The 22 best red lipsticks our beauty editor has tried, tested, and would actually recommend

It seems another lipstick renaissance is sweeping social media, bolstered by the return of a bold lip on major runways from Copenhagen to Paris. And with Christmas around the corner? Red lipstick is (most definitely) having its 2025 revival. But the modern red lip isn’t just one thing. The category now spans everything from featherlight stains and velvety mattes to satin bullets and viral tints that promise to last through both your post-lunch flat white and after-work bevvy.

To make sense of the many varieties of vermillion pouts out there, we put the most-hyped, most-Googled, and most-worn reds of the year to the test. We have swiped, blotted and wore our way through new launches, cult classics, and everything in between to find the best red lipsticks for every preference and price point in 2025.

While pigmented red lipsticks may be daunting at first dab, they’re surprisingly versatile... and very much back. Depending on how you apply it, red lipstick can be anything from barely-there to bold. For a soft, lived-in look, apply from the bullet and blur the edges with your finger (we recommend a balm or tint for this, like LH cosmetics new Biggie pencil or Hourglass' glossy balm). Prefer something polished for an evening out? Go for a crisp matte or satin like Caia Iconic or Dior 999, paired with a matching liner and a steady hand. 2025 also offers some new trendy textures: Experiment with blurred-out viral tints or vinyl lacquers look for that fuller, mirror-shine finish.

Related: Shop the best beauty advent calendars for your Christmas countdown

To choose your perfect red lipstick, start by identifying your skin’s undertone: cool, warm, or neutral. There are a few easy ways to do this.

Look at your veins:
If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones; if they lean green, you’re warm-toned; if it’s hard to tell, you’re probably neutral.

Consider your jewellery:
Silver tends to suit cool tones, gold suits warm.

Think about how your skin reacts to the sun:
If you burn easily, you’re cool; if you tan easily, warm; if you burn then tan, likely neutral.

Once you’ve figured out your undertone, match it to your red:

Cool undertones:
Look best in blue-based reds like MAC's cult-classic Ruby Woo, Chanel's Pirate or Lisa Eldridge's Velvet Ribbon .

Warm undertones:
Glow in orange-based or brick reds, like YSL Rouge Provocation or Merit's signature lip in Tiger.

Neutral undertones:
Can wear almost anything, but we suggest a balanced classics like Dior 999 or Fenty’s Stunna in Uncensored.

If all else fails, test a few tones in natural light. Sometimes, the red that suits you best breaks all the red lipstick "rules.”

To make your red lipstick last all day, start by ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated. Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove any dry skin, then apply a hydrating lip balm and allow it to absorb fully. This creates a perfect base for your lipstick.

Next, apply a thin layer of lip primer or a bit of foundation to your lips before lining and filling them in using a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade. Not only do these steps help the colour adhere better and last longer, but they also prevent any pesky feathering. When applying your lipstick, use a lip brush for precision or apply directly from the bullet. Start from the centre of your lips and work your way outwards, ensuring even coverage. After the first layer, blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product and then apply a second layer of lipstick to build intensity and longevity.

Finally, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over a tissue placed on your lips to set your lipstick. This technique helps to fix the colour in place without altering the finish. Alternatively, you can use a setting spray to lock in the look.... Or skip the steps and opt for a formula designed to last. Maybelline’s Superstay Teddy Tint, Charlotte Tilbury’s Ruby Blur, and NYX Lip IV all promise all-day wear with minimal touch-ups. Zero prep or powder required.

What it is: Rouge Dior 999 is the house’s signature red, available in satin, matte and velvet finishes. The formula pairs full-coverage pigment with a refillable bullet and soft, hydrating wear.

Why we love it: Dior’s 999 remains the benchmark red. The shade balances undertones so precisely it flatters every complexion, while the pigment lays down evenly in a single swipe. The texture feels weightless, while the new-and-improved formula keeps lips smooth for hours without dryness. The result is what every red aims for: pure colour, lasting comfort, zero compromise.

What it is: A budget-friendly matte red that punches above its pay grade, Rouge Confident is the bold true-red shade in L’Oréal Paris’s line. Delivered in a slim bullet for precision, it is built to offer full-cover pigment with a dry-matte hydrating hyaluronic acid-infused finish.

Why we love it: Rouge Confident proves a good matte needn’t be costly. The pigment sets fast and stays crisp without chalkiness, leaving lips velvety rather than parched thanks to hydrating elements and a soft-powder finish. On my lips it felt markedly more comfortable than typical bullet mattes, and for a sub-€15 lipstick its performance is impressive – staying put through hours of wear (though maybe not the full 16 claimed) and leaving a stain as the surface fades.

