11 Best Red Lipsticks Allure Editors Actually Wear on Repeat

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A collage of red lipsticks featuring selfies from Allure staffers on a bright red backgroundCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best red lipsticks have a reputation for being high-maintenance, but the right one is as easy to wear as any other color in your makeup bag. And these days, you’ve got options: Some love a high-coverage lipstick—in case you haven’t heard, bold is back—while others want a sheer wash of color. Not only do the finishes, formulas, and payoff vary, but so do the shades. One tip? Choose your red lipstick like you’d pick an outfit. Fiery orange-reds feel warm and playful. Cool blue-reds look sharp and polished, and they can even make your teeth look whiter. A bright, classic red works well for brunch or the office, while deeper brick or wine shades feel moodier and are perfect for evenings. If a bold matte feels like too much, try a sheer balm or a glossy formula for an extra pop.

Our Top Red Lipsticks

  • Best Overall: MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $25
  • Best Buildable: M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in Lose My Breath, $26
  • Best Cream Lipstick: Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe, $32
  • Best Drugstore: Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick in Wild Card, $10
  • Best Cool-Tone Red: Maed Signature Lip Pigment Matte Liquid Lipstick in Ritual Red, $36
  • Best Blurring: Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red, $29
  • Best Luminous Matte: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen, $37
  • Best Range of Reds: Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet, $24

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone?
  • How do you make red lipstick last?
  • Is there a red lipstick that looks good on everyone?
  • Meet the experts
  • How we test and review products
  • Our staff and testers

To help you find your match, our editors and makeup artist experts tested reds in every finish, from sheer balms to longwear liquids, and these are the ones that earned a permanent spot in our makeup bags

Best Overall: MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

MAC

Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

$25

Sephora

Allure creative director Amber Venerable applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Amber Venerable

Why we love it: Plenty of MAC shades have cult followings, but Ruby Woo is a household name at this point. Countless brands have tried to duplicate it, but this blue-red lipstick has long reigned as the industry's gold standard—and a repeat Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Award winner. Marking MAC’s 40th anniversary, the updated Macximal Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick keeps the beloved shade, which universally flatters skin and brightens smiles, but upgrades the formula to one that’s more comfortable. It uses coconut oil, organic shea butter, and organic cocoa butter to keep lips soft. The payoff remains full-coverage in a single swipe, setting to a silky, velvety matte finish.

Venerable before applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Venerable before applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Amber VenerableVenerable after applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Venerable after applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Amber Venerable

Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable

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tk

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: coconut oil, organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter
  • Finish: silky matte
  • Available red shades: 5 (Ruby Woo, Russian Red, Lady Danger, Diva, Sin)

Best Buildable: M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in Lose My Breath

M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

m.ph by Mary Phillips

Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

$26

Shop

$26

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: Not everyone wants to commit to a full-wattage red. If that’s the case, the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm is an easygoing, beginner-friendly option. It offers a sheer, shiny wash of color like a lip balm that builds with each swipe, or you can dab it on for a flushed-lip effect. Along with the color, the formula includes hyaluronic acid, which helps lips hold moisture so they look plumper, and squalane keeps them soft and supple. The texture is slick and smooth, feeling more like a balm than a typical lipstick. Plus, its compact design makes it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.

Silva before applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in TK

Silva before applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

Kassidy SilvaSilva after applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in TK

Silva after applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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More to know

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  • Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid
  • Finish: high shine
  • Available red shades: 3 (Siren, Lose My Breath, and Cherry Pie)

Best Glossy Finish: Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in branded component on a light gray background with best of beauty 2026 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dear Dahlia

Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow

$32

Amazon

$36

Nordstrom

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

Alessandra Foresto

Why we love it: Shiny, juicy, and light-catching are all ways to describe the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow, which is why it's no surprise it won a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award. The lipstick glides on in a glossy, sheer layer and stays comfortable thanks to shea butter and plant-based moisturizing oils like sunflower, castor, jojoba, sweet almond, and argan; together, they cushion lips and smooth the look of fine lines. The formula includes the brand's patented Dahlia variabilis flower extract, which is known for its antioxidant benefits. The red in the line is Chloe, a glossy reddish-orange that brightens lips with a buildable wash of color.

