Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editors Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story The best red lipsticks have a reputation for being high-maintenance, but the right one is as easy to wear as any other color in your makeup bag. And these days, you’ve got options: Some love a high-coverage lipstick—in case you haven’t heard, bold is back —while others want a sheer wash of color. Not only do the finishes, formulas, and payoff vary, but so do the shades. One tip? Choose your red lipstick like you’d pick an outfit. Fiery orange-reds feel warm and playful. Cool blue-reds look sharp and polished, and they can even make your teeth look whiter. A bright, classic red works well for brunch or the office, while deeper brick or wine shades feel moodier and are perfect for evenings. If a bold matte feels like too much, try a sheer balm or a glossy formula for an extra pop.
How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone? How do you make red lipstick last? Is there a red lipstick that looks good on everyone? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers To help you find your match, our editors and makeup artist experts tested reds in every finish, from sheer balms to longwear liquids, and these are the ones that earned a permanent spot in our makeup bags
Allure creative director Amber Venerable applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Why we love it: Plenty of MAC shades have cult followings, but Ruby Woo is a household name at this point. Countless brands have tried to duplicate it, but this blue-red lipstick has long reigned as the industry's gold standard—and a repeat Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Award winner. Marking MAC’s 40th anniversary, the updated Macximal Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick keeps the beloved shade, which universally flatters skin and brightens smiles, but upgrades the formula to one that’s more comfortable. It uses coconut oil, organic shea butter, and organic cocoa butter to keep lips soft. The payoff remains full-coverage in a single swipe, setting to a silky, velvety matte finish.
Venerable before applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Venerable after applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable
Key ingredients: coconut oil, organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter Finish: silky matte Available red shades: 5 (Ruby Woo, Russian Red, Lady Danger, Diva, Sin) Best Buildable : M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in Lose My Breath Save to wishlist Save to wishlist m.ph by Mary Phillips
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm
Why we love it: Not everyone wants to commit to a full-wattage red. If that’s the case, the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm is an easygoing, beginner-friendly option. It offers a sheer, shiny wash of color like a lip balm that builds with each swipe, or you can dab it on for a flushed-lip effect. Along with the color, the formula includes hyaluronic acid, which helps lips hold moisture so they look plumper, and squalane keeps them soft and supple. The texture is slick and smooth, feeling more like a balm than a typical lipstick. Plus, its compact design makes it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
Silva before applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm
Silva after applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm
Tester feedback from social director Kassi…