These Are The Best Red Lipsticks Ever Created, According To The Internet
When it comes to lip color, it doesn't get more classic than red. Dynamic, bold, and confident, the powerful shade has been seen swiped across the lips of fashion icons and influential figures for decades. (Marilyn Monroe, Audry Hepburn, Taylor Swift—you name it.) And while there are certainly lots of red shades to choose from, many of them have become so iconic that you can probably list them by name. From shiny, moisturizing picks like Revlon's Fire And Ice to deeper, Snow White-esque shades like Pat McGrath's Elson, the debate about the best red lipstick has been a long one.
But no matter what shade you consider your holy grail, one thing will always ring true: red lipstick is the ultimate makeup product. You can pair it with a smoky eye for a bold, night-out look or couple it with simple winged liner. You can go for a smooth, precise look or wear it smudgy and blotted for a French-girl take à la Jeanne Damas. You can go for scarlet, burgundy, or true red, and you can choose from satin, matte, and lustrous finishes. Truly, everyone has their idea of the perfect red.
To help you find yours, we're bringing you a list of the most iconic red lipsticks of all time, complete with detailed color descriptions and even some examples of celebs who love them. Whether you want to splurge or test out some affordable options first, the list below has a cult-favorite red for every color preference and budget.
How We Found The Best Red Lipsticks
If you’ve visited our site before, you know that we take our Top 10 lists pretty seriously. In fact, we find the best products by using a data-backed approach that factors in reviews, best-seller lists, editor recommendations, social buzz, and more. From ultra-bright crimsons to the vampiest blood reds, scroll on for our definitive ranking of the best red lipsticks of all time.
October 20, 2022
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick In Goldie Red
Overall Score
4.5
10
Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick In Goldie Red
4.78
6146 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Luxury
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This Gucci lipstick hasn't been out for long, but it sure made it's way onto best-of lists fast. You can thank the creamy formula and one-swipe color payoff for that. Goldie Red, in particular, happens to be a favorite of French beauty Soko.
USER REVIEW
"I'm a huge fan of matte lipsticks, and this is one of the best I've tried. The colors are quite opaque and the formula is comfortable and non-drying, which, for me, is a critical requirement."
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick In Fire And Ice
Overall Score
4.5
09
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick In Fire And Ice
4.46
12079 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Budget
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Created in 1952 and advertised as "the foolproof formula for melting a male," Fire And Ice is one of the most iconic red lipsticks out there. But it's not just the classic, true red shade people love about it—it also has a stellar formula. Infused with vitamin E and avocado oil, it has a super creamy, moisturizing feel that leaves the lips feeling comfortable for hours.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Fire And Ice is a super glam, true red shade that works on all skin tones, but it's an especially flattering choice for those with fair skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick In Red Carpet Red
Overall Score
4.55
08
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick In Red Carpet Red
4.52
2263 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Plumping
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Lipsticks are a crowd favorite in all shades, and for good reason. The formula contains 3D glow pigments that make the lips appear wider and fuller, leaving the pout with a just-injected look (in a good way). Plus, it's enriched with Charlotte's secret ingredient and orchid extract, making it super moisturizing even though it's matte.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Not too warm but not too cool, Red Carpet Red is the perfect universally flattering shade. It's on the deeper side—think Old Hollywood red vs. fire engine red—so it's super low maintenance and easy to pull off.
Glossier Generation G In Zip
Overall Score
4.6
07
Glossier Generation G In Zip
3.8
3401 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Buildable
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Generation G is one of the most unique formulas on this list because of how buildable it is. Matte and diffused with soft edges, one swipe will give you a perfect flush of color that's ideal for everyday wear. Layer on a little more for a bolder, more intense look.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Zip is the kind of red lipstick that's perfect for red lipstick beginners. It's a gorgeous true red, but it errs on the side of casual and blotted. Here's what one reviewer has to say: "I have Zip and finally have a red lipstick I don’t feel awkward about wearing. I love the effect it gives and I wish I had every color. I love the smell, too. Buy these!"
Cruelty Free
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick In Always Red
Overall Score
4.65
06
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick In Always Red
4.32
11561 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cream
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Liquid lipsticks are notorious for sucking every ounce of hydration out of the lips, then highlighting the cracks and flakes even more. But this formula by Sephora's in-house line is unbelievably moisturizing. Plus, it comes in a huge shade range and rings up at just $15.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Always Red is a classic, true shade of red—not too blue and not too orange—that flatters all skin tones.
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color In Uncensored
Overall Score
4.7
05
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color In Uncensored
4.41
13368 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Liquid
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
In true Fenty fashion, the entire shade range of this line was designed to flatter all skin tones. The formula features a lip-defining precision wand that deposits rich color that lasts with just one stroke.
ABOUT THE SHADE
The first red lipstick in Rihanna's line, Uncensored is the perfect universal red. Bold and pigmented, the blue-red shade delivers serious color payoff and stays on for hours.
Cruelty Free
Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick In 999
Overall Score
4.7
04
Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick In 999
4.55
4850 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Refillable
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
You'll be hard-pressed to find a list of the best red lipsticks without Dior 999 on it, and there's a reason for that. Available in both matte, velvet, metallic, and satin finishes, it's full of natural ingredients like red peony extract, pomegranate flower extract, and shea butter that provide hours of comfort. Plus, the tube is refillable.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Dior's 999 has long been touted as a true, classic red that works on everyone, and it definitely lives up to the hype. See it on multiple editors here.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick In Beso
Overall Score
4.75
03
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick In Beso
4.3
5068 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Moisturizing Matte
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Liquid lipsticks have a tendency to suck all the moisture out of your lips, but Stila's is quite the opposite. Formulated with vitamin E and avocado oil, it actually softens and hydrates the lips while you wear it. Plus, the doe-foot applicator makes it a breeze to use.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Beso is a true, classic red that can instantly brighten up any skin tone. See it on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for proof.
Cruelty Free
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick In Pioneer
Overall Score
4.75
02
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick In Pioneer
4.4
102770 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Long-Lasting
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
According to the reviewers, beauty editors, and celebs that rave about it, this drugstore lipstick is hard to beat. With its 16-hour staying power, super-saturated color, and unique brush that makes precise application easy, the formula performs like a luxury lipstick but costs way less.
ABOUT THE SHADE
A bright, fiery red, one tube of the shade Pioneer is sold every six seconds. Nope, not kidding.
MAC Lipstick Matte In Ruby Woo
Overall Score
4.9
01
MAC Lipstick Matte In Ruby Woo
4.56
3369 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Overall
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
MAC's matte lipsticks—in all shades available—flatter pretty much any person who wears them. From Ruby Woo to the brand's cult-favorite nude, Velvet Teddy, the formula features high color payoff and a creamy matte finish that can't be beat.
ABOUT THE SHADE
Arguably one of the most famous red lipsticks of all time, this bright cherry red with a hint of blue has graced the pouts of many a celeb. In fact, MAC even released a special version of the semi-matte formula just for Rihanna called Riri Woo.
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