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Beauty/Makeup/Lips/Lipsticks & Lip Liners

Top 10 Red Lipsticks

These Are The Best Red Lipsticks Ever Created, According To The Internet

Image credits: illia

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, Audrey 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.

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October 18, 2023

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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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


10
Image credits: tarte
Rank & Style Approved

tarte

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lipstick In Cherry

Overall Score

4.3

10

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lipstick In Cherry

4.1

91 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

3

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.

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Best Cherry Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
Tarte's Maracuja Juicy Lipstick promises to provide creamy coverage for your pout. With a formula that features 10+ superfruits, this balm-like lipstick nourishes your lips while layering on the color. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and available in a travel size that's perfect for throwing in your purse or carry-on.

BEHIND THE SHADE
Cherry is Tarte's true red shade. It's a punchy, vibrant hue that evokes the holidays.


Nars Audacious Lipstick In Rita

Overall Score

4.3

09

Nars Audacious Lipstick In Rita

4.63

2788 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

2

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 Creamy-Matte Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
It's only fitting to see Nars' name in our lipstick lineup. The brand is known for its ultra-pigmented products, and the bold, super-saturated coverage provided by the Audacious Lipstick is a great example of why.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"These are amazing...very pigmented, creamy-matte with a satin finish, yet they don't look or feel drying. In fact, I find them mildly hydrating which was an unexpected surprise. No feathering and fantastic color pay off as the pigments are quite intense and long-lasting—more so than many lippies I've purchased over the last year or so."


Ilia Color Block Lipstick In True Red

Overall Score

4.4

08

Ilia Color Block Lipstick In True Red

4.45

425 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

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 Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
There are so many thoughtful additions to the formula behind Ilia's Color Block Lipstick. There's castor oil for conditioning and moisturization, apricot seed oil that boosts skin elasticity, and mango seed butter to turn up the plump in your pout.

GOOD TO KNOW
For an understated swipe of color, Ilia recommends applying the Color Block Lipstick with your finger. If you want full pigment, apply straight from the tube.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color In Uncensored

Overall Score

4.5

07

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color In Uncensored

4.33

9050 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 Longwear Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
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.

BEHIND 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

Cruelty Free


Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick In 999

Overall Score

4.55

06

Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick In 999

4.5

2605 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 True Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
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.


Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick In Red Carpet Red

Overall Score

4.55

05

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick In Red Carpet Red

4.51

2219 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 Ruby Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
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.


Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick In Elson 2

Overall Score

4.6

04

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick In Elson 2

4.71

3623 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 Fiery Orange Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
For starters, Pat McGrath Lab's MatteTrance Lipstick gets an A+ for packaging. Its formula stands up to its shiny exterior though, providing a vibrant swipe of color in just a single swipe.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I'm love with this lipstick! It last all day long—even when I eat my meals during the day. I work at restaurant and I receive compliments on this lipstick very often. It's my new favorite."


Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick In Beso

Overall Score

4.6

03

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick In Beso

4.47

2074 User Reviews

3.3

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 Red Liquid Lipstick

THE DETAILS
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

Cruelty Free


Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick In Pioneer

Overall Score

4.7

02

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick In Pioneer

4.4

146271 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 Drugstore Red Lipstick

THE DETAILS
According to the reviewers, beauty editors, and celebs who 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

4.8

01

MAC Lipstick Matte In Ruby Woo

4.51

7083 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 Red Lipstick Overall

THE DETAILS
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 beaten.

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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