Do you want to know what the very best drugstore and high-end red lipsticks are? Because we know how important that information is, and we found it for you.
It probably isn’t possible to have too many red lipsticks, and there are so many different shades available that you can have one for every mood – from brick to bold. The variety doesn’t stop there, either. It’s not just matte, satin, and gloss anymore, there are now variations in between.
21 of the most Glamorous Drugstore and High-end Red Lipsticks
What’s even more exciting is that the formulas are now so much more advanced, that they can do so much more than just add gorgeous color to your look. Some will moisturize, some will shimmer, some will make your lips look fuller and some will do more than one of those things at the same time. And we will tell you exactly which ones do what.
There has never been a better time to get your red on because now you can find quality lipsticks in all budget ranges. Whether you are browsing drugstore aisles are dabbling in the high-end brands, there will certainly be at least one that is perfect for you. But while it can be fun to play around with various options, when there are so many to inspect, the search could get to be exhausting after a while.
There is also always that fear of missing out, the sense that there might just be one other choice that is even more perfect than the one you’ve found. Well, now you can let that FOMO go because we understand that it can be difficult to find the truly great products that are hidden amongst the not-so-great and the ones you absolutely do not want to waste your money on.
That’s why we’ve done all the research for you, and created an overview with exactly the information you need to make an informed decision.
1. L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick (368 Matador)
This is a gorgeous liquid matte red that lasts for up to 16 hours, which is a first for L’Oreal. Although the high pigment delivers an intense shade of red and full coverage, the liquid lipstick itself feels very light, so it is comfortable the entire time that it lasts – all day and into the evening. An oil-based remover is the best choice if you need to remove it before then. Also, you can shape your lips with the pro-sculpt applicator, as well as add dimension to them.
2. Maybelline Made For All Lipsticks (Red For Me)
Another striking matte red, this Maybelline shade is a game-changer. It has been created and tested to look sensational on 50 diverse skin tones, which takes the guesswork out of deciding whether or not a lipstick will look good on you. It goes on smooth and feels utterly comfortable the whole time you’re wearing it, not the least bit dry because the formula is made from honey nectar.
3. Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon in (Laugh Louder)
If you are looking for a versatile red shade of lipstick that gives you the ultimate control over where you apply it, then this Ink Crayon lipstick from Maybelline in Laugh Louder is for you. The built-in sharpener provides you with an ultra-precise tip that lets you draw on color to give you the exact shape you want. The rich matte shade, which is both transfer and smudge-resistant, just glides right on and lasts for up to 8 hours.
4. Maybelline Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick (Dancer)
Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte InkTM Liquid Lipstick is the product that will get you through an entire dinner without having to even touch it up. In fact, you may want to get the companion SuperStay remover to take it off. The Dancer shade is an intensely saturated color that is both bold and versatile. Not only do you get a flawless matte finish, but the applicator is shaped like an arrow, which allows for a much more precise application than you will find in most liquid lipsticks.
5. Fenty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color (Uncensored)
Like the rest of Rhianna’s Fenty Beauty products, the high-end Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color complements a wide variety of skin tones, and the Uncensored shade is no exception. It’s a vibrant red that comes with an unusually shaped wand which gives you precise control over whatever lip definition you choose. Longwearing, as its name suggests, you get a soft matte finish that is not the least bit drying. It’s very smooth and comfortable, practically weightless.
6. MAC MATTE LIPSTICK (Russian Red)
Not everyone can wear reds that have underlying blue tones, but if you are one of the lucky ones who can, then Mac Cosmetics has a winner for you. This matte shade in Russian Red brings the blue with an intensity that can’t be ignored. The rich, creamy formula gives you all the color you could wish for in a no-shine finish.
This is a classic shade that will last for hours on end but will actually feel like it’s moisturizing your lips, rather than drying them out. It is so comfortable that you will want to keep it with you to wear on a daily basis. And this color is versatile enough that it will go with anything you might choose to wear.
7. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick (Red Carpet Red)
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution line of lip colors won the Allure Best of Beauty award because it offers everything you would expect from high-end lipstick and more. It contains 3D glow pigments that make your lips look fuller and wider, as well as orchid extract to soothe and protect them. The square tip imitates a lip brush, to give you a more precise application. This matte formula is hydrating, buildable, and long-lasting. Red Carpet Red is a rich ruby shade with a big impact.
