Before we dive in, let's get this out of the way: Anyone can wear whatever red lipstick they like, full-stop. "The right red is the one that makes you feel good," Los Angeles-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles, whose clients include Margot Robbie, Gabrielle Union, and Lily Collins, tells Allure.
However, you can expedite finding a red lipstick you love by taking your skin tone into account. We asked professional makeup artists to share the shades of red lipstick that flatter each complexion best, along with some product recommendations for you to choose from.
If you're worrying that you can't "pull off" red, here's our advice: stop. "If you're having a hard time stepping into red, then tap on the lipstick with your finger for a sheerer, stained, diffused effect," recommends New York City-based makeup artist Rommy Najor.
It may seem like a The Devil Wears Prada cerulean belt situation at times, but as the experts will tell you, there's a veritable rainbow within red lippies alone. However, armed with the right knowledge (like... this article), finding your perfect shade is easier than you think.
"Red is a neutral and everyone has a red," explains makeup artist Quinn Murphy. "It's a much more universal color than you think, but there are a few things that can help to narrow down your search."
Here, we present the 49 best red lipstick options for every skin tone (including a handful that look amazing on all skin tones), plus makeup artist tips on how to navigate the counters and pick your own rouge hue.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Universal: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick in Ruby for Me
Maybelline New York's Color Sensational Made for All Lipstick in Ruby for Me, our 2020 Best of Beauty winner, is a blue-toned red that has a satin finish that looks absolutely stunning on any complexion. And if our seal of approval isn't enough, take it from our audience — it won an Allure Readers' Choice Award this year, too.
$6 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in 01 Always Red
If the Radio City Rockettes know anything, it's Christmas, high kicks, and red lipstick. Sephora Collection's Liquid Lipstick in 01 Always Red is a favorite of the group because it's the perfect blue-red hue, lasts forever on the lips, and just looks damn good on everyone.
$15 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Dominique Cosmetics Creme Matte Liquid Lipstick in Heartbeat
New York City-based makeup artist Delina Medhin loves how Dominique Cosmetics's Creme Matte Liquid Lipstick in Heartbeat looks on a range of skin tones, though she does note that she is partial to its look on medium and deep complexions.
But besides looking good on everyone, this lipstick also doesn't budge. "[There's] no transfer on a mask," Medhin notes, which, these days, is an absolute must.
$18 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Persona Cosmetics Season One Matte Liquid Lipstick in Holy Grail
They don't call it "Holy Grail" for nothin'. The aptly-named lipstick by Persona Cosmetics, another favorite of Medhin's, has a blue undertone, which is what makes it so appealing on such a wide range of complexions.
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Universal: Shiseido Visionary Gel Lipstick in Shizuka Red
Shiseido's most-popular lipstick, the Visionary Gel Lipstick in Shizuka Red, is a long-lasting, full-coverage lipstick that features a special gel technology that makes the pigment weightless on the lips and gives you full-coverage color. The shade name is really something special to the brand too; Shizuka translates to "quiet" or "calm" in Japanese.
$26 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Revlon Lipstick in Fire and Ice
Though Revlon's Fire and Ice lipstick launched 66 years ago, it still sells once every four minutes. If that's not proof that it's a great buy, we don't know what else could convince you.
$6 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Icon
This must-have red from Dubai's beloved Huda Beauty is the ultimate long-lasting lipstick. Wear the Liquid Matte Lipstick in Icon for a Zoom meeting, to socially distanced cocktails, or around the house, if you're feeling fancy and have nowhere to go.
$20 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Fenty Beauty Uncensored
When it comes to universal beauty, Fenty Beauty is the absolute truth. One of the brand's early launches was Uncensored, this long-lasting liquid lipstick that doesn't dry out your lips or make them look all cracked. The vibrancy and high pigmentation of this hue make it a favorite in Lagos, says Nigerian makeup artist Joyce Jacob.
$24 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Espoir Couture Lip Fluid Velvet in Chilling
If you're a fan of a velvety finish, Espoir's Couture Lip Fluid should be right up your alley. It's available in seven colors, but K-Pop star Tiffany Young loves this hue, Chilling, a super-bright fruit punch red.
