Fashion & Beauty

16 Best Red Lipsticks

Going back a few decades a sassy shade of red lips was my go-to fashion statement. Wearing red is big, bold and sultry. It screams here I am. For some reason after my obsession faded away, I swore off the red lip. I thought I was too old to rock it like I used to. Well thank goodness my attitude has changed! This season I’m back to rocking red lipstick every moment I can. I’ve also introduced lots of reds, whites, creams, black, grey and blues into my wardrobe – red lips looks so good with these colors. Red lips look just as great for evening cocktails as they do for aprés ski. Here’s a list of the best of the best red lipsticks, stains & balms. They each have their own charms which are outlined below.  When it comes to red, the most important factors are long lasting, smooth application & beautiful colors. Most of these brands have several red shades to choose from, so be sure to peek at all the options.

If you don’t currently wear red lipstick and you want to make the leap I’m going to urge you to just go for it. It’s such an empowering, elegant and strong fashion statement. Don’t forget that lip liner to make sure application is spot on!

Marla Meridith's 16 Favorite Red Lipsticks

~ Marla Meridith

Color: Rouge Paradoxe

This color is a blue-red, very classic! The formula is a creamy and hydrating, a full-coverage satin lipstick.
Yves Saint Laurent
YSL Rouge Pur Couture

Color: Courage

This is the Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick which is the perfect option for those looking for clean cosmetics. Delivers great hydration & color.
bare Minerals
bareMinerals Mineralist

Color: Outlaw

This brick red is a transfer-resistant, long-wear liquid lipstick. If you are looking for a matte finish this is a great pick!
KVD
KVD Longer Liquid

Color: American Doll

The ultimate pinup color! This matte, retro red feels weightless on but does not leave your lips feeling dry. It's got a great applicator for precise lip painting.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Anastasia Liquid lipstick

Color: The Queen

I've worn CT iconic Pillow Talk lipstick the past few years and decided to try this red. This long-lasting matte lipstick is aptly named The Queen. It's gorgeous and hydrating too!
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution

Color: 999 Satin Red

This is a refillable lip color which is super cool. Satin Red is a Dior classic I love the satin finish, it offers shine and is very hydrating.
Dior
Rouge Dior Refillable

Color: 999 Forever Dior

This classic Dior red is ultra pigmented and transfer-proof. It's a matte liquid lip color with a wonderful precise applicator. It's the color I wear the most.
Dior
Rouge Dior Forever

Color: Ruby Woo

For excellent rich pigment and staying power MAC lipsticks are always a great option! This full coverage lipstick offers the ultimate in high pay-off.
MAC
MAC Full Coverage

Color: El Cinco de Mayo

This spicy, matte red goes on silky smooth. The creamy, high-pigmented formula is very hydrating as well.
Huda
Huda Power Bullet Matte

Color: 45 Rouge Tuxedo

If you are craving shine then this lipstick is an excellent choice! This is a medium coverage balm with high glossy shine and is very moisturizing.
Yyes Saint Laurent
YSL Rouge Volupté

Color: N201 Rouge Tatouage

This bright red lip color is great in so may ways: I love the iconic Tatouage Couture applicator and the velvety, matte, long-lasting color. It's great for more active days & nights.
Yves Saint Laurent
YSL Tatouage Couture

Color: 27 Hong Kong By Night

Bring on the metallics! This metallic red with gold sparkles is so fun for a night on the town. It's a weightless yet highly pigmented lipstick. I love the playful packaging too!
Sephora
Sephora Metal Red

Color: Individualist

This is a super saturated liquid matte lipstick. The arrow applicator makes for an easier, precise application. Can't beat the price on this one either!
Maybelline
Maybelline Superstay Matte

Color: Mysterious Red

This crimson red velvet matte lipstick pencil is great for those who love applying lipstick in a crayon pencil form. The color and lasting power is amazing!!
Nars
Nars Red Lip Crayon

Color: Bawse

This longwear matte liquid lipstick is also waterproof. It's perfect for a day on the slopes and for Aprés as well! It has a velvety/matte finish.
Smashbox
Smashbox Longwear Matte

Color: Uncensored

I'm a huge fan of Fenty cosmetics. I love the long-lasting quality and colors. The soft matte finish is beautiful and the applicator makes this lip paint easier to apply.
Fenty
Fenty Longwear Lip Paint
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