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
    Liquid Lip Luxe Matte

    Tom Ford

    895 REVIEWS
    Melts onto lips with a cloud-like, creamy feel. This longwearing formula sculpts with vivid, high-impact color. 
  2. 2
    Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Lipstick Refill
    12 REVIEWS
    Each ultra slim lipstick refill delivers saturated, longwearing color with a satin finish.
  3. 3
    Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick
    5 REVIEWS
    An ultra-hydrating lipstick that delivers high-impact color in a single swipe with a satin creme finish.
  4. 4
    Unlocked Soft Matte Lipstick
    4 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.
  5. 5
    Petal Soft Lip

    Laura Mercier

    701 REVIEWS
    A sheer matte lip color that makes your lips petal-soft delivering 12 hours of weightless wear and 24 hours of lip softening hydration.
  6. 6
    Hot Lips

    Charlotte Tilbury

    671 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.
  7. 7
    Lip Chic Lipstick

    Chantecaille

    65 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Lightweight and glossy, this lipstick combines the shine of a gloss with the rich coverage of a lipstick. 
  8. 8
    Going Steady Longwear Lip
    4 REVIEWS
    A fully matte and fast-drying formula that remains comfortable without feeling tight or flaky.
  9. 9
    Unforgettable Lipstick

    Kevyn Aucoin

    3 REVIEWS
    Unforgettable Lipstick is available in 3 textures – Matte, Cream, and Shine that meet the needs and wants of every lipstick lover.

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.