What it is: A wallet-friendly satin-finish red from H&M-Beauty's Satin Icon collection. Vegan and infused with hyaluronic acid, it offers a soft, satin payoff rather than flat matte or high gloss.

Why we love it: If you’ve been avoiding satin reds in favour of long-lasting ultra-mattes or easy-to-wield balms, H&M's velvety formulation might be the one to convert you. The brand's “Stop Sign” shade is an under-the-radar workhorse that delivers vivid, classic red intensity with a finish that retains a subtle sheen. The formula glides on smoothly, the hyaluronic acid gives a faint buffer against dryness (a real perk for winter), and because it’s price point, you’re less worried when it ends up lost in your bag or forgotten in a wine bar bathroom.

What it is: A lightweight liquid lipstick with a soft-matte finish and serious staying power. The shade 'Coquettish' is a deep red that leans warm without tipping into brick, designed to last up to 12 hours without flaking or transferring. The texture is thin and fast-setting, best applied in a single swipe.

Why we love it: If long-wear red lip is your goal (and yes, you will sacrifice a little comfort for it), this one shows serious staying power. But while it clocks a consistent bold coverage lasting up to nine hours of wear without major fading (I still had to reach for my remover after a three course dinner) it’s not fuss-free. You’ll want to prep lips (dry patches show) and expect the texture to settle. Built up for full opacity, I found it borderline uncomfortable by hour five. But worn in lighter layers, it felt far less punishing and still held up.

What it is: A creamy jumbo multi-use crayon with a buttery, glide-on texture and semi-matte finish, making it easy for someone new to a true red lip to apply. One caveat: it comes in a sharpenable format rather than a twist‑up, and the shade range is limited (only four options, of which Grand is the only red).

Why we love it: For a beginner approaching red lips, Biggie ticks almost all the right boxes. The creamy texture reduces the risk of over‑lining mishaps or visible edge slip, and thanks to its buttery‑format you can softly smudge the edges for a blurred look rather than rely on pencil precision. On the flip side, if you prefer a razor‑sharp lip line or hate sharpening the tools in your arsenal, this might feel less refined than the usual twist‑up bullets or dip-and-go liquids. Still, for someone wanting to ease into bold colour, Biggie’s one‑and‑done application and forgiving finish make it a strong starting point.

What it is: MAC’s 'Ruby Woo' is the blueprint red lipstick; a vivid, blue-based matte with a retro finish that’s been in makeup kits (and our back pockets) since 1999. The updated MACximal version stays true to the original’s bold pigment, now with a slightly softer feel.

Why we love it: What makes a lipstick cult? Is it the origin story? Ruby Woo has this locked-down, being derivative of MAC's other red icon Russian Red (developed specifically for Madonna's 1990 Blonde Ambition World Tour). Being a bestseller? It has been a top-performer for MAC since launch. Is it performance? Ding-ding-ding. In fact, it lasted me through a (very) long Halloween night during my university years when I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood. It was one of the first lipsticks I ever bought, and more than two decades later, it still delivers the same sharp satisfaction.

What it is: A satin‑finish red from the house of Hermès that lives up to its price tag. The formula glides on with a soft luminosity, offering rich pigment without the full matte flatness. Shout out to the magnetic closure casing that makes reapplication in public a special treat.

Why we love it: Satin reds are one of the harder finishes to pull off (they risk looking patchy, inconsistently shiny or too slippery). This one nails the balance: the sheen is subtle while the colour remains intense. More than “just a lipstick,” the signature Hermès case makes reapplication in public a treat and the refills add a thoughtful touch that keeps the object reusable rather than disposable. Yes, it’s a splurge. But for those who want a luxurious red in every sense of the word, this is the benchmark.

What it is: A Scandinavian‑born matte red lipstick that keeps the finish rich without tilting into chalky. The formula is pigmented, vegan, infused with passion‑fruit oil for comfort, and engineered to be water‑resistant.

Why we love it: Matte reds are notoriously easy to mess up. This one isn’t flawless, but it gets a lot right. The formula has enough slip to apply without dragging and sets to a finish that stays put better than most, thanks to a water-resistant base. It’s still matte, so lip prep matters (a balm underneath, a scrub the night before) but for the payoff you get, it’s worth the extra steps. The real win? It looks freshly applied longer than you'd expect, and when it does wear down, it fades evenly. A solid go-to for anyone who wants a modern matte without the usual compromises.

