If you ask me, red lipstick should be considered a neutral. It’s by far the most classic shade of lipstick, evocative of both Old Hollywood and Parisian beauty. Red looks good on everyone, and it’s the perfect way to add a little something to every look, whether you’re going to the office or spending a night on the town.
At this point, the best red lipsticks have accrued cult followings unlike their pink and nude counterparts (save perhaps the iconic Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury). Many people know red lipstick formulas by name, such as MAC Ruby Woo or Dior 999. Below, we’ve rounded up the absolute best red lipsticks of all time and why they’re so iconic.
There’s no doubt about it—people absolutely love Ruby Woo. It’s one of the most iconic reds out there, and that’s because it’s flattering on everyone thanks to its blue-leaning undertones that make teeth look whiter. It’s not too blue, though, which makes it ideal for all skin tones.
For years, this is the only red lipstick I would use. It’s a true neutral red that glides on seamlessly. Plus, it has the ultimate velvet-matte finish—just shiny enough to give it dimension.
It should be considered a rite of passage for every lipstick lover to own a Chanel lipstick. This one is just classic—the perfect true red in a moisturizing, high-shine finish.
Gucci 25* Goldie Red, also known as Gucci Red, is the quintessential shade from the brand, handpicked by the brand’s creative director and marked with the number 25 and a star, two symbols that are constantly woven throughout the House of Gucci’s collections.
If you could call a red lipstick understated, that’s how I would describe this one. It’s a neutral, unassuming red with the perfect satin finish.
Though we’re sure Selena Gomez loves each of her Rare Beauty lip shades, this one is her go-to color. It’s a bright, fire-hydrant red with a whipped texture that has minimal transfer, even when sipping hot beverages.
This shade is as if Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz got transformed into lipstick. It’s the ideal ruby red with just a hint of glitz for subdued glamour.
This matte liquid lipstick perfectly mimics the color of a red rose petal. It’s ideal for the perfect French-girl lip.
This lipstick needs no introduction—the name says it all. Wear this luxe, red-foil lipstick whenever you need an extra dose of fabulous in your life.
The doe-foot applicator ensures that this lipstick is nearly foolproof to apply. The finish is soft matte, so it’s a bit more multifaceted than you might expect—this definitely isn’t a one-note red.
If you love the look of a lipstick but the feel of a lip balm, these ultra-nourishing lipstick balms are made for you. Hydrating oils cushion your lips while you get high-impact, high-shine cherry color in one swipe.
Castor-seed oil conditions lips while tons of pigment give you the perfect red finish that is natural and breathable.
Another blue-leaning red option that whitens teeth and catches eyes. This formula is the ultimate matte shade, but it still feels comfortable and non-drying on lips.
We simply cannot talk about red lipsticks without talking about Revlon’s Fire & Ice, which has been around since 1952. It’s the original iconic red, and it still very much deserves a spot in your favorite going out bag.
Here it is—the Dior lipstick. Channel your inner Parisian by swiping on this archetypal French shade.
