The Best Red Lipsticks

Finding the perfect red lipstick can be seriously tough. It often has more to do with your undertones than with how light or dark your skin tone is but I have always preferred cooler, blue toned reds because I think they look better and also make your teeth look whiter so win-win. I have some of the best red lipsticks to share with you in all different finishes and formulas and I'm sure you can find at least one that you will love. I also tried to keep a good mix of drugstore and high-end to suit everyone's budget

Dior Addict Fluid Stick High Impact Glossy Colour in Pandore $52

Lets kick it off with the one I probably wear the most. It is a super glossy liquid true red lipstick that is actually decently pigmented. Think more of a lipstick-lipgloss hybrid rather than a dry down and set liquid lipstick. It is a very unique formula that is actually moisturising, feels great on the lips and can be refreshed by rubbing your lips together to even out the pigment throughout the day. It also lasts a decent while considering it is so moisturising and also fades evenly. Just go and swatch this one at the counter guys, you will be blown away with how glossy it is. I also have the shade Wonderland, which is a cooler blue-toned red, that I would recommend too. 

L'Oreal Collection Exclusive Red Lipsticks By Blake $21.95

If you are looking for that classic, dark red lip that makes you look like a vintage screen siren, you need this lipstick. It is a comfortable matte formula in a darker, blue toned shade. I really love the L'Oreal lipstick formula and it really does stay put as well. I get compliments when I wear this and people are often surprised when I say it is L'Oreal. 

Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in London Fog $6

This one is very blue toned and I love it because of that. If you are looking for orange toned reds, this probably isn't the post for you. The Ultra Satin Lip is a much more comfortable and flattering formula than the Ultra Matte Lip and doesn't make your lips look like a shrivelled sultana. If you love your liquid lipsticks and want a gorgeous red this should be a big contender.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo $36

This is a classic for a reason! It is the most perfect, classic blue toned red. Between the colour and the matte finish, this is a perfect pin up red. The matte formula is a little bit hard to apply but with a lip brush and some patience it looks lovely and lasts really well. If I apply two layers of this with a quick blot in between it will last most of the day. It will wear off a little bit when I eat but I can usually rub my lips together and save it which is why I prefer matte lipsticks that don't totally set like the liquid formulas.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl $37

This is the perfect everyday red colour if you want something a little more understated and wearable. It is still a blue toned red but it is brighter so you can dress it down a bit if that makes sense. The matte finish also helps to make it more wearable too. The shade is really stunning and unique which makes up for the fact that it wears off a bit unevenly in flakes, but it still does last for around 3-5 hours on the lips. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate 15th Anniversary in Muse Red $13.95

Now for the bargain that is still seriously gorgeous! This is a slightly warmer true red and I was really impressed by the shade, formula and quality. It has a satiny finish that is reasonable long lasting and, more importantly, doesn't dry out my lips. Rimmel makes some of the best drugstore hippies and this beautiful rose gold packaged red definitely gets an honourable mention. 

So there you have my top picks for some of the best red lipsticks out there. To compare all the shades and finishes, here are some side by side swatches.

Left to right: Dior Addict Fluid Stick in Wonderland, Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in London Fog, MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, L'Oreal Collection Exclusive Reds Lipstick by Blake, Rimmel Lasting Finish Kate Anniversary Lipstick in Muse Red and NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl. 

I would love to know which is your favourite from my picks and if you have your own go to, ride or die red lipstick I would love to know so leave a comment down below. I love these reds but I am always on the look out for more beautiful ones.