What do Cleopatra, Elizabeth I, Cruella De Ville and Marilyn Monroe have in common? All four leading ladies knew the seductive force of a bold red lip – that immortal of cosmetic artistry. A judicious swipe can take any outfit from day to night, from bedroom to boardroom, from café to club. It’s a timeless ode to feminine energy that has endured for millennia.
Everyone has at least one red lipstick that will suit them. And if you think you don’t, you just haven’t found it yet. So, we’ve rounded up the best red lipsticks of all time, with a little help from some of your favourite beauty insiders, to help you on your way to power pout perfection.
mac pro
“My go-to forever favourites would be MAC’s LIPMIX in ‘Red’ for a true fire engine red or ‘Crimson’ for a deeper more burgundy red. Mixing the two makes a really gorgeous shade as well. These are highly pigmented cream-to-satin formulas that stain the lip, and I find them really comfortable to wear. Start by applying with a lip brush and softly blend the edges with your fingertip or another blending brush for a really lived-in lip. Use the ‘Redd’ or ‘Brick’ lipliner to define edges for a truly long-wearing finish.”
Olivia Cochrane, makeup artist.
DIOR
Dress your lips in iconic red with the legendary Dior ‘999’ lipstick. This intensely pigmented, matte red shade with a hint of orange flatters all skin tones and delivers long-lasting wear. Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement or a touch of timeless elegance, this single swipe of colour will make you feel confident and ready to conquer anything.
Lisa Eldridge
“My all-time favourite red lipstick is Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet lip colour in ‘Ribbon’. It’s a pillarbox red with a velvety matte finish and it’s just perfection. I prefer matte for a red lip as it has better-staying power, and I use this with her matching lipliner. Lisa has such a huge makeup knowledge and I think she’s created the perfect red with this lipstick. I’ve used this on a variety of red carpet clients from Eva Green to Karlie Kloss – they loved it.”
Emma Day, celebrity makeup artist.
Pat Mcgrath Labs
Anyone who has seen her on the arm of that fortress of a bf will have wondered exactly which kiss-proof lipstick Taylor Swift has in her handbag. Pat McGrath’s ears must be constantly burning these days because it’s her MatteTrance in the shade ‘Forbidden Love’. Once applied, this velvety-smooth formula ain’t going nowhere, making it one of the best red lipsticks money can buy.
Chanel
“Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick in ‘Nightfall’ is my go-to for a reason—it’s simply unparalleled. Its intense pigmentation and long-lasting wear make it the ultimate red lipstick for any occasion. I always carry it in my handbag for an instant day-to-night look, its very texture is just what I look for in a lipstick.”
Caroline Brooks, TV star and founder of The Glass House Salon & Spa.
Hourglass
For fathomless depths of red and a supple, moisturising vegan-wax formula, look no further than Hourglass Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick in shade ‘Red 0’. We love the one-and-done nature of the application – despite the satin finish. A lippy for life.
Westman Atelier
“I love the Lip Suede in ‘Le Rouge’ by Westman Atelier. It’s not like other matte lipsticks as it’s really hydrating and it feels light and airy on application. I can keep it matte for the day and boost it with a gloss for the evening.”
Inge von Theron, Founder of FaceGym.
YSL
Another of the best red lipsticks of all time has to be YSL’s Rouge Pur Couture in ‘1971 Rouge Provocation’. A barnstormer of a shade for the warm-undertoned among us, its formula is buttery-soft but without transfer risk. It’s so comfy that you won’t feel like you’re wearing anything, but everyone else will be drawn to your pout.
MAC
“Both of my favourite red lipsticks are from MAC. In the summer, or if I just want something bright and vibrant, I go for ‘Lady Danger’. This is a red with an orange undertone, so perfect with a tan or an olive skin tone. It’s matte, long-lasting and oh-so-vibrant. On winter days, I tend to reach for ‘Russian Red’. It’s deep with an ever-so-slightly blue undertone: just enough to make your teeth look really white. If you have a dark skin tone, you must try Ruby Woo.”
Nicola Chapman, makeup artist and beauty influencer.
