The Best Red Lipsticks Ever Created, According to Byrdie Editors

You can’t get much more classic than red lipstick. After all, it’s one of the (if not the number one) most traditional of all makeup products, having been worn by countless influential figures and characters throughout history. It’s dynamic, bold, and confident; its power can’t be overestimated. So, yes, we love red lipstick and the statement it makes—whatever that statement might be.

So while the answer to the question Should I wear red lipstick? is simple (hint: yes, always), picking the right shade isn’t. That’s because all red lipsticks aren’t the same—not even close. Sure, there are a rare few that most people agree to be universally flattering, but the rest of the red lipstick market is vast and finicky. It helps to have a few suggestions before diving into the depths on your own.

Read on for a list of the best red lipsticks ever created, according to Review2Coupon editors.

Best Overall:
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint

4.2

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What We Like

• High-shine finish

• Bold, pigmented shades

• Comes in two finishes

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Unlike the sheer, balmy texture of the brand’s original Lip Glow, Dior’s lacquer lipstick delivers a high-shine finish and full-coverage color in one swipe. Each shade (like Party Red, this perfect orange-red color), was inspired by a different L.A. hot spot, which is why the brand describes these lippies as “Paris meets L.A.”

Coverage Level: Full | Finish: Satin, glitter | Shades: 19 | Size: 0.1 fl. oz | Review2Coupon Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

What to look for in a red lipstick

Hydrating ingredients

Whether you’re after a liquid matte or a patent leather gloss, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin, lanolin, and beeswax (among many others) help hydrate your lips, resulting in a more comfortable wear and a boost in moisture.

Flattering hues

There are no hard and fast rules on what lipstick shade you should reach for, but choosing a hue that goes with your undertones can be extremely flattering. Warm skin tones play well with red shades with hints of orange or yellow, while cool skin tones are flattered by true, blue-based reds. Complexions with neutral undertones have more versatility and can veer in either direction. Not sure where your undertone falls? Check out this guide.

Your finish of choice

Keep in mind that the texture you choose could change the way the hue reads on your lips. Matte shades tend to have a more intense color payoff, whereas glosses, stains, and balms are more subtle and can be built to your desired level of drama.