Finding the perfect red lipstick is the equivalent of finding your soulmate. OK, maybe not quite, but it's pretty close, because there is a lot to consider, and depending on how expensive they are, can be a pretty big commitment. When searching for your perfect crimson hue, you might want to take undertones, price point, formula, wear time, and skin tone into account.
Of course, you can wear whichever shade of red lipstick floats your boat. "The truth is, today it's about choosing a colour that you really love," said makeup artist Georgina Graham [1]. But if you aren't sure where to start on finding your perfect red hue, don't worry, we got you.
To take the confusion out of starting you search, we called some of the best makeup artists in the biz — including Graham, Daniel Martin [2] (Jessica Alba [3] and Meghan Markle's long-time makeup artist [4]), and Grace Ahn [5] (who counts Lizzo [6] as one of her clients) — to share their favourite red lipsticks and which skin tones they work best on. Their picks range from traditional bullets, trendy long-wearing liquids, and shiny gloss-lipstick hybrids, ensuring there's an option for whatever your formula or coverage preference. And if your apprehension about red lipstick comes from not wanting to be too intense, makeup artist Michael Ashton [7] provided a few options that add "just enough drama without over powering the rest of the makeup look."
We took all of the experts' favourites and rounded them up into the 26 very best red lipsticks broken down by skin tones. One thing is for sure — MAC Ruby Woo lipstick is a definite winner across the board.
Universal: Tom Ford in Cherry Lush
When it comes to Tom Ford in Cherry Lush [8] (£40), paying the extra pennies is worth if it you're after a foolproof pinky-red hue. "Cherry Lush is one of my ultimate go-to lipsticks for the red carpet because it suits everyone and it's creamy texture stays put — honestly," said UK-based makeup artist Georgina Graham [9]. Not only that, but "you feel like a golden Hollywood film star when you use it because [the shade] just exudes glamour."
Universal: Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colour in Cherry
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Colour in Cherry [10] (£24) is another firm favourite of Graham's. "It's a mid-tone berry that's suitable or everyone and actually feels like a lip balm on the lip," she said. "It's the ultimate, easy-to-use product, and here's a little runway tip: I love to dab it on to the centre of the lip and use a little pencil brush to blend it out towards the edges of the lips, creating a soft fade. This technique creates a dreamy, romantic effect in seconds." Graham also suggested setting it with loose powder for a vintage feel. "In your imagination you can star in your own Sofia Coppola film!" she added.
Universal: Delilah Cosmetics in Floozy
Delilah Cosmetics in Floozy [11] (£24) is flattering on so many skin tones thanks to its blue undertones. And even though it's matte, makeup artist Daniel Martin [12] promised that it has "a comfortable long-wear" formula.
Universal: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo
MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo [13] (£17.50) was a winner across the board: "It's an iconic shade that's stood the test of time," said Michael Ashton [14]. Graham and makeup artist Neil Young [15] are also fans, as was Rihanna [16] (pre-Fenty Beauty, of course), who created her own version with MAC a few years ago called Riri Wu (it sold out in minutes). Makeup artist Allan Avendaño [17] (who works with Camila Cabello, Sarah Hyland, and Lucy Hale) said its Ruby Woo's brightness and blue undertones that make it so universal, while it's semi-matte formula makes it less in your face than some of the newer long-wearing liquid formulas on the market.
Universal: Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro in Shade 201
"One of my favourite shades and formulas, this rich, deep burgundy gives any beauty look a classic, film-noir aesthetic," said Ashton. Not only that, the Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro in Shade 201 [18] (£31) has also earned his stamp of approval thanks to its long-lasting, velvet finish that feels comfortable — not crusty — on your lips.
Universal: Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below
"Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below [19] (£21) is a semi-matte, deep blood-red that looks amazing on all skin tones," said makeup artist Grace Ahn [20]. It's the perfect option for someone who wants a moody, vampier red instead of something super fiery and bright.
Universal: MAC Lipstick in Russian Red
MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red [21] (£17.50) — which Graham, Avendaño, and Young all name dropped — is an iconic shade for plenty of reasons. First, you have the gorgeous crimson colour, which is a medium bluish-red that, according to all the makeup artists we asked, looks good on nearly everyone (if you're up for the intensity). Second, there's the creamy matte formula that looks like pure velvet on your lips. And last but certainly not least, there's the fact the hue was created especially for Madonna [22]'s 1990 Blond Ambition tour, and if it's good enough for the Material Girl, then it's definitely good enough for us.
Fair: Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anabella
Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anabella [23] (£26) is another of Young's favourites for fair skin. The bright, cherry-red hue has a satin finish with decent coverage across the lip and a superhydrating formula.
