Is there anything more transformative in makeup history than a proper red lip? I think not.
Swiping on a bold red can feel a bit daunting if you’re not used to it, but once you track down your signature shade, it is an instant game-changer. It’s the ultimate outfit polisher—the thing that makes you feel instantly put-together, adds a hit of classic glamour, and genuinely perks up your whole face even on a sluggish morning.
I am an avid red lipstick hoarder, and over the years, I’ve whittled down the formulas I truly rely on. So today, I’ve pulled together an edit of the best red lipsticks in my collection, spanning budget drugstore heroes to classic cult splurges, complete with arm swatches to help you find your match. Let’s dive in!
The Budget Hydrator: Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick (Shade 410)
Let’s kick things off with the most purse-friendly option of the bunch. If your lips get parched in the winter months, the Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick* formula is a dream.
It is seriously moisturising, packed with pigment, and glides on with a juicy, glossy sheen. You don’t need heaps of prep before applying this because it feels so nourishing on the lips. My only slight niggle? The traditional vintage floral scent is quite strong when you open the tube, but thankfully it wears off quickly once it’s on. Pair it with a quick lip liner around the edges to keep it from slipping, and you’re good to go!
The Universal Icon: MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red
This is easily one of my all-time favourite lipsticks from MAC, hands down. If you find ultra-matte formulas a struggle, MAC Russian Red* is the answer. It has that creamy matte finish that gives full-impact opacity without leaving your lips feeling like sandpaper.
Colour-wise, it’s a stunning, deep blue-toned red that flatters literally every skin tone and makes your teeth look brilliantly white. You definitely want to prep your lips first—a quick flannel scrub, a touch of balm, and a sharp pencil outline—and you’ll have a classic Hollywood red that stays put all day.
The Warm Luxe Pick: Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Door Red (Shade 02)
First off, can we take a moment for the packaging? That architectural gold bullet is pure vanity eye candy. The Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color* formula is satin-smooth, buttery, and delivers a lovely wash of colour.
However, in the spirit of honest reviews: this shade just isn’t quite right for me. It pulls slightly too light and warm on my complexion, and every time I test it, I feel like the undertone washes me out a bit. But if you have fair or golden undertones and prefer a hydrating, tomato-leaning scarlet over a deep crimson, this formula is lovely and comfortable to wear.
The Cult Velvet Classic: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
I have a pure love-hate relationship with MAC Ruby Woo*. On one hand, the shade is absolute magic—a vivid, punchy, retro red that pops against the skin and literally does not budge. It’s my second most-worn red lipstick ever for a reason.
On the other hand? It is notoriously, relentlessly drying. You cannot just throw this on without prep; it will drag! Exfoliate thoroughly, moisturise with a balm while you do the rest of your makeup, blot the excess off, and line your lips first. It takes a little extra legwork, but the velvety retro finish is so worth it.
The High-Street Hero: Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss (Shade 107)
No red lipstick roundup would be complete without this high-street legend. Housed in the matte red tube, Rimmel London Kate Moss 107* leans into that deeper, moody berry-red territory that I just adore during autumn and winter.
The formula hits that sweet spot between semi-matte and creamy, meaning it doesn’t cling to dry patches or leave your lips feeling tight. For under six quid, it behaves like a luxury lipstick and has rightfully earned its holy-grail status.
Swatches & Comparisons
To see how the undertones compare in natural light, here is the side-by-side swatch lineup from left to right:
- Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick (Shade 02) — Warm, radiant satin scarlet.
- Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss (Shade 107) — Deep, rich berry-red with a velvety finish.
- MAC Matte Lipstick (Russian Red) — Deep, neutral-to-cool true red.
- Rimmel Moisture Renew (Shade 410) — Glossy, vibrant, hydrating cherry red.
- MAC Retro Matte (Ruby Woo) — Ultra-matte, high-impact classic vivid red.
A Quick Note on Lip Prep
If you want your red lip to stay sharp from morning till night, taking an extra two minutes for prep makes all the difference:
- Buff away flakes: Gently buff your lips with a warm, damp flannel or a sugar scrub.
- Hydrate early: Apply a lightweight lip balm while doing your skincare (or following your daily routine with gems like the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum) so it has time to sink in.
- Blot & Line: Blot away any slippery balm residue before going in with your liner and lipstick.
Dare to wear red and find your perfect match!
What are your go-to red lipsticks? Are you team Russian Red or team Ruby Woo? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by,
xoxo
