The Best Red Lipsticks for All Skin Tones, According to Glamour Editors Who Tried Hundreds

As for why that is? “We’ve seen so many people use it,” she explains. “It’s become one of those shades that is so famous you can clock it from across the room and immediately know what it is.” That said, Barber is torn, and not sure whether Ruby Woo or Russian Red is the true, classic red shade. I suppose it never hurts to have a backup.

Look, you can’t write a “best red lipsticks” story in 2025 without acknowledging Taylor Swift, okay? While Swift has been rumored to wear the aforementioned MAC Ruby Woo, she has also definitely worn Nars Red Lipstick in shade Dragon Girl. Swift was even photographed holding it ahead of the 2014 Met Gala. As shown by the singer, Dragon Girl is an ideal bright choice for fair skin tones.

Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco’s favorite shade of red? Patrick Ta’s Major highly pigmented Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick in That’s Why She’s Late: a bright cherry red with a matte finish that dazzles on tan and deep skin tones.

Best Classic Red Lipstick: Guerlain KissKiss Tender Matte Lipstick in Kiss Rouge

“When I hear the word classic for red lipstick, my brain immediately goes to Marilyn Monroe,” says Amick. “For me, a ‘classic’ red lip will always conjure up images of 1950s glamour.” Intrigued, we set out to identify which red lipstick the starlet wore. According to The List, Guerlain’s KissKiss Tender Matte Lipstick in Kiss Rouge is nearly an identical dupe of the Rouge Diabolique color Monroe wore.

Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro swears by the long-lasting power of Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Makeup in Exhilarator, proving that you don’t need to splurge to get your hands on some on the best red lipstick. This luxe shade is ideal for deeper skin tones.

Fenty calls this shade a “perfect universal red,” and Glamour copy manager Charlotte Twine agrees: As a daily red lip devotee, this liquid formula has been her go-to for years. She says that the blue-red shade “lights up her face,” even when she’s not wearing any other makeup, and confirms its impressive staying power—a hallmark of the liquid matte formula.

Glamour editor in chief Samantha Barry has been known to wear a head-to-toe red look front row at NYFW—lipstick included. Her go-to? Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen.

Best Blurred Red Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in 051 Legendaire

Some red lipsticks work best with crisp edges and sharp liner, but if you’re after a softer look (and less smudge-risk), Glamour associate beauty editor Grace McCarty swears by Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 051 Legendaire. Chanel is always a reliable source for a classic red (celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff used Chanel Rouge Allure L’Extrait High-Intensity Lip Colour in 854 on Margot Robbie on the red carpet for the premiere of Barbie), but this buildable Velvet texture and soft sienna shade brings a particular French-girl vibe that’s great on-the-go.

Best Blue Red Lipstick: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the MVP

Glamour editors are huge fans of Fenty lip products, and the brand’s cult-favorite liquid lipstick is no exception. Social media manager Jazmin Gathers’s vote for best red lipstick? Fenty’s Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the MVP, a gorgeous blue-based red shade with a velvet matte finish.

Best Brick Red Lipstick: Dior Addict Refillable Shine Lipstick in Dior 8

Glamour senior trending news and entertainment editor Sam Reed exclusively wears Dior Addict Refillable Shine Lipstick in Dior 8, due to its long-lasting shine, pigment, satin finish, and added hydration.

Best Orange Red Lipstick: Glossier Ultralip in Coup

Looking for the best orange red lipstick? Look no further than Glossier’s Ultralip in High Shine Lipstick in Coup. Formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep your lips hydrated, Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs is a major fan.

Best Matte Red Lipstick: Gxve by Gwen Stefani Original Me Clean High-Performance Matte Lipstick in Original Recipe

Gwen Stefani is yet another celeb known for her signature red lipstick, so it’s no surprise that Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle prefers her beauty brand Gxve’s take on matte, true red.

Best Liquid Red Lipstick: Nars Air Matte Liquid Lipstick in Power Trip

If you’re looking for the best red lipstick for fair skin tones that’s longwear, smudge-proof, and seamlessly glides on, look no further. Glamour contributor Danielle Sinay says this deep red is always flattering and never washes her out. Plus, it stays put all day long without drying her lips out.

Best Dark Red Lipstick: MAC Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in Spice It Up

For a more goth-glam take on red lipstick, consider MAC Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in Spice It Up! It’s a deep brown-tinted brick red ideal for warm skin tones that’s not too dark for daily wear but still makes a serious statement, as shown by Glamour senior social creative development manager Anastasia Sanger.

Best Coral Red Lipstick: Revlon ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick in Feed the Flame

For something bright, warm, and with serious color payoff, take Glamour contributor Allie Folino’s advice and opt for Revlon’s ColorStay Suede Ink Lipstick in Feed the Flame. It’s long-lasting and moisturizing, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that you can get it at your local drugstore.

Best Cranberry Red Lipstick: MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color Dance With Me

Commerce editor Malia Griggs’s must-have cranberry lippie? MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lip Color in Dance With Me, due to its long-lasting matte formula and serious color payoff.

Best Pink Red Lipstick: Dior Couture Color Satin Lipstick in Feel Good

A cool pinkish red, Dior’s Couture Color Satin Lipstick in Feel Good is one of the best satin finish red lipsticks for cool skin tones. In fact, it’s Glamour contributor Kathryne Hall’s favorite: “The amount of pink in the red makes it pop in a way that is striking and fun,” she says.

Best Matte Liquid Red Lipstick: Violette_fr Petal Bouche in Amour Fou

Contributing editor Emily Tannenbaum swears by Violette_fr’s Pet Bouche in Amour Fou, and it’s not hard to see why. Highly pigmented, dramatic, matte, and long-lasting, if you want to make a serious statement, this lipstick will do the trick.

Best Hydrating Red Lipstick: Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick in 400 Neutral Red

Need a red lipstick that both lasts all day, and still feels good on your lips after hours? Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary swears by Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick in 400 Neutral Red. It stays flawlessly intact (even when she’s eating or drinking) and not too sticky or drying thanks to its satiny finish.

Best High-Pigment Red Lipstick: MAED Signature Lip Pigment Matte Liquid Lipstick

For a bold statement in a single swipe, a heavily pigmented liquid formula is your best friend. Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle reaches for MAED’s Ritual Red, which adds long-lasting drama and a strong pop of color in just one coat.

Best Cruelty-Free Red Lipstick: Hourglass Unlocked Lipstick in Red 0

Hourglass Cosmetics; Unlocked Lipstick in Red 0 is one of the best bright red lipsticks for warm skin tones, as proved by Emily Ratajkowski, who loves to wear the shade. Other pros? Its semimatte finish, staying power—it truly doesn’t budge after hours of wear—and the fact that it doesn’t wash out fair complexions. But the best part? It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free.