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From deep maroons to coral hues, these are the reds that always look great
When it comes to make-up, few things feel as sexy as a dash of red lipstick. A classic look with contemporary appeal, a bold swipe of red is synonymous with Hollywood starlets and modern icons alike, from Marylin Monroe to Rihanna.
Yet so many people remain wary of red – and it's true, a swipe of cerulean requires a little more confidence than a neutral shade or pretty pink. And with improper application you can easily end up looking like a toddler who’s rummaged through their mother’s makeup bag. But when you get it right, a red lip is truly worthy of a place in your makeup repertoire.
You can have a lot of fun with the finish of your red; you can opt for satin, matte, gloss or even a stain. A satin or matte finish screams leading lady, whereas a glossy vinyl-like shine will reflect the light beautifully, making lips look plumper and fuller.
Wondering how to wear red lipstick like a beauty editor? A slick of red can up the ante of any outfit, giving you that extra little bit of confidence to face the day or take on the night. You can go down the traditional route by using a red lip liner – we love Laura Mercier's – to outline your lips and sharpen up your cupid's bow. Then, straight from the bullet, fill in your lips precisely, making sure to stay within the lines. This gives the perfect stamped-on red lip, reminiscent of ‘50s movie stars.
For a more wearable, daytime finish (that won’t involve too much touching up), you can forgo the lipliner and blot your red lipstick straight on. Smudge the edges with a finger for a diffused, just-kissed look. Another top tip: take the leftover lipstick on your finger and dab on the apples of your cheeks for a flushed glow. If you are looking for the ultimate low-maintenance look, opt for a lip tint that will dye your lips a cherry hue and wear off gradually throughout the day. Benefit's classic Benetint is a firm favourite.
Truth be told, the best red lipstick is whatever feels good to you. But, if you are stuck for ideas, here are some pointers and products we love. So, in no particular order, here are our favourite red lipsticks to shop now...
Dior’s classic 999 shade is a perfectly balanced red – not too orange or blue – and would be breathtaking on literally every skin tone. The formula itself is super-hydrating and feels more like a chapstick than a lipstick: a winner.
Trinny London’s Lip Luxe in Demon is a classic, bright red. The formula is extremely creamy with a satin finish and bold pigment that really delivers. Trinny's trademark pots are crafted with ease of use in mind, so we recommend you smudge this one straight on with fingers, using any leftover pigment to bring a rosy glow to cheeks.
If you prefer a more matte finish then Nars’ Must Have Mattes Lipstick in Inappropriate Red is a great option. It is an ultra-bright colour and has an impressive six-hour wear: with just one swipe, you’ll get an even, opaque finish.
No red lipstick edit would be complete without mentioning MAC’s classic Ruby Woo; a vivid, very matte, long-lasting formula that has an intense colour payoff. A slightly blue-toned red, it'll make your teeth appear brighter and whiter.
What could be more Parisian than a red lip? Bobbi Brown has nailed the sought-after shade with this Luxe Lip colour. The formula is nourishing and balm-like, so won’t result in flaky lips by the end of the day. We recommend wearing it like the French; a simple slick, straight from the bullet, teamed solely with a swipe of mascara. Bonus points for a Bardot fringe.
The problem with red lipsticks is, as show-stopping as they are, they require a lot of maintenance. This Benetint lip stain is un-demanding yet still has a vibrant colour payoff. The applicator is designed like a nail polish brush – simply paint on the lips and go.
The obvious choice from Charlotte Tilbury would be the brand’s legendary Red Carpet Red. But for our pick, we drew our inspiration from 1920s movie stars, à la Josephine Baker, and opted for a vampy red. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick in Legendary Queen is a deep wine-red that, due to its neutral colour, would flatter skin with all undertones.
Rihanna’s makeup line, Fenty Beauty, has created a traffic-stopping red as part of the brand’s Stunna Lip Paint line. This fluid lipstick has a deep and long-lasting colour that really doesn’t budge. The doe-foot applicator also allows for precise application that makes for a flawless, stamped-on pout.
This lip stain slips on like a gloss but sticks around like a stain. It's completely smudge-proof and transfer-proof – so ideal for wearing under a mask.
The BareMinerals Bare Pro lipstick in Nutmeg is a matte brick-red with a handy, smaller bullet that allows for more precise application during touch-ups. This is the perfect middle ground between a brown and a red – a dream shade for those struggling to part with their neutrals.
Cool-girl favourite Glossier has mastered comfortable colour with its balmy Ultralip lipstick. The Watermelon shade is super wearable and, due to its buildable coverage, doesn’t require MUA level skills. We’d even go as far as to say you can apply this one without a mirror!
This Guerlain lipstick will make you feel like a Hollywood starlet, not just for its rich ruby-red hue but for its striking retro case, complete with in-built mirror.
It’s refillable, too: simply purchase one of the beautiful weighty cases, then slip a bullet of your choice inside.