$19 (Shop Now)
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Universal: Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Rouge Louboutin
This luxurious lipstick doesn't come cheap, OK? But it's highly-pigmented and comfortable formula make it Net-a-Porter's best-selling red in Paris, the city of red lipstick. Plus, the 2019 Allure Best of Beauty winner comes in the kind of packaging you want to display — put this lipstick on a chain and wear it around your neck. You'll never be caught digging through your purse again.
$90 (Shop Now)
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Universal: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Few lipsticks have earned the instant name recognition that MAC's Ruby Woo (which was reimagined as "Riri Woo" because Rihanna loved it that much) has. "There are a few shades that are universally flattering because of their bold colors," Murphy says. "They break all of the rules because they're so saturated and eye-catching that they're good for all skin tones."
$18 (Shop Now)
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Fair Complexions
Fair skin tends to have a naturally pink flush to it, explains New York City-based makeup artist Daniel Martin, whose clients include Jessica Alba and Elisabeth Moss. Complement it using cool-toned red lipsticks with hints of blue and purple instead of warm-toned ones with orange hues. These kinds of colors not only make fair skin look brighter but they also make teeth look whiter.
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Fair: Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon
Lisa Eldridge describes her Velvet Ribbon as "a bold, pillar box red with a touch of blue." And while this lipstick is nice on a wide range of skin tones, fair-skinned folks will wear the heck out of this. "The pigment is intense so you get incredible payoff from one swipe."
$34 (Shop Now)
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Fair: RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick in Rebound
"This is a classic brick red lipstick, with like a burnt cinnamon tone," says makeup artist Jenny Patinkin of the RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick in Rebound. It's also a great hue for fall. "It'll make you think of pumpkin spice lattes and being cozy by the fireplace."
$28 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate
Anyone looking for a classic bright red can look to Pirate from Chanel's Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour range. "[It] was apparently formulated to imitate the same shade of red Coco Chanel wore," notes Eldridge. "It has a beautiful satin finish with a tiny touch of pearl for a luminous effect."
$38 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Rodin Olio Lusso Luxe Lipstick in Red Hedy
Spiked with vitamins C and E, Rodin Olio Lusso Luxe Lipsticks aim to give you that soft-matte look without that icky dry feeling. Red Hedy was named after the ‘40s film actor Hedy Lamarr, whose signature lip color was similar to a red like this. "I love this classic red hue because it’s easy to wear and not too extreme, which is ideal for those with fairer coloring," explains makeup artist Tricia Turner.
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Fair: Colourpop Crème Lux Lipstick in On Display
"In general, the lighter your skin, the lighter the hue of red," explains Murphy. "Light and dark don't only refer to skin tone, but also hair color and eyes; think of the overall impression." If your skin is on the paler end of the spectrum, look for a red with a touch of pink, like the Colourpop Crème Lux Lipstick in On Display, for a playful take on a crimson lip.
$7 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Tatcha Silk Lipstick in Kyoto Red
One of Murphy's go-to reds for paler skin tones is Tatcha's Kyoto Red Silk Lipstick, which looks like a garnet in lipstick form. "It's a balanced, bright, perfect red," he says. "It's classic yet modern, and works on light-to-medium skin tones."
$55 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red
Nars's best-selling tube of red, the Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red, is a mainstay in makeup artist Tobi Henney's kit. "Light skin tones always look amazing in a classic blue-toned red or even with a bit of a dark red," she says. "As long as it's on the cooler side, it's bound to suit anyone with fair-to-light skin."
$28 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Love Bite
Another favorite of Henney's is Charlotte Tilbury's creamy satin lipstick in Love Bite, a vivid, true red with a hint of warmth.
$34 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous Lip Color
Everything about Tom Ford's limited-edition red lipstick, reimagined in a sleek noir tube, is impossible to ignore. The intense color payoff, the decadent texture, the bold name — it's no wonder it's a makeup artist's favorite.
$60 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Colourpop Matte Lux Lipstick in Hi Striker
Colourpop Matte Lux Lipstick in Hi Striker is the epitome of a blue-red lipstick. The opaque stick coats lips in a flattering fire-engine hue with just one coat.
$7 (Shop Now)
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Fair: Flesh Beauty Proud Flesh Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Brazen
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Fair: TPSY Absoliptly Lipstick in Cherry On Top
Prefer a less vibrant red? Try TPSY's Absoliptly Lipstick in Cherry On Top, which is a cool-toned berry despite what its fruity name implies. The more you layer on this K-beauty pick, the shinier it becomes (less gives it a more subtle, satin finish).
