Finding the Perfect Red Lipstick Is an Extreme Sport—MUAs, Celebs, and Editors Recommend *These* 11
Truly timeless.
Alyssa Brascia
Ah, the allure of red lipstick. It's sexy. It's powerful. It's a French-girl staple. People have been donning red lips for thousands of years, after all. Even Queen Cleopatra herself reportedly had a favorite shade of crimson. A red lip is truly timeless, and that's precisely why you can find a gazillion options on the market to choose from. Looking for a high-shine, vinyl-like liquid formula? I can give you no less than 16 recommendations. Craving a soft-matte burgundy? Options abound!
The sheer number of lippies out there can make any beauty lover's head spin, but that's where we come in. My fellow beauty editors and I have tested more red lipsticks than we can count over the years, and here, we've ranked the top 11 for your browsing pleasure. We also consulted trusted makeup artists for their recommendations and shopping tips. Get ready to pucker up with your new staple shade.
The Best Red Lipsticks, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Dior Rouge Dior Velvet Lipstick in 999
- Best Classic Red: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen
- Best Drugstore: Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Best Red
- Best Liquid Lipstick: Violette_Fr Petal Bouche in Amour Fou
- Best Long-Lasting: Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4
Best Overall: Dior Rouge Dior Velvet Lipstick in 999
Pros: Universally flattering, comfortable formula, long-wearing
Cons: On the expensive side
Shades: 32 | Finish: Matte | Undertone: True red
So many beauty editors will tell you this fire-engine red Dior lipstick is top of the line in general but especially if you’re looking for something timeless, holiday-ready, or universally flattering. “Rouge Dior 999 will always be an icon,” saysBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider. She’s in good company, because celebrity makeup artist Aurélie Payen also idolizes the shade—calling this Rouge Dior shade her “favorite of all time.” It has the perfect velvet-matte finish, so it became an on-set staple for Lily Collins, Payen's longtime client, while she was filming Emily in Paris.
Customer review: “This lipstick is long-wearing without drying the lips. Vibrant color that has great staying power!”
Best Classic Red: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen
Pros: Hydrating formula, lightweight texture, timeless hue
Cons: None we can think of
Shades: 23 | Finish: Natural | Undertone: True red
WWW beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock has tried heaps of red lipsticks, but this chili shade from Charlotte Tilbury is a mainstay in her rotation. “Leave it to Charlotte Tilbury to create a classic red lipstick like this,” she muses. “A true crimson, it looks incredible on every person I persuade to try it.” The brand advertises the formula’s finish as matte, but McLintock would describe it as “more of a ‘natural finish’ lipstick thanks to its ever-so-subtle sheen.” She adores its smooth, hydrating, and pigment-packed formula. “Every time I wear it, I feel like a siren from the silver screen,” she concludes.
Customer review: “Applying lipstick daily is like breathing; so when you get a magnificent one, you delight in it. This red is the PERFECT vibrant red for full, bold lips. I'm not usually a fan of red though because I feel it washes me out; but not this beautiful color. It's more of a cool toned red that brings life back to your face… It's rich and creamy when you apply it but has the most lovely matte finish… It applies seamlessly and stays on for hours!”
WWW beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock wearing Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen
Best Drugstore: Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Best Red
Pros: Hydrating formula, lightweight feel, infused with A and C vitamins
Cons: Doesn’t last very long
Shades: 6 | Finish: Satin | Undertone: Blue
WWW editors can’t stop raving about this particular drugstore formula from Milani. Rated the best red drugstore lipstick we’ve ever tried, McLintock sings the praises of both shades Best Red, a classic fiery hue, and Matte Confidence, a bordeaux iteration. “This lipstick costs a fraction of others I own, yet I love its hydrating formula and satin finish that gives my lips a nice, moisturized look,” McLintock previously told WWW. It’s a solid drugstore option that will deliver on color and comfort every time.
Customer review: “This is by far the best lipstick and everyday color. Glides on smoothly and hydrates.”
