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Red lipstick is like a pair of stiletto heels: classic, elegant and such a power move. But pulling off this eye-catching shade can be intimidating, especially for those who have always sworn by nude lipsticks.

To that we say don’t let fear stop you from rocking the red lip of your dream. The key to finding your perfect red shade is all about figuring out your undertones and preferred formula. It might be a long journey, but once you have found “the one”, it’s oh so worth it!

To get you started, here are the best red lipsticks loved by both celebrities and ordinary folks. They come in various undertones, finishes and formulas to suit different complexions and occasions. You’re welcome!

Best cool-toned red lipsticks

1. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

Red Lipstick Mac Ruby Woo

Ruby Woo needs no introduction, being one of the most famous red lipsticks of all time. This classic red shade has a blue undertone that flatters many different skin tone, and the long-lasting matte finish means you won’t have to worry about reapplying every hour.

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo is available at Sephora at SGD33.

2. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 99 Pirate

Red Lipstick Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour In 99 Pirate

The Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 99 Pirate is another famous cool-toned red lipstick shade. It has a silky satin texture that glides on smoothly and leaves a natural sheen on your lips.

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 99 Pirate is available at all Chanel Fragrance and Beauty stores islandwide at SGD49.

3. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw

Red Lipstick Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

If you are firmly on Team Liquid Lipstick, look no further than the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw – a cool-toned red shade. Long-lasting, non-drying with intense colour payoff, this liquid lipstick will take you from nine to five and beyond.

The Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw is available at Sephora at SGD29.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick in Screen Siren

Red Lipstick Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick In Screen Siren

Screen Siren is a classic ruby red shade in Charlotte Tilbury’s popular Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick range. It goes on smoothly like a lip gloss yet has the intense pigment and longevity of a liquid lipstick.

The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick in Screen Siren is available on Sephora at SGD50.

5. Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Color in Choquant

Red Lipstick Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Color In Choquant

The Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Color in Choquant is a deep cool-toned berry shade, perfect for those looking for something a little different from the classic red. The formula has a velvety matte finish and delivers long-lasting hydration to keep your lips from drying out like many liquid lipsticks tend to do.

The Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Color in Choquant is available at all Fragrance and Beauty stores islandwide islandwide at SGD49. Check out how review of the Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Color here.

6. Sephora Collection Cream Lipstain in 01 Always Red

Red Lipstick Sephora Cream Lipstain Always Red

For a more affordable option for liquid lipsticks, the Sephora Collection Cream Lipstain in 01 Always Red is simply one of the best on the market. The formula is long-lasting without being overly drying on the lips, and the cool-toned red shade looks universally classy on all complexions.

The Sephora Collection Cream Lipstain in 01 Always Red is available at Sephora at SGD20.

7. Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in F-bomb

Red Lipstick Urban Decay Vice Lipstick F Bomb

For those who aren’t a fan of the look of matte lips, you can’t go wrong with Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in F-bomb with a cream finish. The cream formula provides long-lasting moisture to nourish your lips and keep them from drying out.

The Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in F-bomb is available at Urban Decay boutiques and Sephora at SGD31.

8. Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush

Red Lipstick Tom Ford Cherry Lush

The Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush has a cool undertone with a natural, pearly sheen. The botanical extracts and oil in the ingredients give the lipstick a creamy formula that is nourishing and feels comfortable on the lips.

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush is available at Tom Ford counters and Sephora at SGD76.

9. Maybelline Made for All Lipstick in Ruby for Me

Red Lipstick Maybelline Made For All Lipstick In Ruby For Me

Maybelline Made for All Lipstick in Ruby for Me is an excellent drugstore option for those who just started exploring the world of red lipsticks. The cool-toned ruby shade looks equally flattering on all skin tones and the creamy texture goes on smoothly and evenly on the lips.

Maybelline Made for All Lipstick in Ruby for Me is available at all leading drugstores and Shopee at SGD14.90.

10. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in Rouge Tuxedo

Reed Lipstick Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine In Rouge Tuxedo

Glossy red lips look just as stunning as matte ones. For a more natural, high-shine finish, opt for the cult-favourite Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine lipstick in 45 Rouge Tuxedo, a cool-toned pink red with medium coverage. It has a balmy texture that glides on easily and keeps the lips moisturised throughout the day.

