The 23 Best Red Lipsticks of All Time, Vetted by Editors and Makeup Artists
Including MAC, Nars and more
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
What do Rihanna and Taylor Swift have in common (other than being PureWow favorites)? A signature red lip. This bold shade is a staple in their makeup—and it's definitely become a staple in ours. Whether you already have a full collection and are looking to add another to your vanity, or you feel like you can't pull it off, I brought in the big guns to help you out. I asked makeup artists and our editors to share their favorite red lipsticks of all time. Not only did they spill their favorite shades, but they also gave us tips for choosing the best red lipstick for your skin tone and shared some application pointers.
Meet the Experts
- Dani Kimiko Vincent is the founder of makeup brand KIMIKO and a celebrity makeup and brow artist. Her work has appeared in Time, Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter in addition to lending her expertise to outlets such as Byrdie, The New York Times and Vogue.
- Ashley Rebecca is a makeup artist, painter and beauty writer. She specializes in editorial, commercial, celebrity and TV work. She is also a monthly contributor for Brydie and InStyle. Her previous clients include Jamie Alexander and Chvrches.
- Megan Lanoux is a celebrity makeup artist, hairstylist and professional groomer. Her work has been featured in Marie Claire, InStyle, The Hollywood Reporter and Complex. Her previous clients include Julianne Hough, Nina Dobrev and Michelle Gellar.
- Tim MacKay is a celebrity makeup artist, who has over a decade of experience in the industry. His worked has been featured in multiple fashion shows for Oscar de la Renta, Perry Ellis and more. His previous clients include Samira Wiley, Rachel Brosnahan and Nastia Liukin.
How I Chose the Best Red Lipsticks
I reached out to multiple makeup artists and beauty experts, who were happy to share a few red lipsticks that they personally love and use on their clients. I also chatted with PureWow editors to compile the top ten, along with photos of them wearing their signature lip product. From there, I did more research on the formulas, shades and finish.
Keep reading to find 23 best red lipsticks of all time.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
What to Consider When Shopping for Red Lipstick
"Because a red lip can be a bolder look, think about how your other makeup will play with it," shares Vincent. "While more is more for some people, if you’re concerned about looking overdone and want to go with the classic red lip look, keep your complexion clean and your eye makeup simple so it won’t compete with your new beautiful, bold red lip."
Additional Experts
- Jenny Patinkin is a Chicago-based makeup artist, founder of an eponymous beauty brand and the author of Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying. Her brand has created an award-winning line of beauty tools loved by the likes of Allure, Cosmopolitan, Oprah and Better Homes & Gardens.
- Desirae Cherman is a celebrity makeup artist, who has 20 years of experience in the industry. She specializes in bridal, celebrity and special events services. Her previous clients include Cami Mendes, Gary Oldman and Minnie Driver.
- Kelli J. Barlett is a makeup artist and vice president of education and experience for Ever/Body. She has 20 years of experience in the beauty and wellness space. She was previously the artistic director of Glamsquad, where she led the direction of the makeup services and education programs.
- James Vincent is a makeup artist and director of education and artistry for The Makeup Show. His work has been featured in a variety of film, theatre, TV productions, as well as celebrity, editorial and runway appearances. His previous clients include Lady Gaga, Reese Witherspoon and Jane Fonda.
- Nick Lujan is a makeup artist, lead esthetician at Glow Bar and educator with over 18 years of experience in the industry. He specializes in editorial, creative and FX work. His previous clients include Beyoncé, Kim Petras and Angelica Ross.
Marissa Wu
Editor, SEO and Audience Development
- Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
- Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
- Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University
read full bio