Foresto before applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

Foresto before applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

Alessandra ForestoForesto after applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

Foresto after applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I was a big fan of the early 2000s matte red lipstick crayon, but as I've gotten older, my lips just need more hydration than those formulas can offer. I've now officially called off my search for a true red lipstick that doesn't make my lips flaky and cracked by the end of the day. This sheer and glossy formula is just what I was looking for. The color is pretty buildable, so I find myself reapplying like I would a lip balm because it feels so comfy and hydrating. But it still lasts through coffee and a non-messy desk meal!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: Dahlia variabilis flower extract, shea butter, argan oil, sweet almond oil
  • Finish: glossy
  • Available red shades: 1 (Chloe)

Best Drugstore: Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick in Wild Card

Beige Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick with Allure Best of Beauty stamp in the top right corner on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Maybelline New York

Serum Lipstick

$10 $8 (20% off)

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Maybelline has never needed a high price tag to compete, and the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick proves that yet again with a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award. This lipstick blends hyaluronic acid with marula, moringa, avocado, soybean, sunflower, and jojoba oils to keep your lips moisturized and soft. In practice, it glides on like a balm but lays down rich, opaque color. The satin shades are the standouts, wearing comfortably and fading gracefully throughout the day, even after a meal. The line features three distinct reds: Open Late, a cool berry-red with a matte finish; Wild Card, a bright, classic matte red; and Blind Date, a deep brick-tone red with a satin finish.

Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick

Sophie PanychPanych after applying the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick

Panych after applying the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick

Sophie Panych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“The Maybelline Moisturizing Serum Lipstick in Wild Card formula looks and feels like a lipstick five times the price (and with today's wild luxury beauty market, probably even eight times the price). It glides on fully opaque in just one swipe—there's no need to add layer upon layer to achieve full coverage, and it's great for overlining—without feeling suffocating on your lips. In fact, the formula is ridiculously comfortable to wear; it feels as comfortable and hydrating as a tinted balm, but with the added creamy, velvety feeling you get from the pigment. I like the shade Wild Card because it reminds me of some classic matte red hues from pricier brands. The brand describes it as a mid-tone red, but on me it looks more blue-based than orange-based, which I prefer as it's more complementary to my neutral undertones. The only thing I'll say is it's not indelible (the brand promises eight-hour wear). It will leave a mark on your wine glass or water bottle, and it will move around if you're not careful while eating, which is not really that surprising from a traditional-style lipstick like this.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, marula oil, avocado oil, soybean oil
  • Finish: matte or satin
  • Available red shades: 3 (Open Late, Blind Date, Wild Card)

Best Liquid Lipstick: Maed Signature Lip Pigment Matte Liquid Lipstick in Ritual Red

Maed Signature Lip Pigment in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Maed

Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red

$36

Shop

$36

Sephora

Why we love it: If you can’t stand a chalky lip that settles into every line and somehow makes your lips look even drier, meet your match. Maed’s Signature Lip Pigment delivers the lasting power of a matte without the typical dryness or weight. The flexible formula moves with your lips, feels practically undetectable, and is packed with hydrators that keep them soft and smooth all day. The star ingredients do the heavy lifting: maca root adds dimension and a subtle glow (no flat, matte finish here), tucuma butter—a natural silicone alternative—locks in moisture and smooths texture, jojoba esters lend that buttery glide, and cherry coffee seed oil helps firm and support elasticity. Basically, it’s a long-wearing lip that feels like a gloss but performs like a liquid lipstick.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment.

Sarah HanHan after applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment

Han after applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment.

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"As I've gotten older, my tolerance for drying liquid lipsticks has gone down to…zero. (Heck, back in the day when I wore liquid lipsticks every day, I probably was already thinking, Why am I putting myself through this torture?) And while no liquid lipstick will ever wear as comfortably as my beloved lip tints, Maed’s Signature Lip Pigment comes pretty darn close. The secret? Cherry coffee seed oil, tucuma butter, and jojoba esters for a gosh-darn smooth glide and subtle sheen (that dries totally matte in a few minutes). And I've never seen an applicator like this one: It has a long, tapered-in end that hugs my lips perfectly, depositing a ridiculously even layer of pigment." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel

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tk

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: cherry coffee seed oil, tucuma butter, jojoba esters
  • Finish: matte
  • Available red shades: 1 (Ritual Red)

Best Matte Lipstick: Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red in branded component on a light gray background with best of beauty 2026 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Hung Vanngo

Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

$29

Shop

$29

Sephora

Why we love it: Fresh off of winning a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award, the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick is a matte that’s surprisingly comfortable to wear. Its creamy formula sets to a soft, blurred finish that looks smooth and stays hydrated for hours, wearing down evenly rather than fading or flaking in patches. That ease of wear comes down to the thoughtful blend of ingredients: sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) to draw in and lock in moisture, vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and a run-resistant polymer that creates a flexible layer that keeps the color from fading.

