These Are, Without Question, Reviewers' 9 Favorite Red Lipsticks

Reviewers say they’re easy to wear, too.

A swipe of red lipstick can turn even the simplest makeup look into statement-making glam. But though this transformation takes less than 10 seconds, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy — in fact, it can be pretty darn intimidating.

Sephora

Even if you’ve picked out the right shade of red to complement your complexion and applied it perfectly, you’re still stuck worrying about whether it will fade — or, worse, transfer — in the face of however many cups of coffee you need to get you through the day.

Take it from me: There are few things in life that can rock your confidence more than catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror during a mid-date bathroom break only to realize that the red lipstick you thought made you look like a supermodel had actually migrated all over your teeth and face. 

But don’t let the fear of smudging scare you away from rocking a vermillion lip. While certain application techniques — like using a lip liner, dabbing off excess product with a tissue, and locking things in place with a setting powder — can help, there are also plenty of formulas out there that really will last all day, and look great while doing it. 

All across the Internet, reviewers have done the heavy lifting in tracking down products that are accessible enough (read: easy to wear) for even red lipstick rookies to enjoy. 

Keep scrolling to shop the 5-star formulas that they deem worth adding to your collection (and restocking again and again).

1. Maybelline Color Sensational cream finish lipstick

Walmart

This shea-butter infused drugstore bestseller is available in a veritable encyclopedia of shades, and the deeply pigmented Red Revival is a clear customer favorite.

Promising reviews: “I've never tried this formula before but I'm pleasantly surprised by how well it wore. The pigment is there, the texture is nice and smooth and not overly drying. A definite rebuy.” — Kayla

Get it from Walmart for $5.64.

2. L'Oréal Colour Riche original satin lipstick

Ulta

A drugstore mainstay, British Red is a highly affordable option in a shade that numerous reviewers described as “warm.” The formula contains vitamin E and argan oil for added hydration.

Promising review (Amazon): “I was pleasantly surprised by how moisturizing the lipstick was. I could see it on my lips for up to about 5 hours, so it lasts moderately long. The color English Red is a warm red that is just a little bit on the orange side. I would recommend it.” — Oksana Bihun

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 or Ulta for $11.49.

3. LYS Beauty Speak Love moisture matte lipstick

Credo Beauty

The classic red shade Rich AF splits the difference between a matte and satin finish with a formulation that promises to deeply hydrate lips. 

Promising review: “This is a gorgeous color red! It applies flawlessly with its creamy texture. I love how pigmented it is. I only have to apply one layer and it looks perfect! The triangular packaging is cute, as always with LYS. I didn't have any bleeding onto the skin above my lips which happens with some lipsticks. There is some transfer, and I do have to reapply after a while, but it's not a deal breaker for me. I definitely recommend this to any red lip fans.” — MichelleHD28

Get it for $20 from Sephora or Credo Beauty.

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills matte velvet lipstick

Sephora

This velvet-finish lipstick from Anastasia Beverly Hills is described on Nordstrom’s website as a cult-favorite. The shade American Doll is a densely pigmented classic red that reviewers call “vibrant.”

Promising review: “This is the red power tie of lipstick, and everyone will notice it. durability very high, I only need a post lunch touch-up. feels a bit dry after 8 hours, but anything matte will.” — AmandaRipley81

Get it from Sephora for $23.

5. BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing lipstick

Sephora

If you’re on the hunt for a “clean” option, try Courage, a “beautiful warm red that goes well with gold undertones,” in the words of tone reviewer. The “satin finish” shade contains olive extract, pomegranate, and jojoba and is free of parabens and silicones. 

Promising review: “I love this brand and it applies on so beautifully and seamlessly. I have naturally dry lips but I love how smooth this looks on.” — MichelleMishy

Get it for $22 from Sephora or Ulta.

6. Tower 28 ShineOn lip jelly

Sephora

If you’re looking for more gloss-like option, Tower28’s Spicy is a “sheer-ish red” that’s loaded with oils of apricot kernel, raspberry seed, and rosehip for a finish that promises to hydrate without being sticky. 

Promising review: “I am very pleasantly surprised by this gloss. I have a red one from Dior which has basically no color and Spicy is exactly what I wanted the Dior one to be! The color is actually jelly-like, translucent but tinted. I will say after a while it can be sticky but most glosses that are actually glossy tend to be like that. Highly recommend if you want a sheer gloss that actually shows color but not too much.” — cjx3pooh

Get it for $16 from Sephora or Tower 28.

7. Yves Saint Laurent Candy Glaze lip gloss stick

Sephora

The ultra-glossy Red Crush is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and cold-pressed mango oils for an hydrating, high-wattage shine.

Promising review: “For years I have been trying to find a nice red lipstick. The long wearing ones settle into fine lines, regular lipsticks seem to bleed…but this product is amazing! The red give a very voluptuous look to the lips — they look super plump and hydrated. Buying more shades!” — susieqmi

Get it for $42 from Sephora or Nordstrom.

8. Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé matte cream lipstick

Sephora

Touted by the brand as “Selena’s go-to shade” (Gomez, that is, who founded the much-hyped beauty imprint), Inspire is a brilliant vermillion in a whipped cream-like texture that’s a fan favorite.

Promising review: “I absolutely love this lipstick line. This is the third shade I have purchased and it’s a perfect orange-red. The formula of this product are what make it a winner for me. It isn’t super long lasting and requires reapplication, but the texture creates kind of a blurring technique that is very forgiving for those of us that typically struggle greatly with liquid lipstick application. The Rare beauty matte cream lipsticks are definitely my favorite lip products.” — Garnet0908

Get it for $20 from Sephora or Kohl's.

9. Or a Patrick Ta Major Headlines matte suede lipstick

Sephora

That’s Why She’s Late is a velvety cherry red that’s described as “loaded” with pigment — but free of parabens, sulfates, and phlalates. One reviewer found it to be “pretty hydrating” for a matte formula.

Promising review: “This lipstick is so pigmented and the color is beautiful. It looks darker in the tube but when applied is a true, rich candy-apple red. It glides on smoothly and is not at all chalky or dry. It's the best matte lipstick I own and I've tried them all.” — Lipstick Gaga

Get it from Sephora for $32.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.