Best Red Lipstick

Find the best red lipstick for SS18 in our ultimate edit

Marie Claire

Add a touch of Hollywood glamour or vamp up your off-duty look in a second...

Red can be a tough shade to wear. Like seriously though. One moment it’s on your lips, the next it’s smeared all over your face, nose and chin. So making sure you’re wearing the best red lipstick out there is crucial.

First of all, it comes down to picking the right shade for you. The secret is to find one that completely works with your colouring. Which is basically everything, from the undertones of your skin, to your hair and eye colour. Yes, it’’s undeniably the hardest part of finding a new lipstick. But, these small things really do make a big difference when finding a shade of red that suits you.

Blue-toned reds look cooler and more retro, whilst poppy orangey reds are warmer and look a little bit more modern. And those dark very berry reds that you covet on the covers of magazines and backstage are totally achievable too – when you know the right products and shades to buy.
For the ultimate classic cool-girl look make sure you team your new red lipstick with a natural nude eyeshadow and just a hint of mascara. Or try slicking on a feline black liquid eye-liner to look like you’ve just stepped out of the 1950s. Whatever look you’re choosing to go for, add classic glamour and an air of elegance to any ensemble by picking the best red lipstick for your complexion and budget. Do you know which shade should you be wearing? Take this quiz to find out.
Not looking for red? Why not give the subtle nude lip a try? Or mix things up with a pop of purple lipstick. Overwhelmed with the choices out there? Check out our round up of the best lipsticks that every beauty bag should have in its possession.
There’s no denying that a good lipstick is a make-up bag staple, but do you know which shade should you be wearing? We’re here to help you find out.
MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick Click or tap to zoom into this image
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MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

MAC's Ruby Woo Lipstick is a favourite shade among the fash pack. Perfect for day or night, this fierce shade totally means business - and suits everyone. Fact.

Shop now: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo for £15.50 from John Lewis

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Vengeful Red

Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick latest shade is a high impact red for a foxy midnight look. It's packed full of natural moisturisers, too, so will keep lips luscious and primed to perfection all night long.

Shop now: Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Lipstick in Vengeful Red for £24 from fabled.com

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick Click or tap to zoom into this image
Image credit: Elizabeth Arden
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Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick in Flame

We love Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick in Flame with its lip plumping, voluptuous, colour rich and long lasting benefits. Plus, it also includes vitamins A, C and E for anti-oxidant protection.

Shop now: Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick in Flame for £19.50 from House of Fraser

Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 Click or tap to zoom into this image
Image credit: Clinique
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Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 in Red-y to Wear

Clinique's High Impact Lip Colour is an absolute must for day-time red wearers. As well as moisturisers, it contains the all-important SPF factor to keep lips protected, whatever the weather. We love the Red-Y To Wear shade and it lasts up to an impressive eight hours, too!

Shop now: Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF15 in Red-y to Wear for £17 from fabled.com

Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lust Lipstick Click or tap to zoom into this image
Image credit: Estee Lauder
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Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lust Lipstick in Rich Red

Estée Lauder's Hydra Lust Lipstick is a definite must for a truly siren-red pout. The rich formula glides on with ease, keeping lips glossy and moisturised throughout the day, while an SPF15 protects during warmer weather. Plus, it has incredible staying power, too.

Shop now: Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lust Lipstick in Rich Red for £22 from Estee Lauder

red lipstick Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Tom Ford Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Scarlet Rouge is the ultimate night-time lipstick. It's semi-matte and looks divine with a nude and eye and a little mascara. Worth every single penny.

Shop now: Tom Ford Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge for £39 from Selfridges

red lipstick Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

Literally, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso will be on your lips all day and all night because of it's super long wear liquid lipstick formula. We're obsessed.

Shop now: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso for £16 from fabled.com

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