Red lipstick is the ultimate in makeup power plays. Whenever I put it on I feel like a badass, channeling my inner Gwen Stefani or Hollywood glamour girl. And when I’m feeling sad, depressed or having a bad day, I find myself heading to the vanity and putting on a coat of my favorite red lipstick – almost without even thinking about it. It’s an instant pick-me-up and helps me gather my strength and regain control. And when I see another woman wearing it, I admire her for her boldness and respect her choice to let her lady-flag fly. Today, I’m sharing my favorites with you. Read on for the best red lipsticks, according to MOI!
1. BEST OVERALL RED:
MAC: RUBY WOO – I can spot a woman in Ruby Woo from a mile away! It’s the perfect cherry red that is bright, matte and classic. Women of every skin tone can pull off this red because it has a balance of blue and yellow undertones. This is also my go-to lipstick for formal weddings and events, and it pairs well with a black cat eye liner.
2. BEST ORANGEY, TOMATO RED
MAKE BEAUTY: SCARLET OAK – These lipsticks are so beautiful with their art deco shape. I hated the first time I used it because I didn’t want to mess it up! It’s the perfect complement to the Ruby Woo because it doesn’t have many blue or pink undertones to it. Instead, it’s orange-based which makes it great for olive skin tones. If you only buy two red lipsticks the above and below are IT.
3. BEST TRAVEL-SIZED RED:
STOWAWAY COSMETICS: SCARLET – This brand blew me away this year when I found it. They make right-sized (small) cosmetics that limit product waste while maintaining quality. I LOVE their products and always take this red lipstick on trips. It doesn’t look like it here, but it’s a bit on the orangey side – not so much that you can’t wear it with everything.
4. BEST WORKPLACE, FALL/WINTER, AND PLUM RED
NARS: AFGHAN RED – This was my recent seasonal lip splurge. I wanted a plum red that would work well for the office but wouldn’t over-power my pale skin or my coworkers. Plum can be tricky when you are fair, but I think this would work well on dark skin tones, too. The texture is also silky, which is great to stay moisturized in cooler temps.
5. BEST LIP BALM RED(S)
FRESH: CHERRY OR PASSION TINTED LIP TREATMENT – I LOVE THESE SO MUCH. They are lip balm consistency with lipstick-level pigments and are super-easy to apply and carry. These are amazing stocking stuffers, under $25, and top my list of ‘always re-up whenever I run out’ beauty products (and I use them so much that I always run out). The Cherry is on the orangey side, while the passion is on the pinky side. I use Passion, my olive-skinned friends use Cherry.
6. BEST MATTE CREAM GLOSS RED
GIORGIO ARMANI: LIP MAESTRO IN 400 – I just received this from Influenster – a company that sends me complimentary beauty products to test and review. Let me just say they nailed it with this one. This is a gorgeous, satiny cream-gloss situation that I am in love with – it’s so unique because it’s goes on like a gloss but looks like a lipstick. It is the perfect red for my upcoming trip to NY – it’s glamorous, punky and moisturizing. Perfect!
7. BEST NATURAL LIPSTICK BRAND RED
AVEDA: MARACUJA – My mom recently experienced a reaction to her lipsticks, and I recommended Aveda products to her because of their natural ingredients. I went to beauty school at Aveda and really love their lipsticks because they still have a lot of pigment even though they are made with natural ingredients. Maracuja is a nice tawny red – it’s definitely deeper than the brighter ones above, but it’s a staple in my makeup bag from September through April.
8. BEST LIP STAIN AND NEW-COMER RED
GLOSSIER: ZIP – I cannot wait to try the Glossier products, especially this Generation G lip stain that goes on a like a lipstick or balm, but shows up like a matte stain – like you just ate a cherry popsicle. The packaging is pretty and simple which drew me to it. It’s the latest and greatest in beauty products – so stay tuned!
What are your favorite red lipsticks? Did I miss any that you love? Tell me about them in the comments below!
P.S. Have you read my full review of Stowaway Cosmetics or my Dark Lipstick tutorial?
Thank you to Make Beauty and to Influenster for providing their lipsticks c/o, and thank you for supporting the brands that support Belle Meets World. All opinions are 100% my own.
