Find your perfect red lipstick

Not all red lipsticks are created the same. Some are more blue, some more orange, some more purple.

So if you’re on the hunt for a perfectly pigmented rouge to brighten up your day, the first step is to establish what kind of red you’d like on your lips. And just to make it easier for you to figure it out, we’ve gathered together some celebrity inspiration:

Rihanna’s fire-engine red

This show-stopping bright and vibrant red lipstick is one of the most sought-after shades, and for good reason too. If you’re after a true red, try one of these lipsticks:
Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday – Not only will you be thrilled by how perfectly red this is, you’ll love how long-lasting it is, too.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice – Fun fact: this shade was first released in 1952 and it’s still one of the bestsellers. Goes to show what an iconic red it truly is.
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color in Neon Red – It’s no coincidence that this red is so bright and vivid; it was especially designed to be so glorious.
Designer Brands Eternal Colour Lipstick in Red Robin – The full-coverage lipstick is perfect for those looking for a glossy finish.

Psst! Do you want Rihanna’s actual lipstick shade for yourself? Then get your hands on MAC Lipstick in RiRi Woo.

Taylor Swift’s slightly-orange red

If this is the kind of result you’re after, your best bet is to find a red lipstick with orange undertones in it. The orange pigments in the lipstick can add that extra bit of brightness you’re craving. Try one of these:
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 2-Step Longwear Lipstick in Red Infallible – You’re just two steps away from a vibrant finish that’ll withstand eating, drinking, and kissing.
ModelCo Party Proof Matte Lipstick in After Hours – Despite its matte finish, this lipstick is super-nourishing and won’t cake or flake.
ck one color Pure Color Lipstick in Little Liar – The name says it all: the lipstick is pure colour. Oh, and it’s not drying either, so it’s a win-win situation.
Savoir Faire Lipstick in Risque – You’ll love this warm orange-based red as much as you’ll love the magnetic case. Hooray to no more lipstick spillages in your bag!

Anne Hathway’s vampish red

This shade is somewhere between a true red and an oxblood (a dark, wine-coloured hue). This finish is a bit darker and has some purple tones to it. For a sultry finish, try:
Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick in 107 – Don’t be frightened by the colour you see above, it doesn’t come out as dark. The finish is a deep, rich red that’ll leave you feeling like a million bucks.
The Body Shop Colour Crush Matte Lipstick in Crazy Sexy Crimson – This is your dark hue go-to if you’re after intense colour and a subtle shimmer finish.
Couleur Caramel Certified Organic Lipstick in Matriochka Red – This lipstick can give different results depending on how many layers you wear. The more you build it, the richer the colour.
MeMeMe Satin Lip Cream in Aphrodite Ruby Rich – This rich red finish feels and smells as good as it looks. Shea butter will keep your lips soft while a hint of vanilla will be a treat for your nostrils.

Do you wear red lipstick? What kind of red lipstick are you drawn to?

175 Member Comments

Rose_P 22 Aug 2019 11:22 AM

I really do like red lipsticks, particularly the vampy reds. But they just don’t suit me. I’m not sure if it’s just because I don’t have the confidence to wear them, or if they just don’t look right. So I don’t buy them, haven’t got any, and don’t wear them. I like my pinky nude colours best.

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perthchick 13 May 2019 4:28 PM

Rhiana or Anne shades for me.

Neverland 31 Jan 2019 11:15 PM

I love the Taylor Swift lip, unfortunately red lipstick does not suit me. I think some people just so it and some people cannot pull it off (myself included!)

Jasmine419 8 Jul 2018 9:56 PM

They're all so pretty :)

SuZi Feelgood 27 Dec 2017 6:06 PM

Definitely orange-red for me! I used to love Model Co's Stiletto but can't get it anymore. I want one that stays and doesn't come off on the wine glass. Keen to try the L'Oreal Red Infallible. Good article! Thanks

Emilydani 15 Nov 2017 12:49 PM

i lip colour has to be rhiannas

Heidi366 5 Nov 2017 11:40 PM

I know I'm definitely not an orange based red. I'm more a blue based red, so more into Anne Hathaways range.

jessicasbeautyjournal 16 Aug 2017 2:50 PM

Love a good orange red lip!

skincare junkie 14 Aug 2017 12:55 PM

Lately I have been a little obsessed over orangey red / Coral lip colour. Trying to do my research now. I hope I find the perfect colour for me.

anakiee 7 Aug 2017 1:50 PM

I love red lipsticks but I totally agree with Emj87 in maybe having an article on what reds suit which skin colour the best. Sometimes I have been convinced by sales people that the red looks fantastic but when I wear it I get comments from my wonderfully honest friends letting me know that it doesn't look good at all.

Emma Ocean 2 Aug 2017 8:00 PM

I just bought Ruby Woo and to be honest I'm a little bit disappointed! Besame has a great red! Kate Moss Rimmel too.

skincare junkie 14 Aug 2017 12:59 PM

I have heard about Besame's lippies but they are difficult to find in Sydney. From their website there's 3 stockists in one suburb ?! And then 2 in locations I have not even heard of.

Iranga D 4 Jul 2017 10:43 AM

love lipsticks with more purple.

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Goddess..... 8 Jun 2017 12:23 AM

Taylor Swift looks gorgeous that shade looks good on her.

AP1992 27 Apr 2017 8:25 AM

Depends on your skin colour I think

Goddess..... 23 Apr 2017 10:04 PM

That red suit's Rihanna but her total look & style doesn't it's a shame really she could of looked gorgeous if she had the right outfit & her hair being longer.

Emj87 21 Apr 2017 10:16 PM

I was expecting the article to have more information. Reds to go with correct skin tones maybe?

Petal 19 Apr 2017 6:40 PM

NOTE TO BH: Some of the companies in the article have left BH and the links don't work.

Stickyskip 2 Apr 2017 2:28 PM

I wear red lipstick almost every day!

My favourites are the Besame range. It's a vintage repro company that's cruelty free, made in the USA and they have AMAZING reds. Red Hot Red (the colour marilyn monroe used to wear, apparently) is my favourite! Also love their 1945 Victory red (true blue based red) and their Red Velvet.

Not on BH, but they SHOULD be. best red lipsticks I have ever worn (and I've tried a LOT of them)

Petal 19 Apr 2017 6:25 PM

Stickyskip, thanks for recommending the Besame lipsticks. I have seen the brand mentioned a few times but I had no idea what products they sold. I have just been to their website and I've found some great lipsticks that I will be buying.

Goddess..... 8 Mar 2017 2:43 AM

They are great colours but mine is better.

Stephanie2494 2 Mar 2017 9:53 PM

I would go with the vampire red, perfect shade for me. I don't like anything too bright.

rhian38 27 Jan 2017 4:35 PM

I need to wear reds with a blue undertone. MAC has an amazing red collection.

jodieleigh 9 Nov 2016 1:42 AM

Wish I could pull off an orange red, but sadly orange makes me look awful. Checking out the wine coloured ones though, so gorgeous and flattering.

shazza99 7 Nov 2016 9:26 AM

Loving that wine red color

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