8. Charlotte Tilbury KISSING lipstick (Love Bite)
Charlotte Tilbury knocks it out of the park again with the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. line of lipsticks. The formula includes moisturizing ingredients that will not only leave them irresistibly soft as cashmere but will also protect them from UV damage. While the light-diffusing pigments create a full-bodied effect with a brilliant, multi-dimensional finish. A variety of waxes are blended together to allow the lipstick to glide smoothly onto your lips and keep its rich color without any bleeding. Try Love Bite for a bright warm red.
9. YSL Rouge Pure Couture The Slim Matte (21)
The Rouge Pur Couture line from YSL offers long-lasting, deeply pigmented lip colors in a super-slim tube. The formula is very lightweight and extremely comfortable on your lips. While the finish is matte, the lipstick is non-drying, so it helps you to avoid cracking, bleeding, or having to keep reapplying it. The uniquely square bullet shape actually makes the application easier and more precise. Numer 21, Rouge Paradoxe, is a nice, deep red. This is really everything you could ask for from a high-end lip color.
10. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in ‘Beso’
This formula is enriched with avocado oil and vitamin E, so it is incredibly hydrating, softening your lips with a comfortably lightweight texture. You get a creamy lip color with full-coverage that will last for up to 12 hours, even after a complete meal. It’s intensely pigmented, so you really only need one layer, yet it will not transfer or bleed. Try the Beso shade for a rich, true red that you can wear every day.
11. Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte in ‘Dominate’
Do you find that the reds which look best on you are the ones that have a little blue in them? Then you should try the Dominate shade in this line by Laura Mercier. As soft and comfortable as velour, this formula creates a dramatically matte finish for the most intense colors, a truly seductive combination. The slim bullet shape lets you define and fill with one effortless stroke, while the built-in shaper allows you to create the edgiest of effects without even using a liner.
12. Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in ‘American Doll’
If you’re looking for a classic retro red with a matte finish, then check out the American Doll shade from Anastasia of Beverly Hills. You will get an opaque full-coverage that will not dry out your lips. You only need one easy swipe to get an intense shot of ultra-saturated matte pigment. This is a long-lasting waterproof formula that is both smudge and smear-resistant, which delivers a vibrant color that lasts all day.
13. Chanel Coco Rouge Ultra Hydrating Lip Color in ‘Gabrielle’
The formula for this blend is an exclusive blend of Silicone, Sunflower Wax, Jojoba, and Mimosa Butters. So it’s no wonder that the result is a luminous shine that provides long-lasting hydration. You get full coverage with the lightest, creamiest finish. The Gabrielle shade in this line is a sharp, shiny red, and looks exactly like what you could imagine Coco Chanel wearing on a daily basis.
14. Wet n Wild Mega Last Lipstick in Stoplight Red
Is there any better bang for your buck than Wet n Wild lipsticks? This one is a high-pigment full-coverage shade with a semi-matte finish that will last all day, nourishing your lips the whole time. Just look what’s in it: Hyaluronic Acid; Vitamins E & A; Argan, Sunflower and Passionfruit seed oils; Murumuru Seed Butter and more. So this lightweight creamy lip color won’t feather, cake or bleed. For maximum impact, the Potent Stoplight Red will definitely pack a punch.
15. Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit Lipstick in Flame of the Game
Although it glides onto your lips with a glossy shine, Wet n Wild’s Megalast Catsuit line dries to a matte finish with opaque pigmentation, so no need to worry about your natural lip color peeking through. And you will marvel at the staying power, this lipstick stays where you put it. This formula is super comfy, and the unusual pointy applicator ensures that it is not the least bit streaky.
If you are looking for a shade that is bright and bold, then be sure to check out Flame is the Game. This is the color that will take you through all four seasons. The warm undertones are perfect for fall, while the brilliant hue will be eye-catching at the holidays, both cheerful and seductive during spring and summer.
16. Milani Lipstick in Matte Confident
Matte Confident by Milani is a glamorous red that feels every bit as good as it looks, thanks to the formula that is infused with A and C vitamins. If you want to make a bold statement, this striking color will hit the spot. Better yet, the Color Statement Matte Lipsticks are long-lasting, so just apply it once and then forget about it.
17. Ardell Matte Whipped Liquid lipstick in Smokin’ Haute
This line from Ardell Beauty brings you luxurious color in a weightless, creamy whipped formula that melts into the smoothest of matte finishes, but will never dry out your lips. It delivers full-coverage of intense non-bleeding color. We suggest the Smokin Haute shade for a memorable look that feels like magic on your lips. This is an excellent offering among drugstore lines.