What it is: A glossy-balm hybrid that bridges lipstick and lip care. Hourglass’s Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Thrill delivers a sheer wash of red with mirror-like shine and a plush, cushiony feel. The texture melts on contact, leaving lips smooth and hydrated rather than sticky.

Why we love it: Thrill gives a sheer, buildable red in a glossy-balm format that actually conditions as it colours. The formula deposits an even, translucent stain and the initial glassy finish wears down to a predictable, natural tint; reapplication restores shine cleanly, with no pilling. It transfers like a balm, so don’t expect marathon wear, but on dry or sensitised lips it outperforms many heavier pigments, smoothing flakes and softening fine lines on contact.

What it is: A soft-matte liquid lipstick designed to be blurred at the edges, not drawn on with militant precision. The mousse-like texture applies evenly and sets to a diffused, clouded finish.

Why we love it: This is the rare liquid red that feels as forgiving as it looks. It gives even, diffused colour that flatters without the crisp edges or commitment of a classic matte. The texture avoids the usual pitfalls: no cracking, no chalky drag. Instead, it delivers a flexible, weightless tint that smooths over fine lines. Wear is respectable for a soft-matte, but expect to touch up even after your office salad. If you want a red lip that reads fresh, cool, and slightly undone in a Parisian way, this is the one for you.

What it is: A gloss-stain hybrid that goes on with a punchy, glassy red shine before fading down to a true stain. The shade ‘Red-y. Set. Wet!’ brings primary red impact, applied in seconds.

Why we love it: You get the best of both: the instant satisfaction of a slick, lacquered glass-shine gloss and a stain that lingers well after the surface shine has faded... Sometimes for days! The colour clings evenly, never feels dry or tight, and wears down to a believable, low-maintenance tint. It’s quick to apply, forgiving on the go, and makes the case for trading in your high-maintenance lipstick. Only caveat? Application can be fidgety as, once it is in place, it isn't going anywhere.

What it is: A high‑pigment bullet in a refined red with cool undertones, boasting a plush matte finish that holds texture and depth. Rouge Vie sits slightly blue‑leaning so it brightens and sharpens rather than warms up the face.

Why we love it: This is the red that brings clarity to cool-tone complexions. I found the formula more forgiving than most mattes, with a cushioned feel that stays comfortable through hours of wear. If you dress in lots of black, navy or cream (as you do) this red cuts through rather than competes, pulling attention to your face without dominating.

What it is: A warm-blooded red with serious terracotta undertones, satin finish, and YSL's signature slip. Rouge Provocation delivers full-coverage pigment in a formula that feels as good as it looks.

Why we love it: I've tested hundreds of red lipsticks, and warm reds are notoriously tricky: they can pull flat, too orange, or worse, muddy. This one gets the balance right. Flattering to warm and olive skin tones, the texture is where YSL really shows up. It's creamy enough to forgive less-than-perfect lips, but it has just enough grip to last through a long lunch without reapplication. If you instinctively reach for gold over silver and find most classic reds too cool or blue-based, this is the one that'll feel like it was mixed for your exact undertone.

What it is: A true blue-based red in Nars' cult Powermatte formula. Dragon Girl delivers high-impact, long-wearing color with a velvety matte finish that's neither chalky nor drying.

Why we love it: Red for fair skin is a minefield: one wrong undertone and you’re instantly either flushed or faded. The blue base of Dragon Girl cuts clean, with unapologetic pigment (no second pass needed) and next-to-no dry down time. The proverbial cherry on top? I put it through back-to-back coffees while drafting my latest print piece, and it didn’t ghost or bleed by the time I submitted.

What it is: A high-impact liquid lipstick in true, unmuddied red. The matte finish stays crisp, and the pigment clings from the first swipe.

Why we love it: Red-y for a reliable red? Considering Rihanna is the celebrity behind Fenty's Stunna, it is unsurprising that this is one high-performance, impossibly pigmented red lipstick that actually shows up on deeper skin tones. It lands opaque in one swipe and dries to a soft, even matte that wears down to an even stain instead of a patchy ring. Caveat: it is highly pigmented, so wipe excess off the applicator and apply with a light hand.

What it is: A rich blue-red lipstick in a matte velvet formula. The bullet glides on plush, sets to a blurred, soft-focus finish. Cool undertone, magnetic closure, and satisfyingly weighty in the hand.

