A good red lipstick is as much of a staple in your makeup bag as your concealer or go-to eyebrow pencil. Why? Because red lipstick is sort of like your favorite black cocktail dress: it’s bold, timeless, and makes you feel great. Much like that staple dress, though, there are a lot of red lipstick options on the market, and finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
Here, we rounded up the very best 22 red lipsticks on the market for every style—whether you’re looking for a classic matte red, prefer a glossy finish, or hints of coral. We also spoke with Ann Benjamas, an NYC-based makeup artist, and Nydia Figueroa, a celebrity makeup artist, for their red lipstick application tips, plus what to look for when shopping. Find our top picks, ahead.
Our top 22 red lipsticks, at a glance:
- Best overall: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain 10HR Liquid Lipstick in Always Red, $16
- Best true red: Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Devoted, $20
- Best coral red: Patrick Ta Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick in SShe’sNot From Here, $32
- Best blue-toned red: MERIT Signature Lip Lightweight Matte Lipstick in Power, $26
- Best for fair skin: MAC Cosmetics M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $25
- Best for medium skin: NARS Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick in Dragon Girl, $34
- Best for deep skin: CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Rooi, $28
- Best liquid lipstick: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick in Forever Dior, $47
- Best matte red: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen, $35
- Best satin red: Hourglass Unlocked Satin Creme Lipstick in Red 0, $38
- Best glossy red: Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick in Unbreakable, $28
- Best budget: NYX Professional Makeup Smooth Whip Blurring Matte Lip Cream in Cherry Creme, $8
- Best luxe: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate, $48
- Best clean: Kosas Weightless Lip Color Nourishing Satin Lipstick in Deep Talks, $26
- Best hydrating: Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hydrating Matte Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid in Pip, $50
- Best brick red: PAT McGRATH LABS MatteTrance Lipstick in Vendetta, $39
- Best drugstore: Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick in Poppy, $9
- Best long-wear lipstick: Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored, $29
- Best creamy red: Maed Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red, $36
- Best sheer red: Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick in Zip, $20
- Best deep red: ILIA Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Tango, $28
- Best splurge: Prada Beauty Monochrome Hyper Matte Refillable Lipstick in R28 Fuoco, $50
Shop the best 22 red lipsticks

Finish: Matte
“When choosing a red lipstick, longevity is crucial. You want something that stays put and doesn’t bleed outside the lip line,” says Benjamas. This matte liquid lip formula does just this and more, which puts it at the top of our red lipstick list. It’s very pigmented, takes one or two swipes to fully saturate the lips, has a 10-hour wear, and feels comfortable for hours on end, with no flaking or drying in sight.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Transfer proof
- Looks stunning on all skin tones
Cons:
- Reviewers share that the newer formula doesn’t last as long as the original formula of this product

Finish: Matte
This true-red hue is bold, bright and suits a variety of skin tones, whether you have cool or warm undertones. The comfortability of this formula also earns it a top spot because it leaves behind a soft and velvety finish.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains nourishing plant and flower oils
Cons:
- Contains fragrance, which might be irritating to some

Finish: Matte
A coral-red lipstick is perfect if you’re looking to level up your makeup routine for a special occasion. This long-wearing lippie has pigmented coverage, a smooth, silky texture, and minimal dry-down time, making it a favorite of editors and makeup artists alike.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Powdery-soft finish
Cons:
- Pricey

Finish: Matte
“If your skin tone has a pink or blue undertone, red lipsticks with cool undertones work best,” says Figueroa. This lightweight matte lipstick has a blue undertone that does just the trick and leaves behind a bold, pinky-red washed hue that looks stunning on its own or paired with minimal makeup.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate
Cons:
- Contains sesame seed extract, which might be irritating to some

Finish: Silky matte
If you’ve been a makeup wearer for the past ten-odd years, chances are you’ve heard about Ruby Woo. This creamy red shade is long-wearing, non-bleeding, and has cool blue undertones, making it a great pick for fair skin.
Pros:
- Contains coconut oil and cocoa butter to nourish the lips
- Up to 12 hours of wear
Cons:
- Some say the formula does transfer

Finish: Matte
This transfer-resistant pick pops on medium skin tones and leaves you with a striking cherry-hued look. It won’t smudge or budge throughout the day (even while eating or drinking) and won’t dry out your lips.
Pros:
- Lightweight consistency
- Takes one swipe to fully saturate the lips
Cons:
- Pricey

