The Ultimate List Of Red Lipsticks That You Need To Know

Every girl needs a red lipstick, whether you wear it as part of your everyday go-to look or for special occasions. Some people might find a bold red lip too intimidating, but nothing pulls your look together like a flattering statement pout. Whether it’s a shiny or matte finish, everyone has their own opinions on the best shade of red. Understandable, because we all have different skin tones.

And unlike other colours that come and go with the season, a classic red lip is timeless. If you’re looking for a signature red, here is the cream of the crop – some new, some classics, all swoon-worthy.


Kat Von D Studded Kiss Creme Lipstick in Underage Red, $30

This warm red lipstick easily brightens up your face, and the creamy formula is not drying after a whole day of wear. Kat Von D’s products are known for their lasting power (remember that girl whose eyeliner didn’t even budge after an accident?), and this lipstick locks onto your lips until you’re ready to take it off. The studded black bullet is both spunky and elegant at the same time, which makes you feel just a little more bad-ass when you’re touching up your lipstick.

MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $33

The slim matte black bullet from MAC cosmetics is instantly recognisable, as is its name. The best-selling shade is universally flattering for all skin tones, which has elevated it to cult status now. Almost everyone who is looking to get their first red lipstick would have heard of MAC’s Ruby Woo lipstick, and has been seen on almost everyone from Gwen Stefani to Taylor Swift. And at $33 a stick, the lippie has become as staple in many girl’s makeup pouches.

Make Up For Ever Artist Liquid Matte Lipstick in #401, $35

If you’re worried about smudging your lipsticks, go for a liquid lipstick. Make Up Forever’s super ultra matte liquid lipstick is both pigmented and hydrating, thanks to the formula that includes beeswax and avocado oil.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour, $36

Leave lip tracks on all your cups with this gorgeous lip stunner from Fenty Beauty to mark your territory. The Stunna Lip Paint is fast becoming a main contender on lipstick roundups. All you need is one coat for super pigmented, vibrant lips, which dries to a flattering matte finish. The lipsticks transfers like nobody’s business, but the colour will still hang onto your lips because bad girls like Riri don’t have time to reapply lipsticks.

Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Fire, $40

Laura Mercier’s latest matte lipsticks were just launched earlier this year, but we’re already in love with it. The shade Fire is a bright, orange-y red with a smooth, velvety pigmented formula that has an ‘ultra-matte’ finish, just like the name states. The rounded tip makes touching up much easier, and the slim twisty pen slips more easily into your evening bag than a regular bullet.

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in Vain, $40

We waited damn long for NARS to put out a liquid lipstick, and we weren’t disappointed when they finally released the Powermatte Lip Pigment! The formula doesn’t streak when you’re applying a second layer (although you shouldn’t need to since these lipsticks are able to weather through solids and liquids), and the tapered applicator makes drawing your lips easier. The rectangular matte black packaging with the white NARS logo on the cap is also pleasing to the eye when its sitting on your vanity table.

Hera Rouge Holic Shine in No. 329 Poppy Red, $45

This lipstick pretty much sold out when Jun Ji Hyun wore it in The Legend Of The Blue Sea. Even though the shade she wore was #147 in Supreme Pink, the Poppy Red is becoming one of our fast favourites for shiny lipsticks. The moisturising lipstick doesn’t dry out your lips, and then creamy formula helps you get that faded ombre look that Koreans love. Swipe the lipstick on the inner side of your lips, and blend it out with your fingers to get a rosy flush.

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Pirate, $49

Probably one of the more popular shades from Chanel’s range of reds to get that crimson lips Coco Chanel is known for. Pirate is tinged with blue undertones, making it a deep red that is the perfect go-to shade for everyday wear. The satin-y finish and classy black and gold packaging never fails to impress either.

 

Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge in 999, $49

This classic statement red from Dior is a union between 2 perfect red shades that Mr Dior himself created in 1953, and has now become known as the iconic 999 shade. The Ultra Rouge lipstick is Dior’s latest formula that promises extreme colour and comfort with a semi-matte finish. The popular shade also comes in a lip stain, a lipstick with a metallic finish, and as a nail polish.

 

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 400, The Red, $55

Finding the perfect red is not easy, and this one took over 95 tests to get right! Giorgio Armani’s signature red is a rich and plush shade that is both sensual and makes a statement at the same time. Encased in a slim, blood red lacquer tube, the lipstick just screams boss lady.

Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture in  Red Tribe, $55

For a good, juicy splash of colour without any shimmer or shine, the YSL Tatouage Couture will be your go-to lipstick. If you’re particular about the applicator, you’ll be pleased to know that the angled short tip helps to manoeuvre along your cupid’s bow. You’ll be hooked at first swipe.