11 Red Lipsticks to Love Right Now
Photo: Robin Black
Model: Samantha Zajarias
"Red is the great clarifier – bright, cleansing and revealing, it makes all colors beautiful. I can’t imagine becoming bored with red – it would be like becoming bored with the person you love.” – Diana Vreeland
I firmly believe that there is a perfect shade of red lipstick for everyone. If you haven’t found one to love, then you simply haven’t tried on enough. If you just don’t like bright lipstick or any lipstick, then by all means avoid red. Red lipstick is a statement. It’s bold and confident, sexy and powerful. It can be intimidating, stylish, alluring or if done badly, vulgar. There is a whole world of satin, velvet, matte, semi-mattes, sheers, stains and glosses that range from blackened cherry to neon flame. In order to narrow down this list to just 11 lipsticks, I didn’t include sheers, gloss finishes or stains. I also tried to stick to balanced reds with just a few blue reds and orange reds that are simply too good to leave out. If you have a beloved red lipstick, please list it in the comments below!
Dolce & Gabbana The Lipstick in Real Red, Collector’s Edition
Part of their new holiday collection, this perfectly balanced red comes in very elegant packaging.
Tom Ford Lip Color Matte in Ruby Rush
Recently launched, this true red is bright without being garish. The matte finish wears comfortably and the smell is pure luxury.
Related: Editor’s Picks, Lipstick
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss
Aside from the fact that it’s Kate’s favorite, this lipstick is a long wear, intense scarlet red with rich coverage and moisture-enhancing satin finish.
This elegant statement red feels both classic and modern. The bright color has warm undertones and a luxe satiny finish.
NARS Hardwired Lipstick in Deadly Catch
Just released as part of their holiday collection, this cool toned crimson has a high sheen finish.
Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope in Black Tie
This stunning deep red has a velvety texture, rich color, and vintage-looking packaging.
Related: The Most Iconic Red Lips in Film
Charlotte Tilbury in Love Bite
A recent arrival to the US, this bright fire engine red has a lovely satin finish and serious old Hollywood appeal.
Clarins Rouge Eclat in Red Passion
This easy to wear red looks good on just about everyone and the moisturizing formula makes it a perfect choice for every day.
Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate
This iconic lipstick is a ladylike blue-based red with an intense color payoff and a satin finish.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice
The original version of this lipstick was launched in 1952 and it’s still going strong today!
Related: How to Get Fall’s Muted Red Lip
MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger
This bright orange red is a contentious choice since many will argue that Russian Red or Ruby Woo (both blue based reds) are the more famous MAC shades. However, if you are a person who loves bold warm reds, this is the color for you.
