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Can Black women really wear red lipstick? The question has haunted me for years, resulting in me speeding past red shades—in lipstick and gloss—and settling on a simple nude shade. I've always admired the gentle confidence a woman has when she applies a red lipstick: her head raises a bit higher, shoulders sit a bit taller, and her walk is more powerful than ever. One day, I took the plunge with my first-ever red lipstick purchase: Mac Cosmetic's Ruby Woo. Now, my once nude-only lipstick collection has been infiltrated by red shades in matte, creamy, and glossy finishes. So the question is no longer, Can Black women wear red lipstick? Instead, I'm asking myself, Where the hell can I find space to put all my lippies? If you were once averse to red lipsticks like me, scroll down below for 12 options I've known, tried, and loved.
You know you've reached cult status when you're recognized by shade name alone. Coloured Raine's Cherry Blossom has been a mainstay in YouTube beauty videos forever. The liquid formula dries super fast without drying out your lips and gives you all the attention from strangers passing by.
This is for those who want a subtle red that's not too matte but not too creamy. While it's not completely transfer-proof, it fades down to a stain-like finish. Sounds like a win-win to me.
NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dragon Girl
Nars packaged this gorgeous fire red in the shape of a crayon for those hard-to-reach spots. Plus, its shape allows the lipstick to double as its own liner, so you can layer multiple shades until you meet your perfect match.
At just $12, The Lip Bar's lipsticks can go toe-to-toe with just about any of their high-end competitors. Cosmo veers more blue-ish than orange, which makes it the perfect shade for deeper skin tones.
No matter what expert level you fall under, Mented Cosmetics has a red shade for you. Are you Red & Butter, a true red with yellow undertones? The blue-red Red Carpet? Or maybe you prefer your reds are dark as your wine—Red Rover has you covered.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored
If there's anyone's red I trust most, it's this one from red lip connoisseur Rihanna. This liquid fire engine-red is universally flattering. Pro tip: Prep your lips with a balm first, as the formula can be a little drying.
Red lipstick was among the very first launches from Chanel Beauty, and no one does it better. This one in particular not only imparts a gorgeous true red hue, but the super matte formula is offset by matcha green tea butter extract, sweet almond oil, sappan wood, and vitamin E to moisturize the lips.
Famously the go-to of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, this lipstick shade is perfect for when you want to make a powerful statement.
Everyone's first foray into the world of red lipsticks was the iconic Ruby Woo by Mac Cosmetics. It doesn’t get any more classic than this cult-favorite shade, a matte red with blue-ish undertones that flatter every skin tone.
Imagine how sophisticated and fancy you'll feel when you swipe on the most iconic red on the market: Dior 999.
COVERGIRL Outlast All-Day Moisturizing Lip Color in Red Hot
A genius two-step lipstick formula that puts your lip health first. First step: Apply the liquid color and let it dry. Then, lock in moisture by following up with the nourishing balm. Added bonus? The lipstick lasts all day, so no need to worry about it transferring.
PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance™ Lipstick in Elson
Named after model and Pat McGrath muse Karen Elson, this luxe red is peak elegance. Wear it and instantly feel as glamourous as the lucky models sitting in McGrath's makeup chair backstage at fashion shows.
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