Makeup
The Best Red Lipsticks

The Best Red Lipsticks for Every Makeup Look & Skin Tone

By Dorothy Edgar - 3 weeks ago

Ah yes, the humble red lipstick: a beauty essential for millions everywhere. This must-have item has made quite an impact over the years, gracing the famous pouts of Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe and Angelina Jolie. A bold red lip can dress up any outfit, making it a staple handbag item.

But how do some women pull it off so damn well? (Taylor Swift, we’re looking at you.) Well, it actually comes down to your skin tone and undertones. This may sound like a load of unnecessary beauty spiel, but knowing your warm tones from your cool can seriously help you with finding the perfect shade. One that makes you glow rather than one that makes you question why something just looks a little off.

To make it a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best red lipsticks for each skin tone, meaning you can rock a picture-perfect pout all year round.

For a longer-lasting finish, we recommend investing in a liquid lipstick or prepping your pout with a lip liner to enhance your look.

Best Red Lipsticks for Fair Skin

If you've got fair and cool skin (yes, some fair skin can be warm; see below), then you'll want to match your undertones with a cool lipstick that has blue or purple undertones. Cool red lipsticks or berry-toned ones will suit your skin best, keeping you from looking washed out or clown-like the way you would with brick reds or corals.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick

£4.51

Rimmel lipsticks are affordable, powerful and comfortable, a combination every lipstick lover adores. This vampy red lipstick is no different, offering lasting staying power and a gorgeous deep rouge that will complement pale skin effortlessly.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick

£29.17 £30.35 (4% off)

If you're looking for that classic, head-turning red, this lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury is the one for you. Cool-toned, bold red is ideal for fair skin because doesn't wash you out, no matter how intense the lip is.

Sleek MakeUP Say It Loud Satin Lipstick

£5.34 £5.99 (11% off)

Sleek's satin lipsticks will make you feel like a million dollars, without costing the earth. This sexy shade packs a real punch when it comes to the red colour. Pair with a light shimmery eyeshadow and a simple base for a runway-ready makeup look that beautifully uplifts pale skin.

Best Red Lipsticks for Dark Skin

Play on your naturally warm skin tone by investing in a red lipstick that mirrors its yellow undertones. We suggest opting for red-orange hues to compliment your natural glow and to keep things looking warm. We also recommend kitting yourself out with a lip palette or lip kit to get the full experience!

Tom Ford Lip Colour

£28.54 £32.00 (11% off)

Luxurious and long-wearing, this Tom Ford lipstick caters to black skin and darker skin tones beautifully. Sporting a deep red shade and a satin finish, this lip colour is perfect for daytime and evening wear.

Lancôme L'absolu Velvet Matte 144 Rouge Artiste Lip Colour

£18.74 £26.00 (28% off)

Looking for a statement red lip for deep skin? Lancôme has got your back. You won't find a more punchy red lip than this. Shades like 144 Rouge are ideal for those with deep skin with red undertones, as they contrast darker skin in the most striking way.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm Sparkle Edition

£29.57 £31.00 (5% off)

Who doesn't love a bit of shimmer? This YSL shade offers a comfortable, balm-like finish with slight flecks of shimmer to make the lips look even more voluminous. This dark red/purple shade is ideal for medium-dark to deep skin tones.

Looking for even more hydration? Check out our lip care section to discover a selection of restorative lip balms and treatments.

Best Red Lipsticks For Olive Skin

If you're olive-skinned you’re in luck – your lipstick choice is pretty versatile. Those with olive skin generally have a mix of cool and warm undertones, so a range of lipstick shades suit you. The world is your oyster! Here are a few of our favourite red lipsticks for olive skin to try out.

Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip Colour Lipstick

£5.61 £22.00 (75% off)

You'll form a love affair with this Laura Mercier lipstick from the first swipe. It's a stunning satin-matte, purple-red lip colour that aims to hydrate as well as perfect your pout.

Clarins Joli Rouge Velvet Lipstick

£11.00 £19.00 (43% off)

If a matte finish is your thing, this Clarins lipstick is a must-have. Despite offering a shine-free look, the formula is smooth and creamy, so you'll feel comfortable wearing it from day to night. This is the ideal shade for those who want to make a real statement with their makeup.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick

£5.64

Okay, so this isn't a pure red - but it is a berry red lipstick you need in your armoire. Smooth, lightweight and shimmery, this will give olive skin a vibrant boost in an instant.

Best Red Lipsticks for Brown Skin

Brown skin often has a yellow or red undertone, so the lipstick you choose will depend on which category you fall into. Generally speaking, blue-toned reds work better for brown skin than orange reds. When it comes to finishes though, opt for whatever tickles your fancy. Here are some of our top picks:

MAC Love Me Liquid Lip Colour Ruby Do!

£18.29 £22.00 (17% off)

You've heard of Ruby Woo, now it's time to make way for her cooler cousin, Ruby Do! A liquid lipstick from the mother of makeup, MAC Cosmetics, you'll effortlessly upgrade any look with this red. It's cool-toned and deep in colour, making it perfect for a sultry night-time transformation.

Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Matte Lipstick 405 Sultan

£21.44 £33.00 (36% off)

Another classic red lipstick, this zero-shine matte is ideal for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their makeup. Giorgio Armani never disappoints with their beauty selection, and this lip colour is no different.

Maybelline Colour Sensational Shine Lip Gloss

£3.29 £3.99 (18% off)

Why not switch things up with a red lip gloss? This solution from Maybelline is affordable, whilst offering a great colour-payoff and a gleaming shine.

Choosing the right red lipstick formula

Your formula is just as important as your shade. Whether you're looking for ultimate comfort or 24/7 staying power, our tips will help you find the right red lipstick formula to suit your exact needs.

Consider your lip condition: If your lips are dry, opt for hydrating formulas like satin, balm, or creamy textures to avoid emphasizing dryness.
Longevity needs: For long-lasting wear, go for matte or liquid matte formulas, as they tend to be more transfer-resistant.
Desired finish: Decide if you want a shiny, glossy look (gloss or satin) or a velvety, no-shine look (matte or powder matte).
Pigment intensity: Choose rich formulas like liquid lipstick for an intense colour payoff, while balms or glosses give a softer tint.
Comfort level: If you prioritise comfort, creamy or satin formulas feel lightweight, while mattes, though longer-lasting, can be a bit drying.

This helps you zero in on what best suits your lips and style!

How to apply red lipstick so that it lasts

Now that you've found a pout-worthy red, follow our expert tips to make it last as long as possible!

Prep lips: Exfoliate and moisturise to create a smooth base, ensuring the lipstick applies evenly.
Use a lip liner: Outline and fill in your lips with a matching red lip liner for precise edges and longer wear.
Apply lipstick: Swipe on your red lipstick, using a lip brush for added control if needed.
Clean-up edges: Use a small brush with concealer around the lip edges to sharpen and prevent smudging.
Set it: Blot with a tissue, then reapply a thin layer to build up colour, or dust with a bit of translucent powder to lock it in.

This method gives you a vibrant, defined red lip that lasts!