Han applying the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

Sarah HanHan after applying the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

Han after applying the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“I distinctly remember a phase where I wore long-wearing matte liquid lipsticks exclusively—and my crusty lips somehow didn't deter me! Well, they do now, and I've been on a kick of more hydrating lip tints and tinted lip balms. But there's just something about opening and twisting up a classic bullet lipstick that I've been craving, and Hung Vanngo's New York Red is a gorgeous and very vibrant shade (just the way I like it) that is literally named after where I live! Thankfully, this matte lipstick isn't the least bit moisture-sucking—hi, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E—and glides on like a creamy dream.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E
  • Finish: matte
  • Available red shades: 4 (Red Carpet Red, New York Red, 403 Red, Vanngo Red)

Best Luminous Matte: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Charlotte Tilbury

Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood

$37

Amazon

$37

Nordstrom

$37

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury fans might know the Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick formula for its perfect pink-nude shade Pillow Talk, but its lineup of reds, including Hollywood Vixen, Pizzazz, and Flame Flame, deserves just as much attention. The formula starts as a soft stain and builds to full, saturated color, and feels comfortable no matter how many layers you apply. Antioxidant lipstick tree (Bixa orellana) extract soothes and conditions lips, vitamin E hydrates and smooths, while the "3D glowing pigments" give your lips a fuller, more radiant look, so the matte finish never goes dull. The square-angled tip works like a lip brush, making it easy to get a sharp edge right from the tube.

Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

Madison San MiguelSan Miguel after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

San Miguel after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

Madison San Miguel

Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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“I usually stay clear of red lipsticks because of the aftermath: the tug-of-war removal with my cleansing balm, pigment settling into my lip lines, and all of the other pains that come with. This formula has converted me back. Though I wouldn't describe it as a true matte, its hydrating base—vitamin E, buttery waxes—helped give it a subtle sheen (which I prefer). One quick swipe delivers rich pigment, while a second layer (or even more) easily builds the intensity without feeling gritty or heavy. It's comfortable, never drying, and most importantly, comes off with just a few swipes of my makeup remover.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: Bixa orellana extract, vitamin E
  • Finish: matte
  • Available red shades: 5 (Hollywood Vixen, Pizzazz, Flame Flame, Cinematic Red, Red Carpet Red)

Best Range of Reds: Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, and LipstickSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Poundcake

Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

$24

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying the Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet.

Sarah Kinonen

Why we love it: Just about every Allure editor has the Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in their makeup bag. This two-time Best of Beauty Award winner is a staff favorite for its rich pigment, staying power, and impressive conditioning properties (thanks to avocado oil and vitamin E). If lip liner feels like a chore, its easy-to-maneuver doe-foot applicator makes crisp, precise lines, so it acts as a two-in-one. It’s also super buildable—dab it on with your finger for a soft, just-bitten tint, or swipe it straight on for a bold, full-coverage lip that looks effortlessly polished.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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"When I'm in the mood for a liquid lipstick, I reach for the Best of Beauty Award-winning Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet. It's a super-pigmented, suede-like formula that goes on opaque but dries down into a comfortable, long-wearing matte. Every time I've worn this bold shade, I've gotten hit with compliments. It's just so good!"—Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: avocado oil, vitamin E
  • Finish: matte
  • Available red shades: 6 (Red Velvet, Strawberry, Bloodberry)

Best for Precise Application: Tom Ford Runway Lip Stylo Matte Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge

Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tom Ford

Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge

$47

Nordstrom

$55

Sephora

Allure former content director Kara McGrath applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine.

Kara McGrath

Why we love it: What makes a slim lipstick so great? The thinner tip makes it easy to trace the corners of your mouth and define your Cupid’s bow—no liner or brush needed. That’s exactly why Tom Ford’s Slim Lip Color Shine is a permanent fixture in our makeup bags. Sure, it’s not the longest-wearing formula out there (that glossy finish comes with trade-offs), but it earns its spot as both a luxe lip balm and gloss in one. Packed with hydrating waxes and emollients like chamomile flower oil, it glides on like butter and somehow still delivers rich, even color. It’s a splurge, but the kind you’ll reach for so often, it basically pays for itself.

McGrath before applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine

McGrath before applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge.

Kara McGrathMcGrath after applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine

McGrath after applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge.

Kara McGrath

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“Applying this lipstick is nothing short of glorious. The formula is so pigmented and so silky that it goes on perfectly evenly in a single swipe. Since the bullet is quite thin, you can easily sneak into the corners of your mouth and define your Cupid's bow without using a lipstick brush. Scarlet Rouge is my perfect red; it leans slightly warm (which is ideal for me, a spring) but isn't so orange-y that it makes my teeth look yellow. Since it has a glossy finish, it's not the longest-lasting lipstick out there but, again, since it's so nice to put on, I don't mind reapplying.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: Chamomile flower oil
  • Finish: glossy
  • Available red shades: 1 (Scarlet Rouge)

Best for Beginners: Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil component in red with white accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Nars

Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Sephora

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

Ingrid Fowler

Why we love it: A modern twist on the brand’s beloved Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil (a Best of Beauty Award winner) packs bold pigment into a creamy, long-wearing formula that sets to a soft matte finish and lasts up to 12 hours. The chunky crayon makes it easy to swipe on full color in seconds, yet it's precise enough to double as a liner, making it the ultimate multitasker to stash in your bag. And true to Nars' form, the shade names are just as memorable as the formula—think American Woman, Born to Be Wild, and Dragon Girl.