Finish: Matte
For a red that looks stunning on deeper skin tones, opt for this creamy matte lipstick pick with cool undertones. The pigment is rich and saturated, and the formula contains hydrating ceramides and raspberry leaf extract for extra hydration.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Carmine-free
Cons:
- Some reviewers don’t love the consistency of the lipstick

Finish: Matte
For an iconic red, look no further than this liquid lipstick. It’s long-wearing, provides 12 hours of coverage, and has a feathery feel that makes you feel like you’re not wearing lipstick at all.
Pros:
- Non-bleeding and won’t settle into lip lines
Cons:
- Expensive

Finish: Matte
The ultimate matte red lipstick shouldn’t crack, fade, or feel dry, and we’re happy to report that this one exceeds expectations when it comes to all three. The formula has nourishing waxes and antioxidants to help condition and protect the lips, but the formula doesn’t compromise color for texture: it’s matte, long-wearing, and pigmented.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Contains glowing pigments to give lips a plump appearance
Cons:
- Reviewers report that the formula doesn’t have a ton of longevity

Finish: Satin
A satin red lipstick finish can give you a lot of pigment and a little shine, and that’s exactly what this pick accomplishes. It feels balmy and smooth upon application and dries down to a deep satin red hue that feels vampy and playful.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Can be messy to apply
- Pricey

Finish: Glossy
For a glossy red lipstick finish, we love this pick. It’s long-wearing with up to 16 hours of wear and is completely transfer-proof and smudge-proof. Unbreakable is a bold warm-toned red that looks great on any skin tone.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Comfortable-wear
Cons:
- Some reviewers report it’s a bit sticky

Finish: Soft matte
There’s nothing better than a red lipstick that wears all day and feels super comfortable and smooth— and this under $10 pick fit the bill. It’s ultra-pigmented, won’t flake or cake throughout the day, and is the ultimate cherry-red color.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Blurring finish
Cons:
- It can get a little cakey if you apply too many layers

Finish: Satin
If you’re in the market for a luxe red lipstick formula, let us introduce you to this intense satin lip pick that will give you pigment and shine. It’s full-coverage and comes in a blue-toned red that complements all skin tones.
Pros:
- Contains sweet almond oil and sappan wood to smooth and moisturize lips
- Long-wearing
Cons:
- Expensive

Finish: Satin
This deep brick shade is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a red lipstick that has longevity and staying power. It’s also extremely hydrating, with mango and cocoa butter, plus rosehip oil to soften and condition the lips.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Very pigmented
Cons:
- Contains lanolin, which may be irritating to some

Finish: Matte
For a poppy red that won’t leave your lips dry or chalky, try this hydrating matte lipstick. Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and meadowfoam oil work together in the formula to plump and hydrate lips, while kaolin clay mattifies the pigment for a budge-proof and nourishing finish.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the application can be messy
- Expensive

Finish: Matte
Pigmented and velvety, you won’t be able to get enough of this deep red lipstick pick. It has a buildable consistency that gives you a vampy, dimensional finish without looking flat.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Weightless feel
Cons:
- Mixed reviews on the quality and texture, some reviewers share that the consistency can feel chalky

Finish: Matte
Look to this matte red lipstick pick if you’re searching for an under $20 option that you can pick up at your local drugstore. This formula is creamy and dries down to a saturated matte that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey on the lips.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Velvety-matte finish
Cons:
- Not super long-wearing

Finish: Matte
If you’re looking for a red lipstick formula that won’t budge, don’t sleep on this liquid lipstick. It has a soft-matte finish and an orangey-red shade that looks stunning on every skin tone, whether you have a cool, warm, or neutral undertone.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-drying
Cons:
- Can be messy to apply

Finish: Matte
Try this red lip pigment if you’re looking for a creamy formula won’t crack or flake throughout the day. It has a blend of cherry seed oil and maca root to plump and protect the lips, plus tucuma butter and jojoba to deeply nourish and hydrate.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Non-staining
Cons:
- Very pigmented so can be a little messy

Finish: Matte
Just because you’re in the market for red lipstick doesn’t mean you necessarily want it to be super saturated, and if this is the case, this sheer red lipstick formula is for you. It glides on like a balm and leaves behind a wash of red color that isn’t too potent or concentrated.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Comfortable, non-sticky wear
Cons:
- Has a crayon-y smell according to reviewers

