Red lipstick is the little black dress of the beauty world, sealing its reputation as a classic staple and a must-have item. Putting on makeup with red lipstick gives that extra boost of confidence that would definitely make you look sexy, edgy, or vibrant depending on your vibe. The finish, whether matte, sheer, satin, cream, or glossy are also important to achieve the look you're going for.
Numerous shades from dark to bright are available so that people with varying skin tones can find a red lipstick that perfectly suits them. Although it could be true that finding the perfect red lip could be quite hard, we're here to help you minimize that confusion. We also asked for the help of beauty professional Elaine Ganuelas to provide more helpful information!
Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
When choosing red lipsticks, consider the formula, finish, shade, and any other qualities you'd want, such as smudge-proof, transfer-proof, or long-lasting properties. Read more additional information below.
The type of lipstick can be categorized into two types: bullet and liquid. Before moving on to choosing the shade of red lipstick, the first order of business is to determine the type. Although one is not necessarily better than the other, they have different textures and characteristics that you may prefer.
Bullet lipsticks are what first comes to mind when talking about lipsticks. The lipstick is firm and placed inside a hard and compact container but often has a creamy texture when applied. Because of this, they are great for retouching on the go as compared to liquid lipsticks, which can be prone to spilling inside your bag if the cover isn't tightly sealed. Just open the cap, pucker up, and apply.
However, it can be a trial and error when putting on just the right amount since you use the actual lipstick to distribute the product on your lips. To avoid wastage or, if you prefer a thinner coating, use a small lipstick brush to control the amount and stroke.
If you like the color of your red lipstick to stand out, then choose liquid lipsticks which are highly pigmented and long-lasting. There is no need for frequent application since they don't budge and fade when worn from morning to evening. Just one swipe, and you're ready to go.
Its signature accessory is the applicator brush that assists in distributing the product evenly on your lips. This is a huge advantage because you can either dab just a few dots before spreading or fill your lips for a more prominent shade. However, they can cause the lips to dry as you wear them for a long period of time. To avoid this, you can apply a layer of lip balm before putting on a liquid lipstick.
It is also highly recommended to exfoliate the lips first before liquid lipstick application for the formula to glide on without a hitch. These formulas cling to dry patches of the lips and can cause an uneven coat of pigment or, sometimes, peeling.
The most common lipstick finishes are matte, sheer, cream, and glossy. In order to know which one to go for, determine the style and look you want to achieve. Each type has distinct qualities and levels of coverage that match different styles intended for everyday looks or special occasions.
A matte color finish is flat, and it doesn't have any shine to it. Matte lipsticks are usually bolder and more pigmented. We recommend those with fuller lips to use matte rather than glossy lipstick, so it doesn't look too intense. A matte finish usually lasts long, so try it on when you want a very bold look on formal events and hot dates for a minimal touch-up.
A little caution to take, though, matte lipstick can seriously dry out your lips if you don't have a moisturizing formula and haven't exfoliated. Look for matte lipsticks which contain moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E, argan oil, shea butter, avocado oil, and the like.
As with any lip prep, exfoliation and lip balm can help lipsticks apply more smoothly and protect the lips from dryness. Fast fact: the skin on our lips is thinner than facial or body skin.
As the name suggests, sheer or satin finish has very light coverage. The formula has a higher oil content, offering just a wash of color and moisture on the lips. However, you may need to reapply this type of lipstick throughout the day. Sheer or satin finish is perfect for a low-key and natural everyday look.
There is also an emergence of formulas that marries the comfort of a skin-caring balm and the pigment of a lipstick. These are foolproof, easy to apply even without mirrors, and can render a healthy and hydrated look of the lips.
A cream finish is neither flat nor shiny—it lies somewhere in between matte and glossy. Cream lipsticks tend to be more hydrating on the lips, easier to apply, and comfortable. This type of lipstick usually provides medium to buildable coverage, making it perfect for a day-to-night transition.
These types are my personal favorite! As someone with pigmented lips, sheer and tinted lippies aren't that noticeable, but with cream formulas, the opacity is there. Cream or semi-matte lipsticks are also my top choice for natural but polished looks.
A glossy lipstick reflects light which makes your lips look shiny, lustrous, and smooth. It usually has a very light to medium coverage, similar to a lip gloss. There are also metallic lipsticks that provide unique silver or gold shine.
Since this finish gives more dimension to the lips, it is best for those with thin lips. Red lipstick is already head-turning as it is, but a glossy red lip would give your lips more attention.
Take note that there are some metallic or frosted formulas that are drying and also tend to emphasize lines of the lips. This can age your look, particularly in deeper and bolder shades including red, burgundy, plum, etc.
The red lipstick used by your favorite celebrity may not look the same on you even if it's the exact same product. Why is that? Your skin tone and undertones play a great factor in how the shade appears. Certainly, you can wear any hue you desire but it is ideal to determine the most compatible shade and its base in order to make sure that the red lipstick perfectly matches the color of your skin.
The human skin has a wide array of tones but can be categorized into three categories: fair, medium, or dark. Bright red lipsticks bring a pop of color to contrast pale or fair skin. On the flip side, they may cause the skin to appear darker for medium to dark skin. If you belong to the latter, opt for a deep red lipstick that has brown and blue undertones to enhance the color of your skin.
To make it simple, bright reds are best for fair to medium skin, while deeper reds are great for dark skin. Can't seem to find a shade that fits you? You can instead look for red lipsticks that are compatible with all skin tones.
Most often, the blue-based reds can work across all skin tones. Lipstick formulas/pigments nowadays flatter most skin tones, so pale, fair, and medium-toned gals can rock deeper or bolder reds and vice versa for deeper skinned individuals.
