Red lipstick is more than a timeless makeup staple. It’s a tried-and-true way to boost both your confidence and your mood. The right red can make you feel powerful, stunning and fully pulled together. It can turn heads, command attention—even break the internet if you have the star prowess of someone like Taylor Swift.
Finding the best red lipstick for your skin tone used to be tricky, but today there’s no shortage of gorgeous options in every format. Classic bullets are perfect for a soft matte or satin finish that feels traditional and glamorous, while liquid lipsticks offer a more modern take with long-wear and intense color payoff.
Ahead, three celebrity makeup artists share their all-time favorite red lipsticks and the best way to wear them.
Featured Experts
- Vittorio Masecchia is a celebrity makeup artist
- Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist
- Jeanine Lobell is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Neen
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"This is the lipstick I go for when I want the whole face to feel awake and instantly lift the makeup look," says celebrity makeup artist Vittorio Masecchia. To get the perfect red pout, he recommends pairing it with a sharp, long-wearing lip liner. "Dior 777 Fahrenheit or Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 708 have nice structure and match the lipstick beautifully."
BUY NOW - $42
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If you know this lipstick by its previous name, So Marilyn, you can understand why it made this list. The shade is a true red and highly pigmented, channeling Marilyn Monroe's signature seductive red lip. But the formula is also top-notch. Celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray shares that it's extremely creamy and hydrating—two things you need in a boldly colored bullet.
BUY NOW - $35
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MAC's Ruby Woo is an OG in the world of red lipsticks. "This is the color I trust when the moment needs to be sharper, and I'm looking for a more traditional red," says Masecchia. The blue-tinted red is universally flattering on all skin tones and delivers major color payoff in one swipe, while the ultra-matte finish amplifies the effect.
BUY ON MAC - $23
BUY ON ULTA - $25
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This shade was inspired by Grace Kelly's 1950s red lip and features coral undertones for added warmth. "The idea was to make it slightly softer than blue-tinted reds," says celebrity makeup artist and Neen founder Jeanine Lobell. "This gives it that wow factor without the harsher undertone, which can emphasize thin lips."
BUY ON NEEN - $25
BUY ON BLUE MERCURY - $29
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This orange-tinged red lipstick is a stunning shade with vibrant pigments and vivid color. It's the kind of lipstick that shines best when paired with liner for a crisp look. "Lining the lips helps create a boundary, so you can smoothly reach the edge of your lips with the bullet and avoid any mistakes," says Lobell.
BUY NOW - $29
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You don't have to be a pro to nail a bold red lip, and this liquid lipstick proves it. The doe-foot applicator features a slight curve that hugs your lips to deposit color evenly and a pronounced tip for precision. Applying isn't just easy—it's effortless. Plus, the formula is packed with vibrant pigments that keep your look intact for hours.
BUY ON MAED - $36
BUY ON SEPHORA - $36
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This red is a softer style that's great for everyday wear. You don't need to do much with this shade other than swipe it on and go. However, if you want to go for a full face, Masecchia says that a balmy sheer blush and a light layer of lengthening mascara will do the trick.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $48
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When you want to spice up your look, try adding this high-shine liquid lipstick to your routine. The lightweight consistency glides onto lips and wears comfortably throughout the day. You can even opt to wear it as a stain by lightly removing the top layer of shine.
BUY NOW - $6
