Our Best Red Lipsticks

Red lipstick is the original lipstick shade, and the right red comes down to two choices: undertone and finish. For a bold matte red, our top recommendation is Super Stay Matte Ink® in Pioneer, a blue-red that works on all skin tones with up to 16 hours of wear. For a creamy red that flatters everyone, reach for Color Sensational® Made For All in Ruby For Me. Continue reading for our best reds in every finish (liquid, matte, and creamy), plus how to choose between blue-based and orange-based reds for your undertone.

Liquid lipsticks are a great option for a long-lasting, vibrant red: they're smudge-proof and transfer-proof, making them ideal for all-day wear, and the formula helps you master precise application for a bold, clean lip. Choose a liquid red when staying power matters most, then pick your finish below: sheer tint, high shine, or satin with a balm step.

Red Liquid Lipstick #1: Super Stay Teddy Tint™ Liquid Lip Tint

For a natural-looking red without the heaviness of traditional lipstick, Super Stay Teddy Tint™ delivers a sheer wash of color with a lightweight, no-budge feel and a blurred matte finish.

Finish: Blurred Matte | Wear: Up to 12 hours | The red to try: Coquettish

Red Liquid Lipstick #2: Super Stay^® Vinyl Ink^® Longwear Liquid Lipcolor

Super Stay® Vinyl Ink® is a high-shine, long-lasting liquid lipstick that delivers up to 16 hours of wear, from classic red to bold berry.

Finish: High Shine | Wear: Up to 16 hours | The reds to try: Red-Hot (classic), Wicked (bold berry)

Red Liquid Lipstick #3: Super Stay 24® 2-Step Liquid Lipstick

Super Stay 24® pairs long-lasting liquid color with a moisturizing balm to finish the look: coat your lips, then apply the balm to seal the deal for all-day color in 2 simple steps. Keep It Red is a stunning orange-red that glides on like a gloss; Eternal Cherry leans pink-red.

Finish: Satin | Wear: Up to 24 hours | The reds to try: Keep It Red, Eternal Cherry

Matte lipsticks give you bold, long-lasting color with a velvety, lightweight finish, and they're less likely to smudge or transfer than other lipstick finishes. Choose matte when you want maximum color payoff with staying power; if your lips run dry, apply a lip balm underneath (see the FAQ below).

Red Matte Lipstick #1: Color Sensational^® Ultimatte Slim Lipstick

More matte, more intense color, in a slim retractable bullet. The lightweight, blurring formula feels comfortable no matter how long you wear it.

Finish: Intense Matte | Format: Slim retractable bullet | The reds to try: More Scarlet (orange-red), More Ruby (blue-red)

Red Matte Lipstick #2: Super Stay Matte Ink^® Liquid Lipstick

Our top matte red recommendations live here. Super Stay Matte Ink® inks lips with super-saturated, ultra-matte color for up to 16 hours, kiss-proof and with no touch-ups required. Three reds to know: Pioneer, the rich, silky blue-red that works on all skin tones (start here); Dancer, a velvety orange-red that's striking on deeper skin tones; and Exhilarator, a brilliant pink-red for medium to deep skin tones.

Finish: Ultra-Matte | Wear: Up to 16 hours | The reds to try: Pioneer, Dancer, Exhilarator

Red Matte Lipstick #3: Color Sensational^® The Mattes Matte Finish Lipstick

A creamy matte in a traditional tube, for long-lasting, comfortable wear. Smoking Red is the classic deep red to reach for.

Finish: Creamy Matte | Format: Traditional bullet | The red to try: Smoking Red

Red Matte Lipstick #4: Super Stay Ink Crayon^® Matte Longwear Lipstick

Matte red in a retractable crayon: up to 8 hours of wear, with a built-in sharpener that keeps the tip precise so applying on the go is a real thing.

Finish: Matte | Format: Crayon with built-in sharpener | Wear: Up to 8 hours | The reds to try: Own Your Empire (blue-red, looks amazing on all skin tones), Hustle in Heels (pink-red)

Creamy lipsticks are the comfort pick: hydrating, comfortable color with a natural finish that's less likely to dry out your lips than other lipstick finishes. Choose creamy for everyday wear or whenever comfort beats maximum staying power.

Red Creamy Lipstick #1: Color Sensational^® The Creams Cream Finish Lipstick

Formulated with shea butter, The Creams leave lips smooth and supple with a creamy finish. Hot Chase is a crisp, vibrant orange-red that's perfect for summer, with no feathering or bleeding; Red Revival, Red Revolution, and On Fire Red round out the red bench.

Finish: Cream | Key ingredient: Shea butter | The reds to try: Hot Chase, Red Revival, Red Revolution, On Fire Red

Red Creamy Lipstick #2: Color Sensational^® Made For All Lipstick

The foolproof red. Made For All shades are tested on 50 diverse skin tones, and Ruby For Me is the universal red that looks good on every skin tone, made with honey nectar for a smooth, comfortable feel. Prefer your red warmer? Reach for Red For Me.

Finish: Cream | Key ingredient: Honey nectar | The reds to try: Ruby For Me (universal), Red For Me (orange-red)

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating red lipstick makeup looks, from lipstick alone to lipstick and lip liner combos. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Perfect French Girl Red Lipstick

The classic French girl red lip is meant to look effortless, but it actually takes a bit of work to achieve. Don’t worry, we have you covered with an easy tutorial.

Everyday Classic Satin Finish

Mattes and glosses might be alluring, but nothing beats a creamy, satin-looking red lip. For a classic everyday red lip, opt for a satin finish lipstick in a shade that's slightly darker than your natural lip color. It's a low-maintenance texture to wear, as it will both cling to lips and moisturize them throughout the day. Try Color Sensational^® Made for All Lipstick for this look, and finish it off with a light eye shadow and a touch of mascara.

Party Red Lip Look

Going to a party? Opt for longwear lipstick! Super Stay Matte Ink^® Liquid Lipstick inks your lips with up to 16 hours of rich, saturated color—no touch ups required—and comes in a ton of red shades. With a classic bullet lipstick, add a lip liner in a matching shade for crisp edges and to keep color from bleeding. Super Stay liquid formulas don't need one; their precise applicators line lips as you go.

For a party-ready look, pair your bold, matte red lipstick shade with a smokey eye and dramatic lashes. You can also add a touch of glitter or shimmer to your eyes for extra glamour.