McLintock wearing Milani's Color Statement Lipstick in Matte Confidence
Best Liquid Lipstick: Violette_Fr Petal Bouche in Amour Fou
Pros: Long-wearing, intense pigment, lightweight feel
Cons: May feel drying on dry skin types
Shades: 3 | Finish: Velvet matte | Undertone: Blue
McLintock also considers Petal Bouche a makeup-bag staple. The liquid formula comfortably hugs the lips with hydrating color, and the matte finish is meant to replicate the velvet texture of a rose petal. How do you not swoon over that description?
Not to mention it's super buildable. You can apply just a touch and diffuse it with your fingertips for a Popsicle-like wash of pigment (very French, IMO), or you can apply a richer coat for more of a statement. McLintock went the latter route in the photo below, which looks stunning.
Customer review: “Everything about this lipstick is absolute perfection. The shade, the formula, everything. This is THE red lipstick.”
McLintock wearing Violette_Fr Petal Bouche in Amour Fou
Best Long-Lasting: Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4
Pros: Potent pigment, long-lasting, doesn’t feather or settle into lines
Cons: Some shoppers report dryness
Shades: 6 | Finish: Matte | Undertone: Blue
“When it comes to liquid lipstick, there are only two I wear regularly—Violette_Fr's Petal Bouche in Amour Fou (the perfect French-girl red!) and this one, Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4,” says McLintock. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this shade is also (allegedly) the exact same red lipstick Taylor Swift wears on the stage, date nights with fiancée Travis Kelce, and more. “It lasts through my morning coffee, late-night dinners, and sweaty stage performances (I assume) without drying out the lips or settling into lines and texture,” McLintock adds.
Customer review: “Solid classic red! I only had to touch up once all night even after eating supper. Smooth looking on the lips with little transfer on contact.”
Taylor Swift wearing red lipstick at the 67th annual Grammy Awards
Best Velvet: Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick in Goldie Red
Pros: Rich color, moisturizing formula, long-wearing
Cons: Undeniably pricey
Shades: 17 | Finish: Velvet matte | Undertone: Blue
As someone with dry skin (yes, including lips), I tend to internally cringe when the words “velvet” or “matte” are used to describe a lipstick. If you, too, suffered emotional damage from the cakey, drying liquid lipsticks of 2016 (I won’t name brands…), then you likely share my fear, but this luscious formula from Gucci stripped those reservations away.
Despite its velvety finish, this formula is creamy thanks to a cocktail of buttery waxes and oils that help the lipstick sit comfortably without settling into fine lines, drying the skin, or feeling heavy. Plus, it’s one of my most pigmented shades to date—and I own more than 50 lipstick tubes. (Also, can we talk about the embossed packaging? Heaven.)
Customer review: “This lipstick is pure sophistication. The color Goldie Red is that perfect, classic Gucci red—rich, flattering, and effortlessly chic. The matte texture feels velvety and comfortable, never drying, and it stays flawless through hours of wear. From the luxurious gold tube to the smooth application, everything about this lipstick feels high-end. It’s my go-to statement shade for a polished, confident look.”
WWW associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia wearing Gucci's Velvet Matte Lipstick in Goldie Red with brown lip liner
Best Matte: Valentino Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick in Red Fiesta
Pros: Hydrating formula, featherlight texture, rich pigmentation
Cons: Quite pricey
Shades: 12 | Finish: Velvet | Undertone: Orange
Echoing the sentiments above, “matte” is a trigger word in my book. However, the best true red matte in my collection is this svelte stick from Valentino Beauty. Encased in a thin tube of Valentino’s signature spikes, this slim lipstick is my ultimate holiday pick because of its size (easy to throw in any clutch or small purse), festive cherry red color, and comfortable, surprisingly hydrating formula—a must for my dry winter lips. I swipe this stick sparingly because only a thin layer is needed to reap potent color payoff, and its shape makes liner-less touch-ups beyond easy. A must, if you ask me!