$21 (Shop Now)
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Medium Complexions
When picking the right shade of red lipstick, "I often think of colors I see in nature," New York City-based makeup artist Vincent Oquendo says. For medium skin tones, he reaches for an orange-red shade because sunsets come to mind. Just as oranges mix with reds and taupes in the sky, the same hues work in harmony with medium complexions. Poetry aside, a poppy red also helps cancel out any sallowness you may have in your skin.
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Medium: Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème in Striking
Milani's Amore Matte Lip Crèmes are a drugstore favorite among beauty lovers because the formula stays put, they're inexpensive, and they've got quite a nice range of color options. Striking is a rich, brick-red that is a blessing to all skin tones, though we particularly love it on medium complexions.
$9 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Rock'n Shine in Orange Speaker
The Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Rock'n Shine in Orange Speaker is an orange-red so loved by our staff, we had to give it a Best of Beauty Award. Besides the richness of the hue, we also love the touch of sparkle that glittery, star-shaped core gives this high-impact color.
$38 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance Lipstick in Elson 2
By now, we all know that Pat McGrath's lipsticks are of elite quality. Medhin loves to use Elson 2, a gorgeous orange-red on her medium-skinned clients. This one (like all of Pat McGrath Labs's Matte Trance Lipsticks) packs a powerful pigmented punch with just one swipe.
$38 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Cremes Lipstick in Coral Rise
Maybelline New York's Color Sensational Cremes Lipstick in Coral rise is an orange-red that looks fabulous on medium skin tones. Eldridge loves this bold, bright hue. "[It's] perfect for anyone who wants to make a serious red lip statement," she says.
$6 (Shop Now)
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Medium: L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in True Red
L'Oréal Paris's Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in True Red is a fabulous drugstore option for medium skin tones. While yes, we love a matte lipstick, this one has a moisturizing, satin finish that goes on smooth without those dreaded flakes.
$8 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Nyx Matte Lipstick in Pure Red
While we love a good splurge, the fact is you don't have to spend a bunch of money to find a good red lipstick. "There are some great drugstore lipsticks around, and Nyx ones are inexpensive but long-lasting and highly pigmented," notes Eldridge. "Pure Red is a hot tomato that pops on medium skin tones."
$6 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red
"Nars Mysterious Red is a full-throttle, punchy blue-red," describes Murphy, who recommends it for clients with medium skin because of its highly pigmented depth and wear time.
$27 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick in 400
Another formula with the makeup artist stamp of approval is Giorgio Armani's Rouge D'Armani Lipstick in 400, a high-octane red with a velvety matte texture. "It's a perfect red," Murphy says. "[It has] a great balance of blue and orange, the formula lasts a long time, and is sumptuous."
$38 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 001
If you've got golden or warm undertones, a fiery orange-red will be your new calling card. Rimmel London's Kate Lipstick in 001 (made in collaboration with iconic supermodel Kate Moss) costs roughly the same as a chai latte and delivers a seriously bold finish.
$5 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Nars Audacious Lipstick in Lana
"Medium skin tones look incredible in [everything from] a classic, blue-toned red to a warm, fiery red lipstick," Henney explains. "I tend to suit either one to the season as medium skin tones have more flexibility with the shade." Nars's Audacious Lipstick in Lana is borderline fluorescent, yet is surprisingly wearable for any occasion.
$34 (Shop Now)
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Medium: Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Ma'Damn
As if Rihanna would ever do us wrong. Fenty Beauty's range of Mattemoiselle Plus Matte lippies includes everything from black, forest green, and Ma'Damn, a brilliant, royal red that looks incredibly rich on medium skin tone.
$18 (Shop Now)
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Medium: MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger
In its tube, MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger, a favorite of Oquendo's, may seem more cherry-red than orange-red. However, when it's swiped onto lips, its touches of tangerine shine through on olive skin tones.
$18 (Shop Now)
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Medium: RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick in RMS Red
Ingeborg swears by the Best of Beauty-winning RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick in RMS Red for medium complexions. Paired with a bronzed glow, she says it helps illuminate the whole face.
$28 (Shop Now)
