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.

  1. 1
    Powermatte Lipstick
    809 REVIEWS
    High-intensity matte formula that glides on bold color with 10-hour wear.
  2. 2
    Explicit Lipstick
    399 REVIEWS
    A high-end dimensional satin lipstick with medium-to-full coverage that delivers long-lasting comfort with vibrant, pure-color payoff.
  3. 3
    MatteTrance Lipstick

    Pat McGrath Labs

    20 REVIEWS
    A richly pigmented, lightweight lipstick that adorns lips in a modern, matte finish.
  4. 4
    Hot Lips

    Charlotte Tilbury

    665 REVIEWS
    A lipstick line including Charlotte Tilbury's famous celebrity Hot Lips club - signature Matte Revolution and K.I.S.S.I.N.G. formulas.
  5. 5
    Full Bloom Sculpted Lipstick Refill
    448 REVIEWS
    A creamy, sustainable, full-coverage lip color derived from saturated mineral pigments for vibrant, velvety wear.
  6. 6
    Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick
    99 REVIEWS
    Each ultra slim refillable lipstick delivers saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish.
  7. 7
    Le Phyto Rouge

    Sisley Paris

    90 REVIEWS
    An intense lipstick combined with skin care to provide a balm-like sensation.
  8. 8
    Easy Lip Color

    Trish McEvoy

    18 REVIEWS
    Enhance your pout with our luxurious Lip Color, designed in beautiful hues.
  9. 9
    Phyto-Rouge Velvet

    Sisley Paris

    15 REVIEWS
    A high-intensity matte finish as soft and luminous as velvet. Offering instant and overtime protection and care leaving lips supple , plump and smooth.
  10. 10
    Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick Refill
    12 REVIEWS
    Each ultra slim lipstick refill delivers saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish.

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.