The 23 Best Red Lipsticks of All Time, Vetted by Editors and Makeup Artists

This satin lipstick checks all the boxes in comfort and color. The creamy formula includes mango butter, cocoa butter and rosehip oil for a smooth, satin pout. If you're specifically for the red shade, I recommend "Deep Talks." It's a neutral brick red that is simultaneously bold but not too flashy (think: Taylor Swift fire truck red). I've gotten plenty of compliments on it. I love how creamy the formula is; my lips are pretty dry but they tolerate this well. The payoff is good, pigment rich and it's comfortable.

Another editor-approved pick has to be the MOB Beauty cream lipstick. Packed with vitamins (C and E), jojoba oil and orange oil, expect a creamy, long-lasting product. I was looking for a red lipstick that that was more Olivia Rodrigo-esque, which I've kind of read as more of a berry or deeper red color. I like my reds deeper and darker, and I feel like the "M63" shade hits the spot! It's super creamy. Plus, MOB is a winner across the board when it comes to longevity. I've legit eaten an entire sandwich while wearing their lipsticks and they do not budge.

When a shade is simply called "Red O," be prepared for a bold lip that will surely make a statement. The special edition shade is loved for being comfortable, very pigmented and silky smooth. "I'm obsessed with Hourglass's ultra slim lipstick. It's the perfect shade of red on me. It's creamy and doesn't smudge of my lips. I have a really hard time finding red lips I like on me, but this is the best one I've ever tried," says Madeline Merinuk, assistant editor of branded content at PureWow.

If you're looking for a velvety finish without drying out your lips, this CTZN red lipstick should be on your radar. It sets the bar for being creamy, pigmented and hydrating. It's so popular, one editor is a loyal fan. "I've been wearing the CTZN code red lipstick for years now. It has such a creamy (and vegan!) formula that feels really hydrating on my lips and not drying (a HUGE win for me, because my lips tend to try out quickly), but I still get that matte/velvet finish that I adore," says Stephanie Meraz, associate fashion commerce editor. "Plus, the shade of red is just perfection, and they have quite a few to chose from so you can really customize it to complement your skin tone."

A newcomer to the list happens to be Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera's favorite and her raving review explains it all. "I was just recently introduced to Soshe's lip silk and I'm *obsessed* so far—especially with this wine-stained hue that feels perfectly wearable during the day and at night. It goes on so smoothly and feels really nourishing (and not at all drying like so many other lipsticks do). I also love that it's refillable and it's earned the clean standard rating at Credo, so I know the ingredients are safe to have on my lips," she shares.

While the Lip Paint will forever be a staple red lipstick, this latest addition is giving us the best of both worlds. It combines the creamy benefits of a lipstick with the high-shine of a gloss. The collection has ten shades, but it's "The MVP" that caught Beauty & Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario's attention. "I had the pleasure of reviewing the Gloss Bomb Stix and the vibrant red shade is my go-to. It's packed with vitamin E and shea butter, which keeps my lips super moisturized throughout the day. Oh, and the shine is undeniable. My pout never looked better," she says.

This budget-friendly red lipstick proves you don't have to drop major coins to get high-quality product. The creamy lipstick is infused with squalene and jojoba esters that feels like a cloud on your lips. Candelario shares, "It's become one of my favorites because it glides on smoothly and I can wear it all day without it feeling dry on my lips. It leaves a satin finish, but it's pretty comfortable. Plus, it's under $10, so I can't go wrong with adding it in my bag."

It hasn't been a full year since its launch, but this red lipstick has already catapulted to our top ten. The creamy formula leaves a satin finish that's not-at-all drying and is great for all skin tones. One reviewer even coined it the "Ritz Carlton of lipsticks." But for Candelario, she's partial to the "Chelsea" shade (which represents the NYC neighborhood and not her actual name). "If you want a vibrant shade, the 'Chelsea' is top tier. It's a reddish-orange hue that works with or without a bare face. Overall, it's creamy and comfortable, [and I love] that I don't have to constantly be reapplying it," she adds.

It should hardly come as a surprise that MAC’s cult favorite was recommended by seven of the artists I reached out to. It all boils down to the fact that this blue-based shade is so universally flattering. “I have yet to try it on someone and have it not look good,” shares Lanoux. Multiple artists added that this particular shade has the unique power to make your teeth look extra white. Yes, please.