Finish: Satin
A rich, deep red like this pick will instantly elevate your fall or winter makeup routine. It has a cool undertone that suits a variety of skin tones and it also contains apricot seed, castor seed, and mango seed oils to nourish and hydrate the lips—perfect as the seasons get colder.
Pros:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Lightweight coverage
Cons:
- Some reviewers say that the consistency is very drying

Finish: Matte
If you’re a red lipstick collector and want to splurge on your next lip purchase, we love this refillable pick in an iconic bright red hue. It has a long-wearing matte finish and only takes a swipe or two to fully saturate the lips.
Pros:
- Contains jojoba oil to soothe the lips
Cons:
- Pricey
What to look for in a red lipstick:
According to the experts, there are a few things to look out for when shopping for red lipstick, including longevity, pigment consistency, and undertones. Here’s what to keep in mind before you buy:
The longevity
How long a red lipstick lasts is super important when choosing a formula. “I would avoid a color that cracks or doesn’t apply evenly,” says Figueroa. Look for lipsticks that are long-wearing to get the most out of them (and to ensure they won’t smudge or budge by lunchtime).
The pigment + consistency
“The richer the pigment, the fewer touch-ups you’ll need,” says Benjamas. Opt for a formula that has a saturated pigment and precise applicator, so that it doesn’t bleed or get messy during application. She also says that she likes to look for lipsticks that are comfortable to wear and non-drying.
The undertones
Undertones are also extremely important when choosing red lipstick. “Generally, people with warm undertones might lean toward reds with a bit of orange, while those with cooler undertones may prefer blue-based reds,” says Benjamas, noting that you can also end up somewhere in the middle and that’s totally okay. The best way to determine the right red lipstick undertone for you is to test various shades, according to the experts. “If your skin doesn’t lean strongly toward either warm or cool, you can wear any red lipstick undertone,” says Figueroa.
Tips for applying red lipstick
Both experts share a few tips for achieving the perfect red lipstick application. “Start with exfoliated and moisturized lips,” says Benjamas. Opt for a lip exfoliator or scrub like the Lanolips Lip Scrub ($14) and a moisturizing lip balm like the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($24). Next, Figueroa says that the perfect way to achieve a crisp red lipstick is to use a matching red lip liner to draw on clean lines. After applying the lipstick on top, blot with a blotting paper or thin tissue, and reapply it to increase longevity, and then clean up the edge with a full-coverage concealer.
“Red lipstick is such a bold statement, and it’s versatile for any occasion. It can elevate a look instantly, and finding the right red will make you feel confident and unstoppable,” says Benjamas, and we couldn’t agree more.
‘My Chronic Hives Were Dismissed by Doctors for Years—Here’s How I Finally Got a Diagnosis (and Found Relief)’
Photo: Getty Images/FG Trade
It turns out that Hawkins’ itching was not triggered by anything from her shower. She was actually dealing with her first bout of chronic hives—also known as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). This is a “recurring skin condition that appears as red itchy welts,” Payel Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist with Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and co-host of The Itch podcast, tells Well+Good.
Unlike other allergic reactions, the cause of CSU is largely unknown. “[CSU] is not triggered by something particular that you are exposed to,” says Dr. Gupta. Instead, like the name suggests, it is a spontaneous reaction that does not stem from a specific allergen, like mold or dust. It looks almost exactly like regular hives but does not increase a person’s risk for anaphylaxis (i.e., a severe allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat) like other hives can, Dr. Gupta notes.
If anything, CSU is more commonly associated with angioedema, or swelling of the skin, and often lasts more than six weeks, says Dr. Gupta. “As we learn more about this condition, we think there may be an autoimmune component,” instead, she adds. This can make CSU pretty difficult to diagnose and, on top of that, seem decently rare. (FYI, that’s because autoimmune disorders usually don’t have a clear cause.)
According to Dr. Gupta, only about 1.7 million people are affected by CSU, with women nearly twice as likely to have the condition as men. While about half of people with the condition see symptoms resolve within five years, recent medical studies have found they can last much longer.
For Hawkins, getting a CSU diagnosis was tough because healthcare providers dismissed her condition for years. Read on to learn how it affects her life, why diagnosis is difficult, and the latest treatment options out there.
It took 2 years to get diagnosed
