These Are the 15 Best Red Lipsticks of All Time, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($19)

Matte aficionados will adore this red lipstick shade, as celebrity makeup artist Erin B. Guth lauds its universally flattering tone.

“This is one of the most iconic red lipstick products ever,” she says. “It’s perfect blue-red hue looks gorgeous on several different skin types, and has a nice matte finish that stays put.” 

NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red ($6)

Celebrity makeup artist James Vincent suggests that red lipstick doesn’t have to be expensive, as he says NYX essential delivers a sexy cool-red tone, without wrecking your budget.

“This lipstick offers the right cool red-tone and a matte finish that measures up fairly well,” he explains. “It allows you to stain it on sheer, or layer it for full-coverage.”

Stila Stay All Day in Beso ($22)

“When it comes to long-wear lipstick, I really love this Stila product, as it contains vitamin E and avocado to keep your pout hydrated,” Irwin tells NewBeauty. “It also contains the perfect blue-red color that gives your teeth an instant pick-me-up.”

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Pioneer ($9.50)

Expect this liquid lipstick to stay intact throughout your entire Valentine’s dinner, as Irwin suggests it won’t budge through all those bites and sips.

And if you fancy a red on the darker side, she suggests this is sure to become your next go-to shade, as she says it gives your lips a stunning berry-crimson hue.

Pat McGrath Mattetrance Lipstick in Elson ($40)

Red lipstick traditionalists will adore this Pat McGrath shade, as Irwin says the formula goes on matte without being too dry.

It’s also got a ton of pigment too, she adds, so the color (which looks great on anyone) goes on true with one swipe.

Ellis Faas Creamy Lips in Ellis Red ($33)

Irwin is also obsessed with this creamy color, as she says it’s liquid-cream formula is based on the color of blood, giving you the best shade match possible.

“Though the color is slightly different on everyone, it’s a totally unique formula that I always have with me,” she explains.

Deck of Scarlet Siren Matte Velvet Lip Color ($23)

This liquid lipstick offers a gorgeous classic red color with a velvety finish to boot, according to celebrity makeup artist Mari Shten.

This makes it the perfect shade for a sexy statement lip, as she explains that it stays on all night, without drying out the lips in the process.

Bite Outburst Longwear Lipstain in Sangria Slush ($24)

Shten recommends this beauty buy if long-wear product if lip stains tickle your fancy, as she explains that it offers a playful twist on traditional red lipstick shades.

“This beautiful berry red stain helps you create red lips easily,” she explains. “Not only is it lightweight and hydrating, but you can also smudge it for a little pigment on the lips, or build it up to achieve full coverage.”

NARS Morocco Lipstick ($26)

Shten is in love with the revamped version of this semi-matte NARS lipstick, as she says it delivers an opaque red color (with a warm undertone) right to your lips.

And when it comes to application, she notes that this shade keeps things uncomplicated, as it’s non-drying formula doesn’t need to be enhanced with lip liner. “It also goes on bright with a single stroke and stays on very well,” she adds.

Face Stockholm Matte Lipstick in Claret ($24)

Katherine Dorn, celebrity makeup artist at Pierre Michel, recommends grabbing this red lipstick ASAP, as she says it offers a beautiful blue-red tone that doesn’t feather or bleed upon application.

And unlike many heavy matte lipsticks, Dorn says this product has a light creamy texture that stays put for hours.

Fempower Beauty Virtue Matte Lipstick in Lilith ($25)

“When it comes to red lipstick for my clients I need something that offers maximum hydration,” says celebrity makeup artist Edward Cruz. “This lipstick is the best choice, because it can go from day to night in minutes.”

Cruz also suggests that this red lipstick also is a must for those who love products who give back, as FemPower donates to the Dignity Not Despair Project, a nonprofit organization that sends makeup and hygiene products to refugees.

Kesha Rose Beauty Lipstick & Gloss Duo in Raising Hell ($26)

Celebrity makeup artist Vittorio Masecchia recommends this gloss-lipstick duo if you want the color payoff of a lipstick, and the brilliant shine of a gloss.

“The shade is designed to be universally flattering, with a vegan and cruelty-free formula that lasts all day,” he tells NewBeauty.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick in #400 ($38)

If you are looking for an elegant red shade you can wear again and again, celebrity makeup artist Min Min Ma advises picking up this Armani shade, as it’s equal parts classic and sexy.

“This Armani liquid lipstick delivers a real femme fatale kind of look,” she says. “Highly pigmented, the texture is also creamy and smooth.”

Lilah B. Divine Duo Lip & Cheek in B. Fearless ($46)

Ma also is also a fan of this multi-purpose stain, as she says it dresses up cheeks and lips in a flattering true-red color.

“The shade is a true red with blue undertone and is suitable for every skin tone,” she explains.

Cle Cosmetics Lip Melting Powder in Red Cherry ($20)

Ma adds that this Cle Cosmetics melting powder is another one of her favorite red lipstick products, as she says it’s powdery effect helps give lips a romantic and natural finish.

“This shade is perfect for those who like a natural lip, or for those who like a daring smudged lip look,” she says.