Why we love it: There’s a reason makeup artists hoard blue-reds: they wake up your face and make your teeth appear whiter. But why Eldridge? This formulations stayed put through three coffees and a Stockholm wind tunnel. The colour held crisp throughout the morning, and then gently diffused without going patchy. Also, the click of the case is sensorially delightful.

What it is: A lightweight brick red lipstick in a satin finish. The slim bullet applies smoothly, while the formula blends squalane and sunflower seed oil for comfort and a soft sheen.

Why we love it: This shade hits the sweet spot of a rich brick‑red with enough brown‑terracotta in the mix to sit well on cool or neutral skin tones. The punchy pigments lets you layer without needing a lipliner, making it a versatile addition to your lipstick arsenal. On the flip side: This formula is not as hydrating as other satins. I found that with very dry lips, they required a lip balm underneath to prevent peeling by day’s end.

What it is: A cherry‑red lipstick with a satin finish, intensely pigmented and formulated with oils for glide, set in a drop‑shaped bullet designed for precise application and a clean lip‑line.

Why we love it: Cherry red is trickier than it looks to get right, but when you do you'll find it flattering even in the glare of office lighting. I found the pigment of Armani's formulation dense and immediate, one clean swipe for full coverage, yet the texture stayed light and flexible through the day. Wear time is solid for a satin (brands claim up to 8 hours), but I found it fading a little after lunch (around the four‑ to five‑hour mark) without touch‑up – a quick blot and it was back. The shape of the bullet deserves a mention: it draws the outline so neatly you can skip liner entirely.

What it is: A bright true‑red liquid lipstick with a vinyl‑gloss finish. It applies in one swipe and dries to a shiny, opaque layer with minimal feathering.

Why we love it: Bright red lipstick can feel daunting, like it needs a warning label. But trust me when I say this one doesn't. I found the colour stayed cemented once applied and the shine remained glossy without sliding off my lips. Even when faced with dry lips, it didn’t crack, though I noted a faint tacky feel for the first few minutes. My tip: blot lightly after application then allow a minute to set.

What it is: A deep‑burgundy, almost oxblood satin‑finish lipstick. The refillable silver‑and‑gold metal case houses a teardrop‑shaped bullet that glides creamy, melts into the lips and sets to a soft luminous veil

Why we love it: When talking about “dark red”, to me it conjures up the sumptuous wine reds and deep berry shades of silent cinema. I found Redolence replicates that mood precisely: the pigment reads rich and multidimensional without slipping into heavy theatrics. However, because the shade is so dark, make sure your lip edge is well‑defined or use a fingertip to blur slightly for a modern effect. And remember, this is the definition of a bold lip so it’ll pair best with pared‑back skin to avoid overload.

What it is: A cream‑stick blush‑tint in a warm red‑berry tone, designed for cheeks, lips and even lids. The texture applies smoothly, then melts into a blurred wash of colour with a soft satin finish.

Why we love it: While it isn’t a straight‑laced lipstick, this pocket blush is a beauty‑bag workhorse covering cheeks, eyes and lips when needed. The format lives up to its “pocket” billing: compact, minimal fuss, and layer‑friendly without turning heavy. I found it buildable, with just enough pigment to create a unified flush perfect for daily wear. On deeper skin tones or for a high‑impact lip, however, it may require a stronger swipe or a second product for intensity.

What it is: A high-shine red lip gloss with a balm-comfort feel. The formula combines hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil and shea butter to hydrate lips while setting into a radiant “glass-lip” finish.

Why we love it: For anyone hesitant about a full-power red, this gloss is an easy entry point. Used with the matching Blur Liner, it creates a diffused, softened edge that steers clear of sharp lines, making it ideal for minimalists who usually stick to nudes. Colour builds in thin layers, so you control the depth while the gloss finish is pronounced, but never sticky.

What it is: A high-pigment matte bullet. Specifically, Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST in shade Elson 4. The colour is a true, bold red with a powder-matte finish, housed in a gold-tipped case fit for a stadium spotlight.

Why we love it: Taylor Swift didn’t invent the red lip, but it sure has become an emblem for the pop star. And with the release of the “Life of a Showgirl” cover art, the beauty rumor mill and Swiftie internet sleuths were on the hunt for her latest crimson calling-card: Pat McGrath’s Elson shade. The colour stands out under harsh stage lights, looks crisp from the cheap seats, and doesn’t flatten out on dry lips (even after hours singing about heartbreak and revenge). From my own wear test, the formula is genuinely matte, but never chalky or flaky, and stains just enough to stick through the encore.