“The packaging makes you feel like you’re treating yourself, and the color is divine,” Lanoux notes, adding that she not only uses it on her clientele but it’s also stocked in her own personal makeup bag. If it’s good enough for a professional, I'm game to try it.

Prefer liquid lipstick? I got you covered. MacKay declares this formula from Fenty Beauty his all-time fave. “It dries very fast, but when it’s wet, it glides perfectly, giving you pure color payoff in one quick coat. It also wears for a very long time without cracking or looking flaky,” he says. I'm also a fan of the strategically shaped precision wand, which is compact and pout-hugging, making for a particularly easy application.

MacKay is also a fan of this true red from MAC. He notes that this deep, classic red is his favorite to use on clients. “It looks stunning on everyone I have ever put it on, regardless of skin tone or age,” he explains. The fact that it has an eight-hour wear time doesn’t hurt either.

“I only reach for clean beauty,” says beauty expert Jenny Patinkin adds. That explains why her other favorite red comes from RMS Beauty—and it’s more luxe than you might expect. “These lipsticks are super long-wearing and have just the right amount of sheen. And they photograph really beautifully.” She uses the shades "RMS Red" and "Rebound" when she’s creating a bold look. 

Desirae Cherman, whose clients include Kristen Bell, Zoey Deutch and Lili Reinhart, names this orangey red as her current go-to: “It can be used as a stain with your fingertip or applied directly for a bolder look.” That versatility helps us justify the steep price tag.

Looking for a red that’s a total classic? Makeup artist Kelli J. Bartlett recommends Tom Ford’s "Ruby Rush" to help you achieve that Old Hollywood feel. “It has the perfect depth of a true red—which features a balance of blue and orange—so it’s seasonless and universally flattering. I love that it is a traditional creamy matte formula, in a classic bullet with sumptuous packaging,” she explains. Watch out, Marilyn Monroe.

Date night calls for something kiss-proof. Try Stila’s Stay All Day formula, which has been a mainstay since its debut almost ten years ago. Bartlett recommends it to all of her brides-to-be who are hoping to rock a bold lip on their wedding day.

Although he likens choosing a favorite red lip to Sophie’s Choice, James Vincent, director of education and artistic relations for The Makeup Show, was able to narrow it down to the aforementioned MAC "Ruby Woo" and this semi-matte one from Nars. A Taylor Swift staple—it contains a blend of moringa and passion fruit seed oils that enhance color vibrancy while conditioning the lips. As for the hue? It’s just as classic and dramatic as the Meryl Streep film.

Nick Lujan, makeup artist and lead esthetician at Glow Bar, dubs this Kevyn Aucoin “the perfect red.” “Because it’s a liquid, I know I can apply it sheer as a tint, or layer it up for full intensity,” he notes. Plus, Lujan notes that it works on all skin tones.

What a red carpet-ready look? This Armani shade is a slightly blueish-red hue that Vincent uses both personally and on her celebrity clients. The lipstick’s light-diffusing gel yields a creamy application, supple look and rich matte finish.  

Rebecca calls this vegan red lipstick “an example of classic blue-red and orange-red tones that are long-wearing with a true matte finish." She adds that if you’re confused on where to start with matte formulas, you should start here.” The lipstick applies like a gloss and dries into a soft matte, promising up to 12 hours of coverage. Ingredients like jojoba oil and Vitamin E ensure it isn’t too drying.  

The “Spicy” ShineOn Lip Jelly by Tower 28 has what Rebecca describes as classic red and orange red tones. “[There’s a] glossy finish, ideal for those who want to break into wearing red slowly.” She lauds the formula for being smooth but not drying or sticky, which differentiates it from typical lip glosses.

Former PureWow commerce director Nicole Briese’s favorite picks is Olivia Palermo’s "Runway Rouge." She shares, "It has more of a cool undertone to it and has become a personal favorite since I'm really pale and it compliments my skin." Though a matte formula, Runway Rouge has a luxurious glide when applied to the lips. 

Gucci’s "Goldie Red" is bright, rich and velvety, while promising no smudging or drying out your lips. Briese calls it "the perfect orange-y red lipstick." Bonus points: It’s super moisturizing with good longevity.