Customer review: “I have never really been a fan for matte until now! This product is so buttery and the color is everything! I am so happy with this product.”
Brascia wearing the Valentino Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick in Red Fiesta with Valentino's Puffer Complex Lip Plumper Gloss on top
Best Orange-Red: Hermès Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Casaque
Pros: Extremely pigmented, luxe-looking color, ultra-comfortable formula
Cons: Most expensive on our list
Shades: 8 | Finish: Matte | Undertone: Orange
“Looking for the softest, creamiest, most pigment-packed lipstick possible? Let me introduce you to Hermès's Matte Lipstick in Rouge Casaque,” says McLintock. This poppy red from Hermès Beauty has a light, powdery finish that will instantly convert you into a matte-lipstick lover, no matter your previous preferences. “It's not the dry, one-dimensional matte lipstick of yesteryear. It's lightweight, hydrating, and incredibly luxe. And the color is damn near perfect—a radiant crimson with a poppy orange undertone,” she adds.
It’s undoubtedly an investment at $81 a tube, but in our opinion, it's totally worth it. Plus, when someone asks you what lip color you're wearing (they undoubtedly will—the color is that gorgeous), you get to say something along the lines of, "Oh, it's Hermès." I can't think of anything chicer.
Customer review: “No other will do. It was expensive, but I wanted to try since it had marvelous reviews. It lived up to its high marks. Excellent color and stays on a long time.”
McLintock wearing Hermès Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rouge Casaque
Best Blue-Red: MAC Cosmetics MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Pros: Highly pigmented, universally flattering, comfortable texture
Cons: TBH, none
Shades: 7 | Finish: Matte | Undertone: Blue
It’s hard to talk about the best red lipsticks without mentioning MAC’s Ruby Woo—a shade that may be one of the brand’s most iconic ever. This delectable blue-red was released in 1999 and hasn’t slowed in popularity since, garnering fans like Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more. Its comfortable matte formula is versatile in true MAC fashion, making this shade easy to wear in a variety of ways: from a blurry, bitten French-girl style to an ultra-defined, retro pout. Plus, the shade is universally flattering.
Customer review: “MAC Matte Ruby Woo can do no wrong on any complexion of skin. This color is classic, vibrant, rich to the eye, and it should be a must have in your collection of makeup. Love, love this product!”
Best Brick Red: Merit Signature Lip in Tiger
Pros: Hydrating formula, lightweight texture, expensive-looking color
Cons: Pulls less red than the others on our list
Shades: 7 | Finish: Satin | Undertone: Orange
Associate beauty editor Maya Thomas is quick to call out this stunning Merit number. The brand claims that it's so lightweight you'll forget you're even wearing it, and I totally agree. This is one of the most comfortable lippies I've tested, and our team of beauty editors would have to agree. Its formula is packed with plant-based squalane and sunflower seed oil for an extra kiss of hydration, and an infusion of vitamin C keeps the lips looking and feeling smoother. Plus, how perfect does this brick red feel for fall and winter?
Customer review: “I normally stay away from matte lipsticks because they can be drying on the lips. But this line has such a comfortable formula that it does not feel drying at all. It wears so beautifully that it doesn't need re-application! This is my new favorite bold lip for a night out! I love it!”
Best Sheer: Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Mon Cheri
Pros: Easy to blend, comfortable texture, buildable color
Cons: Not as long-lasting as the others
Shades: 9 | Finish: Matte | Undertone: Orange
It’s true that not every red lipstick look has to be a stark swipe of color. If you prefer a sheer tint or blurred effect, Schneider recommends reaching for Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in the cherry-brown hue Mon Cheri. This buildable option offers more of a “kiss” of color on the first swipe, but you can layer the shade with additional swipes or taps for a more intense shade. “It blurs so well—very French!” Mon Cheri is a gorgeous moody red for winter and fall, but if you want something a bit more classic, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the pink-red Amour Fou.
