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?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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175 Member Comments
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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Rhiana or Anne shades for me.
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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!)
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They're all so pretty :)
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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
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i lip colour has to be rhiannas
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I know I'm definitely not an orange based red. I'm more a blue based red, so more into Anne Hathaways range.
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Love a good orange red lip!
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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.
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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.
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I just bought Ruby Woo and to be honest I'm a little bit disappointed! Besame has a great red! Kate Moss Rimmel too.
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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.
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love lipsticks with more purple.
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Taylor Swift looks gorgeous that shade looks good on her.
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Depends on your skin colour I think
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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.
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I was expecting the article to have more information. Reds to go with correct skin tones maybe?
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NOTE TO BH: Some of the companies in the article have left BH and the links don't work.
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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)
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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.
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They are great colours but mine is better.
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I would go with the vampire red, perfect shade for me. I don't like anything too bright.
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I need to wear reds with a blue undertone. MAC has an amazing red collection.
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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.
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Loving that wine red color
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