Best Red Lipsticks
I don’t know about you, but few things on Earth makes me feel as demure and sexy as a gooood red lipstick. I can’t quite put into words the sheer surge in confidence that overcomes me when I’m wearing that perfect shade. In one, maybe two swipes of my best red lipstick, I feel as though I can single-handedly upgrade my entire look. No other beauty product—or any item of clothing I might wear —is more transformative.
“In one, maybe two swipes of my best red lipstick, I feel as though I can single-handedly upgrade my entire look.”
While we can all agree on how magical red lipstick can be, finding the perfect shade is actually the trick (see what I did there?). That’s where we come in! We’ve curated the ultimate list of the best red lipsticks available, at all price points. Our list of top-rated lip products is inclusive of diverse formulas and finishes. There are also many lovely, varied shades of red listed here, along with some personal faves.
Whether you’re in the market for an orangey-red lip stain or a high gloss cherry red, we got you…just keep scrolling.
Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Colour
466 Carmen (Satin, Strawberry Red) $38-41
Chanel has a well-deserved reputation for creating flawless lip products, this one being no exception. Infused with ingredients like Jojoba oil, fans rave about how creamy and lustrous this lipstick feels.
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick
Ma’Damn (Matte, True Red) $18-21
Fenty is all the rage these days, and has quickly developed a (well deserved) cult-like following in the beauty game. The mattemoiselle line is non-drying and this shade is universally flattering.
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil
Cruella (Matte, Scarlet Red) $27-30
Don’t let this one fool you, as it’s not your typical dry, scratchy pencil. It is as “velvet-y” as the name suggests, offering a surprisingly smooth and silky feel. It’s a best seller and a SNOBTIMIST pick.
Tom Ford Lip Color
Scarlet Rouge (Satin, Cool Red) $55-58
Bring a bit of luxury (and a great pop of color) to your lips. This gorgeous shade of red is encased in packaging that is equally elegant.
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
Cherry Skies (Cream, Wine Red) $7-10
NYX never fails to offer great products at phenomenal prices. When Liquid Suede launched in 2016, it quickly became a crowd favorite. Cherry Skies is a beautiful, classic shade of red with staying power.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick
Screen Siren (Matte, Ruby Red) $34-37
Charlotte Tilbury’s Liquid Lipsticks are beauty lovers’ faves, as they are lightweight and smooth. Made with nourishing, anti-aging ingredients, this lipstick has a moisturizing feel with a lovely high impact color.
MAC Lipglass
Ruby Woo (Matte, Blue Red) $18-21
Many of us already own the beloved matte lipstick version of Ruby Woo. The lipglass version has a different twist, offering the same beautiful coloring with a #hotgirl high gloss finish.
YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-Stick Lipstick
Red Cassandre (Shine, Ruby Red) $38-41
The reward is worth the splurge on this one, with the payoff being a conditioning, anti-aging formula infused with YSL’s signature mango scent. It also boasts high-shine color, wrapped in gorgeous packaging.
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick
Bawse Lady (Matte, Deep Blue Red) $12-15
Bawse Lady is an absolute SNOBTIMIST pick, with an intensely powerful shade of red and a silky, vegan formula that endures throughout the day. Lip Bar Bawse Lady is never drying - which is quite a feat for a matte lipstick.
Christian Louboutin
Rouge Louboutin Sheer Voile Lip Colour (Crème, Blue Red) $90-93
If you’re willing to make the investment, you’re sure to be pleased with this classic red from none other than Christian Louboutin. Now, your soles and your lips will have the perfect shade of sultry red. The luminous shine and exquisite packaging set it apart from other products, making it worth every penny.
Kat Von Dee Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
Outlaw (Matte, Brick Red) $20-23
KVD Liquid Lipstick is another SNOBTIMIST pick. Their matte formula is one of the best on the market, and the Outlaw color is a stunning, yet muted red.
Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick
Elson 013 (Matte, Blue Red) $40-43
You’ll love the unique packaging almost as much as the formula. It is highly pigmented, and will brighten your face...and your day.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick
Red Revival (Satin, Deep Red) $6-9
Another SNOBTIMIST pick, this is a confident, sexy red ideal for a date night. At less than $10, this one is a definite steal.
Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm
Red Velvet (Crème, Rose Red) $25-28
This provides the ultimate in hydration, and instantly melts into lips. The rose shade provides an unexpected and bold take on the red lip.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Cherries in the Snow (Satin, Pink Red) $6-9
With its fuschia toned coloring, this shade is a true delight, and a daring take on the traditional red. The formula - and this particular shade - is classic, providing subtle shine and comfort for all day wear.
Dior Rouge Lipstick
999 (Matte, Satin, or Metallic, True Red) $37-40
Dior is known for its iconic reds, and this lipstick is formulated to offer comfort and hydration. We give it bonus points for the sleek, sexy packaging.
