Our Best Red Lipsticks

Red lipstick: it’s the original lipstick shade, and it’s totally iconic. Dressed up or down, red lipstick is bold and sexy and always looks fabulous. Whether it’s a bright red, dark red, or cherry red lipstick, wear it, and you can skip all other makeup. Clean and matte or high-shine and glam, you can’t go wrong with red lips! And the range of red shades? Each subtle red lipstick shade variation brings a different personality to the look. Which red lipstick makeup look fits yours? Discover your best red lipstick with Maybelline New York’s best drugstore red lipstick collection. Today, we’re breaking down our best red lipsticks by shade and formula.

Liquid lipsticks are a great option for those who want a long-lasting, vibrant color. They're also smudge-proof and transfer-proof, making them ideal for all-day wear. A liquid lipstick formula can help you master precise application for a bold, clean lip look.

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

Super Stay Teddy Tint™ Liquid Lip Tint is a lightweight, no-budge liquid lip tint that provides a sheer wash of color. It's the perfect formula for those who want a natural-looking red lip without the heaviness of a traditional lipstick. For red lips, try shade Coquettish.

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

Super Stay^® Vinyl Ink^® Longwear Liquid Lipcolor is a high-shine, long-lasting liquid lipstick that delivers up to 16 hours of wear. It's available in a variety of red shades, from classic red to bold berry. For bold red lips, we recommend shades Red-Hot and Wicked.

Intimidated by all the options? Dive in headfirst and virtually try on different shades of red lipstick to see what you look and feel best in before you buy it! Virtually try on now!

Matte lipsticks are a great option for those who want a bold, long-lasting color with a velvety, lightweight finish. They're also less likely to smudge or transfer than other lipstick finishes, which is a great choice for a bold red color.

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

More matte, more intense color! Color Sensational® Ultimatte Slim Lipstick is a slim, retractable lipstick that delivers a bold, matte finish. We recommend shade More Scarlet, a gorgeous orange-red lipstick shade comes in a lightweight, blurring formula that feels super comfy, no matter how long you wear it. Or try More Ruby for a more blue-red shade.

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

Super Stay Matte Ink^® Liquid Lipstick is a long-lasting, liquid matte lipstick that delivers up to 16 hours of wear. It's available in a variety of red shades we recommend. Here, we’ll highlight a few of our favorite red shades from this line.

Our first recommendation: Pioneer. It’s rich. It’s silky. It’s the ultimate red matte lipstick for all skin tones. This super-saturated, blue-red, ultra-matte liquid lipstick gives you up to 16 hours of flawless, highly-pigmented red color, plus it's kiss-proof!

Our second recommendation: Dancer. Ink your lips with velvety, orange-red lipstick color. This standout, super-saturated, ultra-matte liquid lipstick is striking on deeper skin tones.

Our third recommendation: Exhilarator. Va-va-voom! There’s no missing this brilliant pink-red liquid lipstick. This ultra-matte, super-saturated shade is a must for medium to deep skin tones.

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

Color Sensational^® The Mattes Matte Finish Lipstick is a creamy, matte lipstick in a traditional tube that provides a long-lasting, comfortable wear. Our recommended shade? Smoking Red, a classic deep red lipstick.

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

Super Stay Ink Crayon^® Matte Longwear Lipstick is a retractable lip crayon that delivers a bold, matte finish. This matte lipstick lasts for up to eight hours and includes a built-in sharpener keeps the tip precise, so applying on-the-go is a real thing. Our fave red shade is Own Your Empire, a blue-red lipstick shade that looks amazing on all skin tones. For a pink-red shade, reach for Hustle in Heels.

Creamy lipsticks are a great option for those who want a hydrating, comfortable lipstick with a natural finish. They're also less likely to dry out your lips than other lipstick finishes.

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

Color Sensational^® The Creams Lipstick is a creamy, hydrating lipstick formulated with Shea Butter to leave behind a sensuous feeling and creamy finish for smooth, supple lips. When it comes to reds, Hot Chase is so red hot. This crisp, vibrant orange-red lipstick shade is the perfect summer lip color with no feathering or bleeding. But the reds don’t end there—also check out Red Revival, Red Revolution, and On Fire Red. This creamy lipstick formula features so many red shades to choose from.

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

Color Sensational^® Made For All Lipstick is a creamy, moisturizing lipstick that's available in a range of universally flattering shades, but we’re here to talk about Ruby for Me; this universal red looks good on every skin tone. Plus, it’s made with honey nectar for a smooth, comfortable feel. For a more orange-red variant, you can also reach for Red for Me.

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. Don't forget lip liner to keep your lips looking good all night. Lip liner is the key to crisp, clean lips and extra-long staying power, plus, it keeps color from bleeding.

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.