What to Look for in Red Lipsticks

Finding the perfect red lipstick can elevate your makeup routine and boost your confidence. Here are key aspects to consider when shopping for a red lip color.

1. Undertone

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Red lipsticks come in various undertones—blue, orange, or neutral. Choose a shade that complements your skin’s undertone: blue-based reds flatter cooler tones, while orange-based reds suit warmer complexions.

2. Finish

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From matte and satin to glossy and sheer, the finish of your lipstick affects both its appearance and wear time. Matte formulas offer bold, long-lasting color, while glossy or satin finishes provide hydration and shine.

3. Pigmentation & Coverage

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Highly pigmented formulas deliver intense color in one swipe, whereas sheer options offer a more subtle look. Consider how bold or buildable you want your red lipstick to be.

4. Longevity & Comfort

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Look for long-wearing formulas that resist smudging and fading, but also ensure they feel comfortable throughout the day. Hydrating ingredients like vitamin E or oils can help keep lips soft and prevent dryness.

  1. 1
    Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick
    5 REVIEWS
    An ultra-hydrating lipstick that delivers high-impact color in a single swipe with a satin creme finish.
  2. 2
    Unlocked Soft Matte Lipstick
    3 REVIEWS
    Infused with lip-conditioning ingredients to prime and smooth lips, the weightless, silky formula effortlessly glides onto lips for seamless application that does not feather or bleed.
  3. 3
    Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick Refill
    11 REVIEWS
    Each ultra slim lipstick refill delivers saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish.
  4. 4
    MatteTrance Lipstick

    Pat McGrath Labs

    14 REVIEWS
    A richly pigmented, lightweight lipstick that adorns lips in a modern, matte finish.
  5. 5
    Luxe Matte Lipstick

    Bobbi Brown

    166 REVIEWS
    Lipstick with hyaluronic acid and plumping peptides for a smooth, hydrated matte finish.
  6. 6
    Phyto-Rouge Shine

    Sisley-Paris

    69 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    An intense lipstick combined with skin care to provide a balm-like sensation.
  7. 7
    Easy Lip Color

    Trish McEvoy

    14 REVIEWS
    Enhance your pout with our luxurious Lip Color, designed in beautiful hues.
  8. 8
    Liquid Lip Luxe Matte

    Tom Ford

    894 REVIEWS
    Melts onto lips with a cloud-like, creamy feel. This longwearing formula sculpts with vivid, high-impact color. 
  9. 9
    Explicit Lipstick
    378 REVIEWS
    A high-end dimensional satin lipstick with medium-to-full coverage that delivers long-lasting comfort with vibrant, pure-color payoff.
  10. 10
    Powermatte Lipstick
    791 REVIEWS
    High-intensity matte formula that glides on bold color with 10-hour wear.

What to Look for in Red Lipsticks

Finding the perfect red lipstick can elevate your makeup routine and boost your confidence. Here are key aspects to consider when shopping for a red lip color.

1. Undertone

Citrus catapult arrow

Red lipsticks come in various undertones—blue, orange, or neutral. Choose a shade that complements your skin’s undertone: blue-based reds flatter cooler tones, while orange-based reds suit warmer complexions.

2. Finish

Citrus catapult arrow

From matte and satin to glossy and sheer, the finish of your lipstick affects both its appearance and wear time. Matte formulas offer bold, long-lasting color, while glossy or satin finishes provide hydration and shine.

3. Pigmentation & Coverage

Citrus catapult arrow

Highly pigmented formulas deliver intense color in one swipe, whereas sheer options offer a more subtle look. Consider how bold or buildable you want your red lipstick to be.

4. Longevity & Comfort

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for long-wearing formulas that resist smudging and fading, but also ensure they feel comfortable throughout the day. Hydrating ingredients like vitamin E or oils can help keep lips soft and prevent dryness.