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
    Matte Revolution

    Charlotte Tilbury

    3,845 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A matte lipstick that features a long-lasting, buildable, and hydrating formula.
  2. 2
    Lip Color Matte Lipstick
    1,488 REVIEWS
    Ultra-pigmented with a matte finish, this lipstick delivers rich color. 
  3. 3
    Liquid Lip Luxe Matte

    Tom Ford

    894 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Melts onto lips with a cloud-like, creamy feel. This longwearing formula sculpts with vivid, high-impact color. 
  4. 4
    Powermatte Lipstick
    793 REVIEWS
    High-intensity matte formula that glides on bold color with 10-hour wear.
  5. 5
    Crushed Lip Color

    Bobbi Brown

    493 REVIEWS
    An all-new lipstick formula that delivers a just-kissed, stain effect in one swipe.
  6. 6
    Explicit Lipstick
    387 REVIEWS
    A high-end dimensional satin lipstick with medium-to-full coverage that delivers long-lasting comfort with vibrant, pure-color payoff.
  7. 7
    Powermatte Lip Pigment
    292 REVIEWS
    A highly pigmented, full coverage liquid lipstick that provides long-lasting, comfortable matte color.
  8. 8
    Luxe Matte Lipstick

    Bobbi Brown

    173 REVIEWS
    Lipstick with hyaluronic acid and plumping peptides for a smooth, hydrated matte finish.
  9. 9
    Phyto-Lip Twist

    Sisley-Paris

    115 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Leaves the lips supple, moisturized and visibly smooth with buildable color.
  10. 10
    Luxe Lipstick

    Bobbi Brown

    102 REVIEWS
    Skincare-infused statement lip color with a rich satin finish—for lips that feel as Luxe as they look.

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.