Fair: ColourPop Lippie Stix in Trust Me
ColourPop Lippie Stix in Trust Me [24] (£5) is Ahn's "new Ruby Woo" for a fraction of the price. "It's extremely pigmented and has an almost a fluorescent brightness that makes it perfect for fair skin tones," Ahn added.
Fair: Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in Rouge Fetiche
If you can't quite decide whether you like a matte or glossy finish, fear not, because you don't need to decide. For fair skin tones, Young chooses Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in Rouge Fetiche [25] (£31) (he's a spokesperson for the brand). It's semi-matte formula that goes on semi-sheer but can be layered for more opacity.
Fair: Nars Lipstick in Rita
A warm red with a creamy texture and long-lasting finish is exactly what you'll get with Nars Lipstick in Rita [26] (£26). "By brightening up the complexion, it does something magical to fair and light skin tones," said Avendaño.
Light: Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in So Marilyn
If your skin falls in the light category (but not super pale) and you're after a sexy, true shade of red, Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in So Marilyn [27] (£24) might be your perfect match. It glides on like a treat, gives a highly pigmented, satin finish with good staying power, and has the perfect balance of orange and blue undertones so you don't have to worry about it reading too warm or too cool.
Light: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Light My Fire
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Light My Fire [28] (£23) did not come to play. This shade means business. It's an orange-red that's budge-proof, smudge-proof, and comfortable to wear — and looks dare we say, fire, on light skin tones, according to Young.
Light: Tom Ford Lipstick in Dressed to Kill
Tom Ford Lipstick in Dressed to Kill [29] (£40) is a luxurious, high-pigmented, pink-toned red will ensure you're dressed to nail that job interview, date, or even boss your way through a regular work day.
Light: Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red
Another makeup-artist favourite, Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red [30] (£23) is the perfect hue for lighter complexions, as the cool undertones of the crimson hue have a brightening effect for your skin, according to Ashton.
Medium: Chanel Coco Rouge Flash Lipstick in Fire
"Chanel Coco Rouge Flash Lipstick in Fire [31] (£31) is a hot tamale of a Summer colour that makes me think fire pit clam bake and bare feet," said Graham of this orangey-red hue that she breaks out for those with medium complexions. "It's easygoing, relaxed glamour that can also amp up a look in a heartbeat because of its sexy glossy shine. Wear with caution — or don't!"
Medium: Dior Addict Stellar Shine Lipstick in Positivity
Dior Addict Stellar Shine in Lipstick Positivity [32] (£30) is an absolute favourite for Martin (who is an also an ambassador for the brand)."This glossy, hybrid red is the perfect balance of lipstick and gloss," he said, describing the pinky-red hue as having the winning combo of being shiny without feeling sticky on your lips.
Medium: Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in Carmin Escarpin
Givenchy Le Rouge in Lipstick Carmin Escarpin [33] (£29) glides on the lips, giving a warm red wash of colour that complements medium skin tones beautifully.
Medium: MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger
If you aren't already acquainted with MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger [34] (£17.50), it might be about time you made the plunge. This iconic hue is loved by loads of makeup artists thanks to the vibrant orange undertones that create "an elegantly bold look for medium-golden skin tones," said Ashton.
Medium: Tom Ford Lip Colour in Scarlet Rouge
Another favourite of Young's, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Scarlet Rouge [35] (£40) is a great choice for people with medium skin tones due to the fact the rosy hue is warm yet bright at the same time.
Dark: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Red Carpet Red
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Red Carpet Red [36] (£24) is a matte ruby-red shade and is about as sexy as it gets. Young recommended this hue for those with a dark complexion due to the cool undertones. Bonus: it'll make you feel like you're about to walk a red carpet IRL.
Dark: Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Lipstick in Ma’Damn
If a superpigmened, matte, deep red is on your wishlist, Rihanna [37] made the ideal shade. Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Lipstick in Ma'Damn [38] (£16) is the perfect royal red for those with a dark complexion.
Dark: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Executive Realness
Power colour, power packaging, and power matte finish. That's Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Executive Realness [39] (£25). Graham keeps this in her kit for a beautiful, deep purple-toned red hue.
Deep Dark: Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in Strawberry
Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in Strawberry [40] (£22) looks good on everyone, but is particularly striking on deep dark skin tones "as it's strongly pigmented and has a nice depth to it," explained Graham. "I still like a lip pencil with it, though, to create a nice shape, and then I'll fill in the shape with the liquid lipstick," she added. "It's a gutsy product!"
Deep Dark: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Lipstick in Red Blooded
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Lipstick in Red Blooded [41] (£18) answers all of our candy-apple red dreams. It's glossy but not sticky, pigmented but not too bold (which makes it ideal for deeper complexions), and most of all screams summer.
Deep Dark: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman
Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Starwoman [42] (£23) is a vivid blue red that is pigmented and long lasting, making it an incredible option on those with a deep-dark complexions.