The 13 Best Universally Flattering Dark Red Lipsticks

You can quote me: red lipstick will always be in a league of its own. Everyone should own at least one, and it’s one of the few beauty trends that will forever be timeless and elegant. I shamelessly own over 200 red lipsticks (yes, I have a problem), but the beauty of my collection is that each and every shade is different. More than half of my collection falls into the category of a “dark” red, and I mean it when I say these rich, pigmented colors look good on everyone. A deep red will take your makeup look to the next level and steal the show. Trust me.

There is a red lipstick for everyone, but we are here to highlight the shades that are universally flattering. The reds that look good on all skin tones and all people, all the time. The reads that will turn heads. Ok, you get the point.

From drugstore gems to luxury picks worth your pennies, keep scrolling for the best dark red lipsticks you need, like now.

Best Overall:
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick

4.9

View On Nordstrom
View On Ulta
View On Bloomingdales

What We Like

• Gorgeous intense colors

• Works on darker skin tones

• Velvety look

What We Don’t Like

• Can stain a bit

MAC Cosmetics’ Ruby Woo Lipstick Makes Me Feel Like a Retro Movie Star

MAC has always been known for the most intensely gorgeous color payoff. Sin is a rich red shade popular among women of color for enhancing our deep skin tones. The matte formula gives the lips a perfect velvet look.

Shades: 32 | Size: 0.1 oz. | Finish: Creamy Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Review2Coupon Clean: Yes

What Our Testers Say

“Every single time I put Ruby Woo on, I feel confident and amazing. It’s that hero product I can use when I don’t want to put too much makeup on but want to look put together. Its matte finish and zero shine is the exact texture and finish I love, and the lipstick won’t budge unless you fidget with your lips too much or eat something greasy and messy.” — Khera Alexander, Product Tester

The 12 Best MAC Lipsticks of 2022

What to Look For in a Dark Red Lipstick

Undertones

While these lipsticks are meant to look universally good on everyone, it’s still important to understand and know your undertones when honing in on the perfect red for you. For those with cool undertones, a lipstick with purple or blue hues will suit your skin best. For those with warm undertones, a lipstick with red or orange hues is the route to go. And for those with neutral undertones, lucky you—a wide spectrum of colors will suit you perfectly.

Formula

Understanding what formula wears best on your lips is another piece of the puzzle in finding the perfect lipstick. If you tend to have dry or dehydrated lips, finding a creamy moisturizing formula will help keep your lips looking supple and luscious. If you’re going for a matte look, a matte velvet lip is the choice for you.

Ingredients

Just like any makeup or skincare product, understanding what ingredients work for you is important. For starters, if you have certain restrictions and want to wear only vegan and/or cruelty-free products, knowing what ingredients to avoid is important (in this case, carmine, beeswax, and lanolin would be the top three to flag). Beeswax in particular can also be a skin irritant to some with sensitive skin, so all that is to say, read and understand the ingredient lists before purchasing.

FAQ

• Who does red lipstick look good on?
  

  This is an easy answer: everyone. If you’re reading this thinking “not me,” it simply means you haven’t found the perfect red shade for you. Using the tips and tricks from above, combined with understanding your skin tone and undertones, will make finding the right red lip for you easier than you think.

• Why does red lipstick make my teeth look yellow?
  

  If you feel like your teeth look more yellow in red lipstick, you technically aren’t wrong. Lipsticks with warmer red shades will emphasize the warm tones in your teeth, which in turn will lead to the illusion of a more yellow smile. Wearing red lipstick with a blue base, however, can help make your teeth look whiter.

• How do you choose the right lipstick formula for you?
  

  Understanding the skin on your lips will help you understand what formula suits you best. If you’re prone to dry lip skin, avoid a liquid or matte lip (or prep with hydrating balm). Understand that a satin will sit most comfortably on your lips, but will have a shorter wear time and will need to be reapplied more often throughout your day and night. If you’re looking for a lower maintenance, more natural look, opt for a stain or shine.