If you’ve spent the last year ignoring your makeup bag altogether, it’s high time to finally break out a tube of red lipstick to just swipe and go — even if it’s just from your office to your dining room.
“People are appreciating the power of a bold lip more than ever,” says makeup artist Christine Cherbonnier. “But whether it’s behind a mask or visible to the world, lipstick still has the power to lift your emotional posture. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calls lipstick her ‘war paint,’ and I think that’s a perfect way to describe it.”
Daniel Martin, celebrity makeup artist and global director of artistry and education at Tatcha, agrees: “I’ve had clients tell me they still feel empowered and confident when they’re wearing their favorite lipstick, regardless of whether they’re wearing a mask or not. They’re wearing it for themselves and they feel good doing it. And now in the new age of Zoom, color is that one thing that dresses you up without the stress of picking out an outfit.”
Still, finding the right shade that won’t make you look washed out even over a video call isn’t easy. Vincent Oquendo, who’s worked with celebs like Janelle Monáe, Bella Hadid and Diane Kruger, says to start by looking at your own undertones.
“Think of the color wheel when choosing a lipstick,” Oquendo says. “If you have a cooler complexion and you want your lipstick to stand out, then go for a warmer red, one that has more of an orange base. The same can be said if you have a warmer complexion. If you really want your red to stand out, then go for a blue-based red lipstick like a classic red. Think cherry red, because the contrasting base in the lipstick will make it stand out against your complexion.”
Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of the red lipsticks that these celebrity makeup artists swear by. And while you’re here, check out our hands-on testing piece on the best matte lipsticks.
“The perfect red shade with a modern matte finish that has a creamy soft texture,” says makeup artist Mary Phillips, who works with Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen and Jennifer Lopez. “It’s saturated with pigment that delivers vibrant opaque color.
If you’re looking for something with a ton of staying power, Oquendo recommends Shiseido’s Modern Matte Powder lipstick. “Just blot it down for a great lip stain,” he says.
“This is a staple and just a classic bullet,” says makeup artist Sir John, who works with Beyoncé and Zendaya. “There are so many shades to choose from and the formula is non-drying.”
“For me, the perfect red lipstick is the shade that you can wear both effortlessly with bare skin and dressed up with a full face of makeup and feel equally as confident,” says Martin, who calls this shade “the perfect classic red and gives an easy, polished look!”
Actress Nina Dobrev loves this tube, too.
“This fire engine red liquid lipstick goes on like gloss, dries matte and lasts all day,” says Phillips.
Steve Kassajikian, global makeup artist of Urban Decay Cosmetics, says this lipstick in the shade F-Bomb is “a true red” that looks great on all skin tones. Unfortunately, it seems F-Bomb is not longer in the shade range, but there are plenty of other complex reds like The Big One, Olvera and Bad Blood that will work for any skin tone too.
“Maybelline’s Superstay Matte Ink is one of my favorites,” says Oquendo.
A matte lipstick that is actually super comfortable to wear (read: it’s lightweight and non-drying), Fluffmatte has impressive color payoff that lasts all day. There are several red shades in the collection but associate beauty editor Sophie Shaw loves the ruby tones of Major.
“My client Hailey Benton Gates looks stunning on the red carpet in this perfect neutral true red,” says Cherbonnier, who works with publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Elle UK. If you’re worried about transfer, she recommends wearing a domed mask, like the KN95. “They don’t press against the lip but still create a seal on the face,” she says.
Phillips likes this gloss, which she says is “glossy and never sticky,” thanks to its “moisturizing gel formula” alone or on top of your favorite lipstick shade.
Tom Ford’s formula “has a velvet matte finish that is richly pigmented,” says Phillips, who adds that it’s “great for a bold polished deep red statement lip.”
“This is one that my clients always steal from me,” Sir John jokes. “I used it on Beyoncé. It stands the test of time without feeling like it’s really on your lips.”
Sir John loves Mac Cosmetics for its staying power. Try one of the brand’s true cult-favorite shades for a universally flattering look.
This deep red shade is one of Cherbonnier’s favorite richer, darker reds.
One of Jessica Alba’s favorites from her own line, Martin says, this is “a super-flattering matte liquid lipstick that stays put without drying out your lips.”
“Benefit Benetint is perfect for staining lips,” says Oquendo. Use it on your lips and your cheeks for a naturally flushed look.
Cherbonnier, who uses this shade on model Jenaye Noah, calls it “a classic red satin that can suit anyone.”
Oquendo says this lip stain is so good it won’t budge.
Cherbonnier loves using this “warm-toned, almost brick red” lipstick shade on Spanish model Blanca Padilla. It instantly brightens the face.
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