If your veins appear bluish or purplish, you have a cool undertone. Red lipsticks that are most compatible with your skin are those with blue or purple bases with shades that fall into the category of berry, crimson, mauve, plum, and wine. Moreover, deep red shades look best on those who have darker skin tones. Lipstick with a blue hue makes teeth look whiter too.
As I have mentioned in the previous section, regardless of the skin tone group you belong to, blue-based red lipsticks are the most "universal" shade, which means that it will surely complement your skin!
You have a warm undertone if your veins look greenish. Red lipsticks with orange hues bring out the golden tones of your skin. With that, red lipsticks with hues ranging on the spectrum of corals, browns, crimsons, and siennas look good on you. Unlike blue-based lipsticks, orange-based lipsticks do not have a whitening effect on the teeth.
Orange-based reds, on the other hand, tend to make teeth look yellow or stained but are really stunning on tanned and deeper skin tones.
Neutral undertones are a combination of both warm and cool undertones. They can be seen in people whose veins are a mix of green and blue or purple. If you have a neutral undertone, consider yourself lucky! You can wear any shade of red lipstick to your liking without worrying about complementing your skin.
If you're not sure about your undertone, take the red lippie you're most comfortable using and apply with a dabbing motion, then spread with clean fingers for that blotted/stained look that won't overwhelm your look.
Aside from giving color to your lips, added features and benefits are beneficial. First of all, lipsticks that are smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and waterproof are almost always a no-brainer choice since they don't easily fade or stain on clothes, glasses, and more. You wouldn't need to retouch often, so you will not run out of the product quickly.
On the other hand, hydrating, conditioning, or moisturizing lipsticks prevent dryness and preserve plumpness of the lips. If you're on a vegan lifestyle or just want to be conscious regarding the products you're consuming, go for brands with cruelty-free lipsticks that are not tested on animals and are ethically made. Lastly is sun protection, which is important since our lips are sensitive to sunlight.
Use a separate SPF lip product for protection against UV rays. Lipsticks with SPF do not offer sufficient protection and can sometimes have a whitish cast. Having a lipliner or loose powder on hand can help with longevity, but if you can't fuss about these "extras," liquid lip color is your best bet.
Featuring a timeless and luxurious classic crimson red shade, this lipstick from Christian Dior is an excellent pick if you want a hue that will complement bold and elegant looks. More than that, it is enriched with red peony and pomegranate flower extracts that make your lips feel irresistibly soft, supple, and protected.
With this lipstick, there's no need to worry about prepping your lips beforehand, as it ensures a smooth application even without a primer. Several users also attest to this product's long-wearing pigment that gives your lips up to 16 hours of comfort.
Type | Bullet |
---|---|
Finish | Velvet |
Best for | All Skin Tones |
Net Weight | 3.5ml |
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | All Skin Tones |
Net Weight | 6ml |
Type | Bullet |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | All Skin Tones |
Net Weight | 3ml |
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Finish | Glossy/Vinyl |
Best for | Light to Medium |
Net Weight | 4.2ml |
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | All Skin Tones |
Net Weight | 12ml |
This lipstick has been around the shelf since the 1950sーtruly iconic and classic! Standing the test of time is just one of the reasons to cop this lipstick. Revlon Super Lustrous in Fire and Ice has blue and orange hues, making it compatible with any skin tone.
It is composed of microfine pigments, leading to a rich and vibrant color. Although the hue may be bright and pronounced, the lipstick is still lightweight. This is also packed with vitamin E and avocado oil, giving you just the right amount of shine, creaminess, and hydration to make your lips feel comfortable and moisturized.
Type | Bullet |
---|---|
Finish | Sheer |
Best for | All Skin Tone |
Net Weight | 4.2ml |
Sunnies Face's pioneer line of lipsticks, Fluffmate, is dubbed as a weightless modern matte lipstick. It utilizes silk-structure technology that contributes to a second-skin, soft, and light feel. With a pigmented hot tomato red shade, this lipstick is universally flattering but best suits people that have warm skin tones, especially Filipinos.
The application is a breeze with a creamy texture. All you need is one swipe for your lips to be fully covered with the product. It is blendable and multipurpose and can be used for the eyes and cheeks, so you will not have trouble finding other makeup products in a similar shade.
Type | Bullet |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | All Skin Tones |
Net Weight | 3.2ml |
Type | Bullet |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | All Skin Tones |
Net Weight | 3ml |
Type | Bullet |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | Light to Medium |
Net Weight | 3.8ml |
Type | Liquid |
---|---|
Finish | Matte |
Best for | Medium to Dark |
Net Weight | 3ml |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by our expert, Elaine Ganuelas.
This topic has continuously been a point of debate. Wearing red lipstick is a sign of confidence, but it might be too much for others. With this, it is ideal to consider the company's image or the position you are applying for as well as the work environment.
The safest shades are neutrals or pinks that won't make a statement or distract your interviewer. Reds may work if you're pursuing a job in a creative field like advertising, arts, entertainment, etc., but then again, this still depends on the company image and work environment.
While I believe that there are multiple ways you can use a particular makeup product, red can be too glaring, and the formula (usually the creams of glossy types) may be too emollient. Red lipsticks with matte formulas could also contribute to caking of the base.
Reserve the deeper shades for occasions because they tend to favor more mature lips. The lighter and brighter the type of red, the more it lends a youthful look.
In search of more lip products to add to your kikay kit? Don't stray further as we also have put together lists of the best matte lipsticks, lip oils, and tinted lip balms! With the following products, you can sport your desired look for any occasion!
Re-editor: Patricia Catimpo, Danielle Trinidad
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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