don’t have to. And when it comes to makeup and skincare, we don’t try something once and call it a day. We test over a few weeks (and sometimes months) to see how formulas perform over time - how they sit on the skin, whether they actually make a difference, and, of course, how they wear throughout the day.
For this edit, we got our hands on the bestselling red lipsticks people genuinely swear by and put them through their paces. We wore each one across different skin tones and undertones to make sure our recommendations feel as inclusive (and as useful) as possible.
We also paid close attention to the formula itself - including ingredients and comfort. Is it hydrating? Does it cling to dry patches or leave lips feeling tight? Because the last thing you want from a red lip is flaking or fading before midday.
Ahead, our editors’ favourite red lipsticks…
- Finish: Matte
- Shade tested: Ruby Woo
- Tested by: Rosie Lai, Glamour's former Fashion Editor
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 former 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.
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- Finish: Satin
- Shade tested: Incendiary
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, Glamour's former Beauty Commerce Writer
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 former Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet.
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- Finish: Matte
- Shade tested: 999 Forever Dior
- Tested by: Elle Turner, Glamour's Senior Beauty Editor
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.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour
- Finish: Matte
- Shade tested: Ribbon
- Tested by: Robyn Eugene, Glamour's Social Media Editor
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.
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- Finish: Matte
- Shade tested: Court
- Tested by: Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer
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.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution
- Finish: Matte
- Shade tested: Red Carpet Red
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?
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- Finish: Soft matte
- Shade tested: Wine
Why we love it: One brand I'm absolutely obsessed with is REFY - from their cream bronzer which gives the perfect sunkissed glow, to their clear gloss which I apply on repeat because it's that good. Anything that makes my mornings easier is a yes from me and this multi-functional blush and lip product in one does just that.
I use shade wine, and while you expect the colour to be a deeper red on first glance, it blends out beautifully into a warmer reddish tint with peachy undertones. I love how buildable this product is too. If you've used it as a blush first (using your fingers) simply dab the excess of the product onto your lips for a quick healthy flush of colour. Or to go bolder, apply it directly to your lips and use it as a lipstick. It's super moisturising too thanks to its balm-like formula.
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick
- Finish: Creamy
- Shade tested: Pop
Why we love it: It’s not uncommon to see Victoria sporting a red lip, so it comes as no surprise that she’s created the perfect red shade that has great colour payoff, but also blends like a dream thanks to its balm-like moisture. The lipstick works to condition the lips while locking in lasting hydration thanks to its addition of rosehip, coconut and avocado oils which deliver softness and a subtle shine.
Not only that but the pomegranate and jojoba complex helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and support a fuller look - so it’s basically a moisturising treatment and the perfect red lip all in one chic lipstick tube - obsessed is an understatement.
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Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour
- Finish: Soft matte
- Shade tested: Uncensored
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.
Bookmark these Sephora discount codes to save when you shop for the best red lipsticks.
NARS Cosmetics Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
- Finish: Matte
- Shade tested: Cruella
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.
- Finish: Satin
- Shade tested: 854
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.
- Finish: Satin
- Shade tested: Pip
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.
Bookmark these SpaceNK discount code to save when you shop for the best red lipsticks.
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Wonderskin Wonder Blading All-Day Lip Stain
- Finish: Satin
- Shade tested: Divine
Why we love it: If you’re after a red lip that genuinely won’t budge from day to night, this viral lip stain might be the missing piece in your makeup bag. You’ve probably spotted it all over your TikTok FYP (yes - the one that goes on looking like a bright blue lipstick in everyone’s GRWMs). It comes in 19 shades, with Whimsical being the most popular, but for the perfect red we’d point you towards Divine - a rich burgundy red.
To apply, simply swipe an even layer on your lips, wait around a minute (or until it feels dry), then wipe away the top layer to reveal your colour underneath. Once it’s set, it’s super long-wearing and won’t fade or run - even when you layer other lip products over the top.
FAQ's
How do I choose the best red lipstick for my 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 to make red lipstick last
Red lipstick looks great freshly applied, but a few hours in (or after a couple of drinks), it can start to fade or smudge - and well, look pretty messy. The trick to making it really last is all in the prep - and a little strategic layering. First things first, prep your lips before applying red lippy. Red lipsticks are often matte - especially if you’re going for a bold ‘Old Hollywood’ glam look, so gently buffing away any dry skin with a lip scrub or a warm damp flannel is pretty essential. After that, be sure to add a thin layer or balm to keep them nice and hydrated, and give it a little blot with a tissue.
Another great trick I learnt along the way is to use setting powder after applying your lipstick. Grab your fave translucent powder and dab a light amount on the lips with a fluffy brush to set the colour, and keep your lipstick in place.