18. NYX Powder Puff Lippie in ‘Group Love’
The first thing you’ll notice about the Powder Puff Lippie by NYX is the unusual cushion-shaped applicator. It makes applying your lipstick so smooth and easy, you’ll wonder why it’s taken so long for anyone to offer it. But the next thing you’ll notice is the unique formula of the lipstick because it is as different from everything else as the applicator is.
This color goes on more like mousse than a liquid, and it sets to a finish that is almost powdery. And if you’re looking for a deep, seductive red, then you need to look no further than the Group Love shade.
19. NYX Soft Matte Lipcream in ‘Monte Carlo’
This Soft Matte Lip Cream by NYX falls somewhere between a gloss and a lipstick but is actually neither. It’s a whole new type of lip color that goes on smooth as silk then transforms to a highly pigmented matte finish. It has a creamy, lightweight texture similar to mousse and will last throughout the day, regardless of what you have for lunch.
NYX is particularly good at the intense, deep reds. So if that’s what you’re in the mood for, give the Monte Carlo shade a try. It will be a velvety burst of color that your lips will consider a treat. You’ll find that this high-end brand is hard to beat, and it gets extra bonus points for being cruelty-free.
20. Flower Miracle Matte Lipstick in ‘Scarlet Letter’
If you’re feeling like nothing but a true scarlet will satisfy your need for red, then Flower Beauty’s Miracle Matte Liquid Lip Color in Scarlet Letter will do you just fine. And you’ll love the way it feels, as well. This matte formula is water-based and non-drying, so it’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. But that’s not all this lip color has going for it!
The Miracle Matte lipstick not only gives you a bold look with a high impact that lasts, it contains a smoothing complex that has a blurring effect, making your lips softer and seamless. The result is that your lips appear to be fuller, so you get a soft, long-lasting pout in a powerful hue.
21. Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Don’t Stop
Don’t Stop in the Powermatte Lip Pigment line by Nars is a true red that complements almost any skin tone. It is an intensely pigmented shade from a powerfully concentrated formula that offers full-coverage. It goes onto your lips like ink but dries to a lightweight, zero-gravity matte finish that is completely smudge-resistant.
FAQ About Drugstore and High-end Red Lipsticks
How do I know what shade of red lipstick to wear?
This depends on your skin tone: do you have warm or cool undertones? Those with warm undertones should choose an orange-based red lipstick (reds that appear warmer in shade). If you have cool undertones, choose a cool, blue-based red. Some red lipsticks work for everyone: “true reds”, with an equal amount of blue and orange, work great no matter who you are!
Does red lipstick look good on everyone?
If you feel great wearing red lipstick, then you probably look great wearing it– point is, yes, everyone can wear red lipstick! If you’re not sure which shade to choose, follow the skin tone guidelines listed above, and you’re sure to find a shade you feel confident wearing.
Is red lipstick unprofessional?
This depends on your career, and on how you feel wearing red lipstick. Whereas red lipstick may feel empowering as a stylist, fashion designer, or artist, it may feel too flashy for a therapist or a grade-school teacher. Ask yourself how you’d feel if you saw one of your direct reports wearing red lipstick in your particular profession, and you’ll have your answer.
How do you wear bright red lipstick?
First, go for a sheer red during the day (or in bright lighting), versus a bright and bold red at night. Second, don’t overdo the eye makeup; choose neutral tones for your eyes to pair with a bright, bold lip. Finally, to match your cheek color to your lips, use your lipstick as blush: dot a teeny amount on your cheeks, then blend with a sponge.
How do you apply red lipstick step by step?
First, hydrate and prime your lips to ensure that the lipstick glides on evenly and lasts all day. Second, use a lip liner in the same shade as your natural lip color (to make sure your lipstick doesn’t end up looking two-toned). Last, apply lipstick starting on the bottom lip, then press your lips together to smooth out the color.
21 Drug Store and High End Red Lipsticks for Everyone
The slightly pointed applicator allows you to create a lip that is as precisely defined as the color is potent. Both chic and elegant, this color will add power and strength to your face. Best of all, it will not dry out your lips as many long-lasting or matte products will.
Not everyone can wear every shade of red, but almost everyone should certainly be able to find at least one flattering hue from the choices above. And there’s no need to spend an arm and a leg, either, because drug store brands have upped their lipstick game. So there are plenty of easily affordable shades to choose from.
Best of all, there’s no need to suffer for a gorgeous lip look, anymore – even the matte products don’t necessarily dry out your lips. So whatever your specific needs, everyone should have at least one glorious red, and now is the perfect time to get one.