Customer review: “Violette_FR has become my favourite lipstick brand! Since first purchasing Petal Bouche ‘Amour Fou,’ I have trusted the brand for its quality, unique texture and beautiful colours. Bisou Balm is now my go-to lipstick for work: its subtle colour, yet impactful effect, keeps my lips moisturised all day. If you want a bold statement, Petal Bouche is your lipstick. For a softer, everyday look, Bisou Balm is definitely the one to choose.”
What to Look For in the Perfect Red Lipstick
I won't sugarcoat it: Finding the perfect shade of red lipstick can be tricky. It takes some personal testing to discover the formula, finish, and payoff you prefer, but makeup artists have some general guidelines that can help you narrow down your shades.
- Undertones: First, you'll want to consider your undertones, the underlying pigment in your skin. Do you lean more cool or warm? For cool-toned individuals, lipsticks with blue or berry undertones will be your best bet. True reds also tend to look superb on cooler skin tones. If you have warm undertones, opt for an orange- or brick-toned lip. "Neutral undertones can pull off most shades, but it's still essential to strike a balance depending on their exact skin tone," celebrity makeup artist J Guerra previously shared withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing .
- Clothing: Undertones aren't the only important factor to consider, however. Celebrity makeup artist and founder of Neen Jeanine Lobell says you can also tie your lip to your outfit. "If you are wearing earth tones, a brick red can be the way to go. With black or white clothing, a blood red is always a classic. Pastels can be more compatible with a pinky red," she says.
- Personal preference: At the end of the day, your lipstick choice is, well, yours. Go ahead and choose whichever red strikes your fancy. "I actually think it's less skin tone dependent and more vibe specific," Lobell adds. "If you are not up for a full, strong blood red, lean into something with more yellow, like an orange or more coral red." You know what looks best on your own lips—trust those instincts.
How to Apply Red Lipstick
Applying red lipstick requires a bit more precision than, say, a sheer mauve or nude shade since the payoff is much richer and has more room for error. First, Lobell recommends exfoliating your lips with a gentle scrub to keep the surface nice and even. "You can use an actual lip scrub, or even a toothbrush works if you're in a pinch," she notes.
Follow up with a hydrating lip balm so your pout can soak up all the moisture it needs. This is especially important if you're opting for a matte finish, which can make the lips appear drier. After letting the balm absorb for a few minutes, blot away any residue before grabbing your lip color du jour.
Dab the product directly on the center of your bottom lip only, Lobell says, then rub your lips together to spread the pigment. "Using the doe foot or brush, apply to the edges carefully with less product," she instructs. "I like to buff the edge of the lip line a little to keep it more blurred and avoid harsh lines." You can do that with a small brush or your own fingertip.
If you make a mistake, don't sweat it! "A [cotton swab] and micellar water will do the trick," Lobell adds.
Which Skin Tones Look Best in Red Lipstick?
This is a trick question because all skin tones look best in red lipstick. However, as explained above, the one thing you should take into consideration when selecting your perfect shade is your undertones. Warm undertones tend to glow when paired with an orange-red lipstick—we'd recommend Hermès Rouge Casaque for that—and cooler skin tones are complemented beautifully by blue-red shades (MAC's Ruby Woo is our top pick there).
Though that's not to say that you can't experiment with different red iterations despite your specific undertones. For instance, Ruby Woo is famously universally flattering, and true reds like Dior Rouge Dior Velvet Lipstick in 999 or Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen look gorgeous on anyone. In short, your choice comes down to preference.
How We Chose
We chose the best red lipsticks of 2025 by testing dozens of red lipsticks among the beauty editors on our team and dishing on our favorites after several months of testing. Keeping qualities like longevity, formula, shade range, and texture in mind, we chose the top performers of the bunch to add to this list. We also took into consideration recommendations and application tips from celebrity makeup artists. From there, we compiled this list of inclusive red lipstick hues that satisfy a wide range of skin tones, skin types, and personal preferences—from color to finish and texture.
Why Trust Us
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
