The 10 Most Iconic Shades Of Red Lipstick

The best red lipstick shades aren’t just beautiful—they’re a timeless makeup staple that somehow always feels fresh, no matter the decade.

Hardcore red lipstick fans can spot the difference between scarlet, brick red, and true red. They also know that these coveted shades are holy-grail favourites that deserve to be swiped on again and again, to expertly complement a subtle eye or luminous skin.

If you’re already a red lipstick fan or are looking to find a new tube to complete your signature makeup look, reviewing our curated list is exactly where you should start. Some of our favourite shades are so iconic, you’ve probably memorised a few of them by name: from Dior’s 999 to MAC’s Ruby Woo and NARS’ Dragon Girl. (The latter two are rumoured to be Taylor Swift’s go-tos.)

Each of our picks look great on just about anyone, and they all have the added bonus of lasting all day without smearing or smudging. Although, isn’t half the fun of wearing one of the best red lipsticks leaving a little trace of it wherever you go?

Related article: The 16 Most Iconic Shades Of Red Lipstick

Shop the Best Red Lipstick Shades

BEST ALL-AROUND RED

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999

PROS

• Includes a number of finishes

Dior’s iconic 999 lip shade has had its fair share of celebrity fans over the years. It also helps that the lipstick looks beautiful on every skin tone, and happens to last up to 16 hours per wear.

Customer review: “I love everything about this lipstick. Wears wonderfully all day. Creamy, smooth, luxurious.” —MickellsMom

BEST LINER AND LIPSTICK

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

PROS

• Easy to apply

CONS

• Must be used with a sharpener for best results

Here’s an unapologetically bright colour from NARS that falls somewhere between classic red and vibrant pink. It’s no wonder Dragon Girl’s unique’s shade is a favourite of the red lipstick queen herself, Taylor Swift.

Customer review: “The Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are a staple in my pro artist kit. I’ve had them for years. They are quite literally one of my ride or die products. They are ALWAYS the first product I reach for when doing lips and they are perfect for sanitizing and having in the set bag without mess.” —Crazypretty

BEST COOL-TONED RED

Chanel Luminous Intense Lip Colour

PROS

• Features a satin finish

There are a dozen perfect red shades in Chanel’s arsenal, but Pirate is by far the most fun to say. It uses sappan wood to keep lips smooth and hydrated, with a satin finish that’s not overly shiny.

Customer review: “I have long been a fan of red lipsticks so when Chanel introduced this new formula and I saw the gorgeous array of reds, I just had to give some a try! Passion is truly a drop dead beautiful red and good for any time of the day. Pirate is a bit darker and for some might be more of a evening colour. Coromandel is a warmer bright red and very wearable. Palpitante is a delicious creamy feeling red with a fuschia cast - quite flattering and ladylike! If you are looking for a high quality lipstick, this formula and colour variety will not disappoint!” —Tropical Traveler

BEST CELEBRITY FAVOURITE RED

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

PROS

• Non-feathering for up to 10 hours

Arguably the most famous red lipstick shade, MAC’s semi-matte is well loved by celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross. Its culty formula was even spun off into a version made just for Rihanna, aptly named Riri Woo.

Customer review: “Love the colour. Mac products stay on longer and the lipstick is creamy and keeps lips moist longer!” —Cheryl

BEST SATIN FINISH RED

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in 1966 Rouge Libre

PROS

• Hydrating

Over 900 Sephora customer swear by this signature crimson shade from YSL. You’ll need only a few swipes of the satin finish lipstick to make a bold makeup statement that lasts up to six hours per wear.

Customer review: “Very pigmented and stays on all day. Doesn’t transfer to your teeth, which I have a problem with sometimes. I have the matte version too, but this one stays on longer and feels better to wear. Most pigmented lipstick I’ve had.” —clarrisse

BEST ORANGE-RED

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Obsessed!

PROS

• Features a comfortable matte formula

Fans of this orange-red lipstick swear it’s the best matte formula ever made. In addition to featuring a creamy, smooth formula that never feels drying, it’s also nicely formulated for one-stroke coverage.

Customer review: “This is one of the best lipsticks, I’ve ever bought. The rich colour and texture makes for a nice matte finish with a vibrant colour that lasts.” —Ininih

BEST LONG-LASTING RED

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour in Uncensored

PROS

• Highly pigmented

Rihanna’s first red lipstick under her Fenty Beauty label is not only universally flattering, but also, once you swipe it on, the matte formula will last until you decide to wipe it off at the end of the night.

Customer review: “I love this! I only have to apply it once and it never budges! Wear it all day, eat, drink and never have to reapply. I always get compliments when I wear it. Colour is beautiful, my favourite!” —ErwinK

BEST WARM-TONED RED

Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick in Goldie Red

PROS

• Hydrating

Although a newer formula than others on this list, once you jump for Gucci’s signature red—especially in this gilded tube—you’ll never look back. The ultra-soft matte colour can be blurred on your lips for a just-there red, or layered on for an opaque pop.

Customer review: “Love this lipstick. The formula feels soft and doesn’t dry out your lips but looks matte. The Goldie red has such a beautiful payoff. The packaging is also very beautiful. I never right reviews but was very impressed. Can’t wait to wear this out!” —TheyCallMeStacC

BEST RED FOR PIGMENTED COVERAGE

Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip in Bowl Of Cherries

PROS

• Waterproof

CONS

• May feel sticky on lips after three or more layers are applied

Beauty Bakerie’s smudge-proof Matte Lip Whip is a favourite among makeup enthusiasts, since it stays put all day—even after eating and drinking.

Customer review: “Salad with vinaigrette, pasta with cheese sauce, dessert, wine, coffee - nothing and I mean NOTHING budged this stuff! When you first put it on, you have a few minutes to fix mistakes but once it dries it will never do you wrong. And - my lips didn’t end up cracked the next day. I’ll be getting more shades for sure!” —Christina

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY RED

Hermès Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick in 64 Rouge Casaque

PROS

• Refillable

It’s only natural to envision the colour orange when you think of Hermès, but the brand has a nice range of other kinds of red lipstick options, too. Bazaar editors reach for their Rouge Casaque shade the most, a radiant red inspired by garments worn by professional jockeys.

Customer review: “Beautiful luxury lipstick! I love how it looks on me (yellow, cool tone). It is not drying but it is not long-lasting. I’m a makeup collector so this is a perfect addition to my collection. The box and packaging is lovely!” —Mimiloveswreslting

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.