One of the trickiest makeup products to find is the perfect red lipstick.
So, I decided to try multiple lipsticks in various red hues from different brands, at various price points.
I tried red lip products from the following brands: Violette_FR, Pat McGrath, Lancôme, Makeup by Mario, Tata Harper, Tom Ford, Glossier, Fenty Beauty, Make Up For Ever, Yves Saint Laurent, Bobbi Brown, ILIA, Rose Inc., Charlotte Tilbury, Kilian and Elizabeth Arden. I also tried brands you can shop on Amazon and at local drugstores, such as COVERGIRL, NYX, L'Oréal, Revlon and Maybelline.
For example, I tried Glossier's G Suit Soft Touch Lip Creme, Make Up For Ever's 24-hour Power Last Liquid Lipstick, Lancôme's L'Absolu Rouge Drama Ink with a semi-matte finish and more. Some lipsticks dried matte, others were balmy, some included shimmer, and so on.
I quickly realized that there wouldn't be just one perfect red lipstick. Some shades would, of course, suit my skin tone and eye color more, but the texture and finish I'd prefer would greatly depend on my mood, the season, or the occasion for which I'd hope to wear it.
Similarly, based on your personal preferences, the right red lipstick probably depends on the ways in which you intend to wear it. For example, you may need a long-lasting, matte red lipstick to be photo-ready at a wedding. Or, you may prefer something more balmy and moisturizing for a day spent outside or in a dry office.
If you, too, are shopping for red lipsticks, there are several worth trying. For the purpose of trying out each lipstick on its own, I did not use a lip liner. Here's what happened!
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One my favorite, most-used red lipsticks is Violette_FR's Bisou Balm. The brand's website describes it as: "A moisturizing matte lipstick-meets-balm hybrid that imparts a sheer kiss of color. The unique formula blends into lips with a subtle blurring effect for the ultimate 'bouche mordue' (just bitten lips) look that’s quintessentially French." And it is just that.
The balm comes in a total of six colors, including Amour Fou, a soft crimson, and the newest shade, Bonbon Coquelicot, "a warm, fiery red with nude tones." There's also Bêtise, a bestseller in a warm berry shade.
I love how easy it is to wear Bonbon Coquelicot on a regular basis. It's easy to apply (with or without a mirror!), and gives a soft, comfortable flush of color that you can build up for your desired look. It's great to add a pop of color to a barely-there makeup look and I've packed it in my makeup bag for more formal occasions, too. Its texture, one of my favorite qualities, is so comfortable to wear. It fades naturally, so no fuss necessary.
If you're looking for something long-lasting, try Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist For Ever Matte Power Last Liquid Lipstick. This 24-hour wear "weightless" lipstick boasts a "power load" applicator that "effortlessly distributes the formula for the boldest matte finish." It also claims to be transfer-proof and smudge-proof while leaving your lips smooth.
I certainly agree with the "weightless" nature of this lipstick. The lightweight formula almost felt like water when applied to my lips, but it did not smudge or drip on my lips during application. I used shade "402 Constantly On Fire" and was impressed by the bold color payoff.
After leaving the product alone to dry on my lips, I tested if it would transfer by kissing the back of my hand -- and zero product came off.
I wore one coat of this lipstick through lunch and dinner, and while there was some natural wear -- mainly on the inner part of my lips -- it did not affect the overall integrity of the look. It would also be very easy to add another layer of the product on top without feeling like you've layered too much product. The lipstick remained on until I washed it off at the end of the night.
I get it: Sometimes you don't want something too matte, but you don't want a glossy finish either. Cue Lancôme's L'Absolu Rouge Drama Ink semi-matte lip ink. This boasts a "bare lips feel" with full pigment color that's long-lasting, too.
I tried the color "525 French Bisou." It is a cool-toned cherry red color that is bold but approachable for an everyday look.
I applied the lipstick with its curved applicator. Its unique tip allowed me to apply it with precision, without too much effort. I really enjoy this lightweight formula and how quickly it settled without feeling too dry. It's soft and elegant and certainly one I could wear all day long.
I really loved L'Oréal's Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick. For under $15, this bold and beautiful product provides great color payoff and a powdery matte finish.
I tried the color "245 French Kiss." It's a pinky red and it was easy to apply. I wasn't expecting it to feel so weightless -- it doesn't really feel like you have anything on your lips.
I noticed that it was pretty hard to remove this product with the makeup wipes I had on hand. I really had to scrub it off! That's definitely a good thing if you're looking for something with staying power.
Fenty Beauty's Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick left me speechless. The product description claims that with one swipe, you'll achieve full-coverage color with a velvet-matte finish… and that's exactly what I got.
I tried shade "01 The MVP" and swiped one layer across my bottom lip. When I rubbed my lips together, it transferred onto the top lip with ease, coating it without requiring any further product.
This is certainly a bold, full-coverage pop of color that makes a statement. It has a luxurious, velvety texture that lends to its overall comfortable wear. Not to mention the tube itself is stunning (a perfect gift!).
Fenty's MVP is ideal for those looking for that classic red lip.
First, try the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick. It's a thicker formula than some of the previously-mentioned lipsticks, but I like how comfortable and (for lack of a better term) suede-like it feels on the lips. I tried the color "Kiana," another cool red, but there are also two other reds to choose from: "Alicia," a warm red, and "Nikki," a muted brick red.
According to the brand's website, this lipstick has rosehip and passionfruit seed oil to soften the lips for a "non-drying, ultra-comforting feel." It has "blur filtered technology" where smoothing gels and texturizing powder create "a smooth matte, soft-focus appearance."
I certainly noticed its "ultra-comforting" quality. I love how bold (yet soft) it is in appearance. It is also a formula that you can easily manipulate; I patted it with a paper towel to remove a bit of product and it left behind an effortless, lived-in look.
Second, if you're open to splurging on a red lip, try the Kilian Le Rouge Parfum matte lipsticks.
This special product is infused with a Kilian signature scent making for a unique lipstick experience. The matte formula has a powderly velvet finish, which I found to be very comfortable to apply and wear.
Try color "257 Crazy Rose" for a not-so-intense, rosy red color you'll wear year-round.
If you're looking for a lip product with a shiny finish, try the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-Stick lip color. I used the color "127 Rouge Studio" and found it to be the perfect intersection between a red lip balm and a traditional lipstick.
This product applies with ease and there's no need to be too perfect or precise when you apply it.
It's one you could add to your on-the-go makeup bag and reapply as needed. I tried applying it without a mirror and had no issues!
Editor's Note: The Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in 127 is no longer available at Sephora, but you can try the YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick at Sephora today.
Glossier's Soft Touch Lip Creme is a great choice for those looking for full-coverage, bold color. I tried the shade "Jet," a true blue-red. I think it's an ideal color to reach for as we continue through the winter season.
Pair it with barely-there eye makeup and your favorite blush and you're all set for a special occasion.
If you want a more diffused lip cream, try the Rose Inc Lip Cream Weightless Matte Color.
This has a "whipped, cashmere-soft" feel that you can build depending on your personal preference. If you're looking for a fiery red, "Mortal Flame" is the one to try.
Both of these products are easy to apply and touch up throughout the day.