Red lipstick isn't just beautiful—it's political. It's classic and yet entirely fresh. Red lips are one of Taylor Swift's favorite things to write about. Some red lipstick shades are so iconic you know them by name—999, Ruby Woo, Dragon Girl (the latter two are rumored to be Swift's go-tos, by the way). Hardcore red lipstick fans can spot the difference between scarlet, brick-red, and true red, and know that the ones that have stood the test of time deserve to be swiped on again and again.
If you're already a red lipstick fan or are looking to find one to become your new signature look, the 16 formulas below are where you should start. Each one was handpicked by editors and experts because they look great on anyone and everyone, and last all day without smearing or smudging. Although, isn't half the fun of red lipstick leaving a little trace of it wherever you go?
Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $36, MAC Cosmetics
Arguably the most famous red lipstick shade, the semi-matte formula was even spun-off into a version made just for Rihanna called Riri Woo.
Pros:
True red
Looks good on everyone
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $40, NARS
An unapologetically bright color that falls somewhere between classic red and pink—it's no wonder Dragon Girl is a favorite of red lipstick queen Taylor Swift.
Pros:
So easy to apply
Great for fair skin
Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored, Fenty Beauty
Rihanna's first red lipstick under her Fenty Beauty label is not only universally flattering, but once you swipe it on, the matte formula will last until you decide to wipe it off at the end of the night.
Pros:
Lasts all day and night
Easy to apply
Matte
The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick in Hot Mama, $56.43, The Lip Bar Hot Mama is a fiery matte red lipstick that pops on all skin tones. Once it dries, this lipstick will not budge until you wash it off at the end of the day. Pros: Long-lasting Matte finish Great for dark skin tones
Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999, $60, Dior Beauty
Dior's iconic 999 shade has had its fair share of celebrity fans over the years. It helps that it looks just as beautiful on every single skin tone.
Pros:
So comfortable to wear
Comes in many finishes
Related article: Dior Just Launched 75 New Refillable Lipsticks
VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in Ginza Red, $39, Shiseido
Even the lipstick adverse will fall for Shiseido's genuinely weightless true red. Swipe or dab it on, and it feels like you aren't wearing anything at all.
Pros:
Feels so comfortable
Lightweight
Great if you don't love the feel of lipstick
Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate, $56, Chanel
There are a dozen perfect red shades in Chanel's arsenal—but Pirate is by far the most fun to say.
Pros:
Dark red
Best for cool tones
Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick in Goldie Red, $60, Gucci
Although a newer formula than others on this list, once you jump for Gucci's signature red, you'll never look back. The ultra-soft matte color can be blurred on your lips for a just-there red, or layered on for an opaque pop.
Pros:
Comfortable matte
Gorgeous packaging
MatteTrance Lipstick in Obsessed!, $62, Pat McGrath Labs
Fans of this orange-red lipstick swear it's the best matte formula ever made: Creamy and smooth, never drying, long lasting, and totally scentless.
Pros:
Best orange-red
Amazing matte formula
Related article: The Supreme x Pat McGrath Red Lipstick Is Now Available
Matte Lip Whip in Bowl Of Cherries, $30.71, Beauty Bakerie
Beauty Bakerie's waterproof, smudge-proof Matte Lip Whip formula is famous for never budging—even if you do indulge in a literal bowl of cherries.
Pros:
Waterproof
Stays throughout a meal
Color Sensational The Creams in Red Revival, $42, Maybelline This pigmented formula is considered the go-to drugstore dupe for so many other designer red lipsticks on this list (we won't name names). Pros: Inexpensive So comfortable
Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, $18.90, Revlon
Long before Game of Thrones, the only Fire & Ice we'd know by name is this classic shade of Revlon lipstick (created all the way back in 1952!).
Pros:
Inexpensive
Comfortable wear
Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte, $143, Christian Louboutin The shoe designer brought his famous red soles to makeup, and the lipstick world hasn't been the same since. Pros: Gorgeous packaging Iconic color
KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick in Rouge Kiss, $48.41, Guerlain The creamiest and most moisturizing take on a blue-red tone. Pros: So creamy Moisturizing
Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Le Rouge, $56, Yves Saint Laurent
Red and gold make a major statement for YSL's take on a crimson.
Pros:
Great neutral red
Bright red
Rouge Hermès - Satin lipstick in 64 Rouge Casaque, $107, Hermès
You may think orange when you think Hermès—but the brand has a suite of red lipstick shades for every mood. We love Rouge Casaque the most, a radiant red inspired by the garments worn by jockeys.
Pros:
Refillable
Satin finish
Related article: Hermès Beauty Is Happening, And It’s Got The Most Insta-Worthy Lipsticks
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.