The 12 Best Red Lipsticks for the Holidays and Beyond

Whether it’s date night in your sexiest LBD or a festive party, accessorizing with red lipstick can give you an unparalleled wow factor. Red is the universal color of love, and wearing it can make you feel powerful as well as mesmerize others.

French women have long embraced a bold red lip sans liner to liven up their look, but anyone can nail a cherry pout. First, consider whether you prefer a sheer or satin formula, both of which are easy to wear, even during the day. Otherwise, opaque and liquid colors can continue to be applied through countless meals and glasses of champagne.

Another advantage of wearing a red lip color is that because it’s so bold, you can go minimal with your other make-up, creating a high-glam, low-lift look that’s instantly polished. Scroll on to see the 12 best red lip colors we’ve discovered over the years, from old favorites to new beauties, with options across every budget and formula. Once you make one of these choices, you’ll be ready to receive endless compliments all season long – and beyond!

Best Full Coverage Red Lipsticks

1. Elf O Face Satin Lipstick in No Regrets: You won’t regret trying this cherry red lip color with a satin finish. The lipstick equivalent of a power suit, makeup mavens say it’s “perfect in every way.” – $9 at Amazon!

2. Bourjois Velvet Y Pencil Lipstick in Rouge Di’vin: A cult favorite from a French drugstore brand, the 2-in-1 pencil formula makes this rich red easy to apply and tuck into an evening bag. Instant glam! – $7 at Amazon!

3. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lip in Red Carpet Red: Beloved by celebrities such as Salma Hayek and Kate Moss, the brand’s popular formula is soft on lips, wears without drying and truly has some of the richest shades around. Try Red Carpet Red to evoke drama and mystery. – $35 at Nordstrom!

4. Spike Valentino Butter Matte Refillable Lip Color in Fiesta Red: If you want to have people hanging on your every word, charm them with the crème de la crème of lightweight, non-drying lipsticks. Valentino’s richly pigmented formula is suitable for any special occasion or date night. The Red Fiesta shade is a pop of wow! – $48 at Nordstrom!

5. MAC Cosmetics Claim to Fame Lipstick, Lip Liner and Lip Gloss Trio Gift Set in Ruby Woo: Taylor Swift has fangirled over Ruby Woo multiple times, joining legions of other red lippie lovers. Grab the classic in this gift set – which even includes liner and gloss – while it’s 25% off. – $33 (regularly $44) at Nordstrom!

6. Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick in Rouge Milano: A sultry rose shade that complements any skin tone, the luxe formula has natural oils such as Camellia and jojoba oil to nourish lips. The buildable coverage and luminous satin finish make the lips shine. Precious but worth it, Sisley Paris is a celebrity favourite! – $70 at Nordstrom

The Best Long Wear Liquid Red Lipsticks

7. Rimmel London Provocalips 16hr Kiss Proof Lip Color in Kiss Me You Fool: If hanging under the mistletoe sounds like drag, then “Kiss Me You Fool” might be for you. The two-part stain and gloss has over 13,000 reviews, with shoppers saying the lip color is long-lasting and amazing. Even better, it’s currently 40% off, which means it’s less than the cost of a latte— $5 (regularly $8) at Amazon!

8. L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris: Promising 16-hour wear, L’Oreal’s liquid lipstick is a fan favorite. Given that it’s made with hyaluronic acid, the lightweight formula leaves lips hydrated, not dry – $11 (regularly $14) at Amazon!

9. Violette_Fr Petal Bouche in Amour Fou: From the creative director of Guerlain, Violette_Fr is the brand named anonymously by makeup artist and French It-girl Violette Serrat. Channel the French red lip with an all-smiling liquid lipstick in Amour Fou. It stays on all night and is sure to garner compliments – $31 in Violette_Fr

10. Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Ultra Wear Lip Color in Deep Blueberry: Another two-in-one, this Chanel duo partners with a dramatic saturated liquid lip color with high gloss. Deep Blueberry is an on-trend burgundy shade perfect for those looking for a deeper red. One review says, “It lasts through coffee, kissing, drinking water, having dinner, and numerous meetings. I will buy this again and again.” – $48 at Nordstrom!

Best Strong Red Lip Colors and Gloss

11. Jones Road The Lippie Stick in Ruby: Your everyday pulse just got a pure red kiss of hydrating lip color. From the makeup legend Bobbi Brown, Jones Road’s Lippie Stick is made with cocoa butter and essential oils to soften lips. The cushion balm formula is perfect if you want a wearable wash of red to brighten up your face, day or night. For more intense color, don’t miss the brand’s moisturizer Lip tint in the same ruby ​​shade – $22 at Jones Road Beauty!

12. Dior Lip Addict Lip Maximizer Gloss in 028 Intense Dior 8: If you want a red lipstick look with less commitment, the Dior lead gloss has a cult favorite and brand new a very pigmented range with colors that are almost as opaque as lipstick. Intense Dior 8 is the universal red of our dreams – $40 at Nordstrom!