After Hawkins’ initial bout of hives (which lasted all night long and into the next day), she tried to book a telehealth appointment with her healthcare provider. She was told she needed to be seen in person for her symptoms, but this was during the height of the pandemic, so the office was closed. “They told me to wait, keep a watch on it, and seek medical attention if I had wheezing or shortness of breath,” Hawkins says.
In the meantime, Hawkins did all she could to heal at home. She threw out her toiletries and replaced them with sensitive skin products, started taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine every day, and even took photos and videos of her reactions to eventually show a healthcare provider. In a last-ditch effort for answers, she turned to online forums and blogs, where she discovered people with similar puzzling hives that had no pattern as to when or where they appeared. This is how she first learned about CSU.
Still, Hawkins wasn’t sure her condition was the same thing. When she typed “welts” or “hives” into her search bar, the images that came up showed bright red patches on light-colored skin. “My hives didn’t look like that—they were raised and slightly reddish,” Hawkins says. “I couldn’t find any examples of people with my skin tone going through this.”
After a year and a half of waiting, Hawkins finally got to see her healthcare provider—and her provider agreed with the CSU diagnosis. But instead of treating the condition, she told Hawkins to wait another couple of years to see if it resolved on its own.
“I felt so dismissed and disappointed,” Hawkins says. But she figured her healthcare provider knew best, so she dealt with her unbearable itching for two more years. Eventually, she went to see a provider a second time in 2023, was told to “just deal with it,” and wasn’t offered any treatment options. She was devastated at being brushed off and discouraged by the lack of solutions.
Recently, Hawkins decided to switch primary care providers and met with an allergist, who told her to start taking OTC antihistamines at the first sign of an outbreak. While this helps, living with the condition is still tough.
What it’s like to live with chronic hives
“CSU affects me more than you would think,” Hawkins says. “My anxiety is high every day. Because the hives are sporadic, I never know when they are going to appear, and the worry is always in the back of my head.”
This is a common experience for people with CSU. The uncertainty surrounding when and where you’ll break out can interfere with daily functioning and lead to depression or anxiety, says Dr. Gupta. Itching can also make it “difficult to sleep, which causes irritability and poor concentration,” she adds. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to work challenges and relationship issues. (Just imagine a relentless itch during a date, meeting, or in the middle of the night.)
Physically, it’s pretty clear when Hawkins is having a flare. “The first feeling I get during an outbreak is an itching, burning sensation that usually starts on my scalp or palms,” she says. “Eventually, it turns into an ongoing, moving itch that I can’t scratch.” The itch is so intense that she’s unable to rest or focus on anything else.
“I have to make sure I always have antihistamines with me, and if I forget them, I go into a panic, waiting for the itch to start,” Hawkins says. “Even then, there is no guarantee the antihistamines will work—sometimes they don’t control the hives, and I go through the day being uncomfortable.”
Why it’s hard to get diagnosed with chronic hives
Diagnosing CSU can be difficult for a few main reasons, including the following:
1. Uninformed healthcare providers
CSU is often misdiagnosed because hives are typically associated with some kind of allergy attack. “Often, people with CSU will end up in urgent care, the emergency room, or at their primary care physician,” says Dr. Gupta.
However, because many healthcare providers are not familiar with CSU, they’ll assume the person is having an allergic reaction and give them epinephrine—a common medication to treat allergies and asthma. While this is life-saving for folks having a true allergic reaction, it’s ineffective at treating CSU.
2. False positive allergy tests
Additionally, people with recurring hives are often given allergy tests. But because CSU has no known cause, allergy testing is unhelpful, and the “high rate of false positives [from allergy tests] can point people down the wrong path,” says Dr. Gupta. (For context, about 50 to 60 percent of allergy tests result in false positives.)
This happened to Hawkins, who eliminated dairy from her diet for one year, thinking her hives were connected. While it’s certainly possible to have both a food allergy and CSU, the two are not related, Dr. Gupta explains.
3. Varying skin tones
Another factor that makes diagnosis challenging? Hives will look different depending on the color of your skin, as Hawkins experienced.“In darker skin, hives may look purple instead of red, and they can be harder to photograph,” Dr. Gupta says. “This can lead to a delay in diagnosis,” she adds, also pointing out that CSU is commonly mistaken for scabies—an itchy skin rash caused by mites that burrow under the skin.
Find a healthcare provider who’s familiar with CSU