Fowler before applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil

Fowler before applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

Ingrid FowlerFowler after applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil

Fowler after applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

Ingrid Fowler

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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“Nars was not kidding when they included ‘high-intensity’ in the name of this product. This pencil packs the punch of highly pigmented lip color. The formula is extremely creamy, going on easily with one swipe, but doesn’t budge or bleed out of place. The rounded pencil tip is my preferred product design since it makes it easy to apply with precision. I’m wearing the shade Dragon Girl, a bright red that complements my cool complexion.”—Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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  • Key ingredients: N/A
  • Finish: matte
  • Available red shades: 5 (Dragon Girl, Cruella, and Midnight Rider)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone?

Anyone can wear whatever red lipstick they like, full stop. "The right red is the one that makes you feel good," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles, whose clients include Margot Robbie, Gabrielle Union, and Lily Collins.

However, you can expedite finding a red lipstick you love by considering your skin tone and your skin's undertone. New York City-based makeup artist Diane Kendal previously told Allure that red shades with blue undertones give cool-toned, fair-to-light-medium complexions a more radiant appearance and even make teeth look whiter. For warm, medium skin tones, Kendal suggested orange-red shades—"Intense, yes, but they make olive skin glow by bringing out its golden tones," she says. As for deeper skin tones, she recommended red hues "with a lot of pink," which she said works beautifully against dark complexions.

How do you make red lipstick last?

We all love the look of freshly applied lipstick, but after a few hours (or drinks), things can start to look messy. Don't fret, because there are quite a few ways to make your look last for hours on end. Back in the day (2010 to be exact), New York City-based makeup artist Peter Phillips previously gave Allure editors a few tips on ensuring that any lip look stays put—and these hacks are still used by our staff to this day.

Prep your lips: Your results will only be as smooth and seamless as the actual skin on your lips. To smooth your skin pre-lipstick, try using a lip scrub or a damp washcloth to buff dry flakes. "Pat on a clear lip balm and give it a few minutes to sink in, then blot with a tissue," said Phillips.

Use setting powder after applying your lipstick: Makeup artists and Allure editors alike abide by this tip, especially when it comes to smudge-prone shades like red. Phillips recommended dabbing a light amount on the lips to keep your lipstick in place without drying out your skin. "Close your mouth, smile, and then dust a little face powder on your lips with a fluffy brush," he says. “Don't reapply lipstick or it could get cakey.”

If matte lipsticks are too dry for your lips, use a satin-finish option instead: Since many long-wearing lipsticks are matte and can dry out your lips, Phillips prefers satin-finish, pearlescent lipsticks. "The shine is created by pearl pigments and not by the texture. It's not as moist as a creamy lipstick and will therefore stay on longer," he said.

Is there a red lipstick that looks good on everyone?

Both experts agree that anyone can wear a red lip, but no single shade looks the same on everyone, since skin undertone, natural lip color, and finish all change how a red reads. "MAC Ruby Woo is absolutely a classic; that crisp blue-red can be beautiful across a wide range of skin tones," explains Tim Quinn, a makeup artist based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jalia Pettis, a makeup artist based in Phoenix, Arizona, relies on the range of reds from The Lip Bar and Charlotte Tilbury.

Rather than stick with one go-to shade, both makeup artists switch it up. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick keeps red crisp and helps it last longer, while one closer to your natural lip color softens the edges. You can skip liner altogether with sheer balms and stains, since the point is a blurred, diffused look.

"On one person, a bright blue-red is magic; on another, a warmer red or a deeper, softer shade brings their whole face to life,” says Quinn. He also considers how the shade works with the rest of their makeup, noting that someone who feels overwhelmed by a bold matte lip might love that same look, just in a sheerer texture.

Meet the experts

  • Fiona Stiles is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
  • Diane Kendal is a New York City-based makeup artist
  • Peter Phillips is a New York City-based makeup artist
  • Jalia Pettis is a Phoenix-based makeup artist
  • Tim Quinn is a West Palm Beach-based makeup artist

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best red lipsticks, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from makeup artists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

More Allure editor-approved makeup coming in 3, 2, 1…

  • Dewy Skin Is Always In, and These Foundations Bring on the Glow
  • 6 Best Color Correctors for Dark Circles to Refresh and Brighten Tired Eyes
  • 8 Best Pressed Powders for a Smooth Finish That Lasts All Day
  • These Freckle Pens Look So Natural, They'll Fool Anyone

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