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The Ultimate Red Lipsticks, According To One Obsessive Wearer
A bold slick of red is one of the most timeless beauty moves you can make – but have you found The One? From a sheer, subtle balm to the boldest matte bullet, these power reds are the best of the best.
You don’t need me to tell you that a good red lipstick is the ultimate beauty look, whether for a dreary office morning or major night out, or even the industry's most star-studded event, the Oscars, where everyone from Kendall Jenner to Hunter Schafer proved that a bold red lip never loses its timeless appeal on the red carpet.
A swipe of something bold, bright and matte has been my own go-to for over a decade, called on whenever I need an injection of confidence (or to mask a pair of post-party dark circles).
Really, a red lip works with just about any look. A white T-shirt and faded blue denim is the ultimate French Girl power move, while a look of head-to-toe neutrals instantly comes to life against a flash of red. And as for those special-occasion dresses: well, you already know how good they'll look teamed with a Hollywood red gloss and gold hoop earrings.
When it comes to shade, you have options. Most red lipsticks fall roughly into one of three categories: there's the vibrant, coral-tinged orange reds that perk up sallow skin in seconds, the blue-toned reds that feel deeper and richer (while making your teeth look whiter) and the 'true' reds that sit somewhere in-between.
There are plenty of rules out there when it comes to finding the right red for you, but the only one I think you should heed is: if you like it, wear it. Legendary make-up artist and fellow lipstick lover, Lisa Eldridge, agrees: "There’s a kind of rule of thumb that more yellow-based warm shades look better on neutral to warm undertones, whereas a blue-based colour looks better on neutral to cooler skin tones. I agree with part of this, but I must say I do love a blue undertone of lipstick on warm skin."
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And as for application? I love a sharply lined look, and use a matching lip liner (Lisa's own Enhance and Define is unmatched) to create a 'stamped on' effect. Conversely, using a cotton bud to smudge around the edges of a balmy lipstick creates a beautifully romantic, just-been-kissed effect.
If you're fearful of a bold red hue emphasising the shape of a downturned mouth, Eldridge has the perfect hack. "I always get so many questions on how to wear bold lipstick without either emphasising a downturned mouth, or inadvertently creating a ‘sad mouth’," she says. "First, use your concealer and a precision brush to ‘cut off’ the outer, downturned corners of the lower lip. Take your red lipstick and apply to the lower lip using a lip brush, leaving out those outer corners. Next, apply lipstick to the upper lip, going to the edge of your lip shape, but not over. Finish by enhancing and defining your upper and then lower lips with a liner, to your desired shape."
Ready to embrace red? Below, see the bullets I think are the most impactful, flattering options: and trust me, I’ve tried them all.
The Red Lipsticks To Wear Forever
Prada's move into make-up was one of the biggest beauty moments of 2023, offering up bold, off-kilter shades for eyes and lips that chime with the house's subversive stance on femininity.
That's not to say you can't find a killer classic in the line-up, though: this Hyper Matte lipstick lives up to its name, delivering the boldest, brightest neutral red that lasts for hours without drying or flaking. Employ a lip liner first to ensure the sharpest finish.
This season, Hermès has added a trio of limited-edition shades to its coveted lipstick line, each one saturated in bold, joy-inducing pigment. Rouge Cinétique is the classic true red, as moisturising as it is vibrant. The finish is matte yet light, and the refillable Pierre Hardy-designed case is really the icing on the cake.
At Byredo, make-up artist Lucia Pica's latest lesson in colour is a line of creamy-yet-matte lipsticks, which span the spectrum from brown-toned nudes to blackened blood red. For the traditionalists, Red Coma is the ultimate true red, which delivers maximum impact whether drawn on neatly via the wand or pressed and blurred lightly onto lips.
No-one has a deeper understanding of the rich history of make-up than Lisa Eldridge, and her love for old Hollywood shines through in these suede-like lipsticks. They're likely the most intensely saturated formula on the market, and manage to look plush and velvety without falling flat, or cracking on dry lips. Ribbon is the blue-toned red that everyone should try.
Trust me: L'Oreal's 'volumising matte' lipsticks are not just 'great for their price' – they easily compete with the spendiest options out there.
Completely unlike any other formula in the matte realm, this one feels incredibly light and skims over fine lines to leave behind a vivid yet ever-so-slightly sheer veil of colour. Your lips will look hydrated, smoothed and (yes, really) properly plumped.
This is one I was introduced to via iconic make-up artist Terry Barber: and trust me, no-one knows colour quite like him. He describes his favourite from the sprawling MAC line-up as 'a 1990's classic that has come full circle: a cooler, more street version of a classic cherry red with spicy undertones.'
'My first memory of colours like this was in the early to mid 90s when Dick Page did make-up for designers like Helmut Lang' he adds. 'Foundation got taken off, models had very scrubbed faces and bricky red lips – I love that glamour moment.'
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in Red 0
Vegan make-up has come a long way in recent years, but red lipsticks that pack a proper punch remain elusive, due to the fact most rely on animal-derived carmine for the pigment.
Hourglass, however, has mastered it: this is a vegan-friendly red with absolutely no compromise: it's opaque, glossy, and comes in the brand's chic refillable case.
Liquid lipsticks undeniably last a lot longer than a traditional cream bullet, but it's also true that most of them are pretty uncomfortable to wear, with a tendency to crack and flake.Dior, however, has mastered it with this light and hydrating formula.
The trick is to apply a balm beneath, then swipe on a light layer only: the pigment is potent, so will look bright and opaque. As for the shade? It has to be 999, AKA the ultimate true red.
Gucci Westman knows exactly how to make an editorial red lip into an everyday proposition. These brilliantly unique lip creams blur over the skin to create that soft-focus, fuzzy-edged effect that always looks so cool.
Don't let the hydrating texture fool you: these shades are seriously pigmented. Try building up the colour at the centre of your lips, letting the edges fade softly for a just-been-kissed effect.
This one technically isn't a lipstick, but for anyone looking to add a sheer hint of colour into their make-up look, it's the best thing out there.
Tata Harper's recently launched tinted balms are every bit as indulgent as you'd likely expect from the queen of natural skin nourishers: the texture is oil-rich and instantly comforting, while the red pigment is glossy enough to make lips look bigger with minimal effort. And the scent? If you're familiar with Harper's botanical skincare, you know you're in for a treat.
Of course, any Chanel lipstick would make a well-received gift, but the house's newly launched 31 Le Rouge collection really takes thing up a notch or two.
These satin-shine bullets are infused with gardenia oil for lasting softness, and come encased in a weighty, faceted glass case inspired by the mirror-lined staircase of Gabrielle Chanel's Rue Cambon apartment. The case comes housed in its own quilted pouch, and is designed to be kept and refilled for years to come.
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Red Hot
Maybelline's new Vinyl Ink lipstick is destined for those big nights out. Combining a latex-style gloss with impressive staying power, the result is a seriously pigmented, ridiculously shiny red lip that sticks around from the first drink to the last dance. Think all-out, Robert Palmer video glamour that feels, frankly, very appealing right now.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
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