Because there’s a lack of awareness about CSU in the medical community, Dr. Gupta urges people to seek out an allergist or dermatologist who is familiar with the condition. “If your symptoms don’t make sense, cause you stress, and interrupt your daily life, see a specialist,” she says. “Before making an appointment, call the office and ask if the doctor has experience treating urticarial conditions.” (Urticarial is just a fancy way of explaining a condition that is related to hives.)
During the appointment, your healthcare provider will likely ask you to describe your symptoms, health history, appearance of the hives, and whether they respond to antihistamines. Because there’s no official diagnostic test, Dr. Gupta says to “take pictures to show your doctor.”
New treatment options are becoming available
Medical researchers are actively studying CSU, but its cause is still a mystery. One theory is that CSU is linked to our body’s mast cells—a type of white blood cell located in almost every organ and near our skin, says Dr. Gupta.
“When mast cells are triggered, they break open and, like confetti, release the chemical histamine, which causes hives,” she adds.
Normally, mast cells activate during an allergic reaction—whether in response to something in the environment (pollen, pet dander, etc.), a medication, or a certain type of food. “But people with CSU have very sensitive mast cells that release histamine without any rhyme or reason,” Dr. Gupta says.
This is just one theory. Without a specific cause, CSU can be tough to treat, and unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. “The appropriate treatment plan will look different for each person,” Dr. Gupta says. Here’s a closer look at some of those options.
Oral antihistamines
A high dose of oral antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine), is the first line of treatment for chronic hives. While dose and frequency will depend on each person, healthcare providers often recommend taking up to four times the “normal” daily amount for relief, per Dr. Gupta. However, if you have CSU, it’s essential to ask your healthcare provider what dosage is safe for you before you start treatment.
“Many people with CSU who come to see me are not taking antihistamines appropriately for their condition,” Dr. Gupta says. “In fact, 50 percent of them don’t achieve complete control of their symptoms and simply live with it, thinking this is the best it can get.” In such cases, your healthcare provider might recommend an injectable antihistamine.
Injectables
If you haven’t found relief after three to four weeks on oral antihistamines, your healthcare provider might suggest an alternative treatment like Xolair—an injectable shot that blocks the antibody that triggers an allergic reaction. While it’s typically prescribed for asthma and food allergies, it has been shown to help CSU symptoms, too.
“There are other oral and injectable options available as well,” Dr. Gupta says. “Thankfully, new and emerging therapies are in the pipeline.”
Stress and nervous system management
While we don’t know what triggers the initial onset of CSU, one recent study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that psychological stress exacerbates CSU symptoms. CSU, in turn, increases anxiety, resulting in a vicious cycle. This is why it’s important to find a stress management strategy that works for you, like exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Hawkins has also found calming her nervous system is essential. Breathwork and adult coloring books help her stay grounded. She also prioritizes getting a good night’s sleep to reduce stress. If you are having any difficulties with managing your stress or regulating your nervous system, seeing a mental health professional (like a psychologist or therapist) can help you get individualized tips and strategies for stress management.
Self-care and lifestyle changes
Apart from meds and stress relief, there are other habits you can incorporate to relieve CSU. For instance, temperature control is key for soothing itch. “Chronic hives might be aggravated by heat,” Dr. Gupta says. “Taking a cool bath or shower can help soothe your skin.”
Keep your bedroom temperature cool while sleeping, and use fans when you can. Try to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing, too. “Material that’s tight, itchy, or abrasive might irritate your skin,” Dr. Gupta adds. She also suggests keeping a fragrance-free, sensitive lotion on hand (and storing it in the fridge for optimum cooling relief.)
Personally, Hawkins takes cool showers, uses portable fans, and limits outdoor time in the summer to keep flares down. She also uses organic makeup and personal care products to avoid further irritating her skin.
CSU is chronic but manageable
Between these lifestyle changes and a solid antihistamine regimen, Hawkins has gotten a handle on her condition. “Even though I might have CSU for my entire life, I’m not going to hide in the house just in case I have an outbreak,” she says.
“It’s not going to stop me from doing things I enjoy, like going on vacation and out to concerts. I feel confident and live to the fullest.”