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in Rouge Tuxedo is available at Yves Saint Laurent Beaute counters islandwide at SGD52.

11. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

Red Lipstick Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Dragon Girl is a bright cherry red with cool undertones. The formula combines the convenience of a lip pencil application and the formula of a creamy lipstick to deliver full and even coverage as well as long-lasting comfortable wear.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl is available at all NARS counters islandwide at SGD38.

Best warm-toned red lipsticks

Red Lipstick Mac Lady Danger

13. Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Obsessed!

Red Lipstick Pat Mcgrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick In Obsessed

The Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Obsessed! is an orange red shade that look stunning on those with warm or olive undertone. The formula is creamy and richly pigmented to ensure full coverage and lasting power throughout the day.

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Obsessed! is available on Sephora at SGD59. (Psst… You can also get the latest Pat Mcgrath coupon codes by simply clicking on this Wethrift link!)

14. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana

Red Lipstick Nars Audacious Lipstick Lana

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana is a fiery orange-red shade with a soft, satin finish. The formula is creamy and comfortable on the lips with intense pigment.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana is available at all NARS counters islandwide at SGD46.

Red Lipstick Charlotte Tilbury Tell Laura

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Matte Revolution Lipstick in Tell Laura is a very warm-toned red, almost leaning orange. And despite the name, the lipstick has more of a natural, semi-matte finish that makes your lips look plumped and healthy.

16. Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in 218 Volcanic

Red Lipstick Shiseido Volcanic

For a vivid pop of summery colour on your lips, check out the Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in 218 Volcanic, a vivid, richly pigmented orange-red. The gel formula is  nourishing without feeling too heavy on the lips.

Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in 218 Volcanic is available at Shiseido counters and Sephora at SGD36.

Best neutral red lipsticks

17. Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Matte Lipstick in 400

Red Lipstick Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge Darmani Matte Lipstick In 400

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Matte Lipstick in 400 is an iconic true-red shade that many celebrity makeup artists swear by. If your makeup inspiration is “1940s Hollywood Glamour”, then this lipstick is just what you need.

The formula is long-lasting with intense pigment, although you might still need to touch up occasionally, especially after a meal, since it is not transfer-proof.

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Matte Lipstick in 400 is available at Giorgio Armani Beauty Store at TANGS at SGD55.

18. Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999

Red Lipstick Dior 999

Another iconic red lipstick shade, Dior’s signature 999 is beloved by many, including celebrities for its universal undertone that doesn’t lean either blue or orange. You can wear the lipstick as it is or blot off the excess to create a stain effect.

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999 is available at all Dior boutiques and counters, as well as Sephora at SGD52.

19. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored

Red Lipstick Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Uncensored

The Stunna Lip Paint from Fenty Beauty is relatively new but the shade Uncensored has quickly become a cult favourite for its universally flattering quality. It is a neutral-toned deep red shade with a soft matte finish that feels comfortable on the lips throughout the day.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored is available at Sephora at SGD39.

20. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

Red Lipstick Stila Beso

A favourite of many celebrities, including American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso is a neutral red shade that can be worn in any occasion. The formula goes on smoothly and dries down to a matte finish that really does stay all day.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso is available at Sephora at SGD34.

Best sheer red lipsticks

21. Gucci Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm in René Pink

Red Lipstick Gucci Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm In René Pink

The Gucci Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm in René Pink is a lip balm in a pinkish red shade with a soft, natural shine. The hydrating formula makes it perfect to wear during the summer months, when you just want a fuss-free wash of colour that can protect your lips from the hot weather at the same time.

Gucci Baume à Lèvres Lip Balm in René Pink is available at Gucci counter at Takashimaya at SGD53.

22. Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Cherry Red

Red Lipstick Clinique Cherry Pop

Get two products in one with the Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Cherry Red, a bright, cool-toned cherry shade. The formula is intensely hydrating that glides on smoothly and effortlessly. The finish is sheerer than a traditional lipstick but you can build it up to a medium coverage.

The Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer in Cherry Red is available at all Clinique counters and Sephora at SGD36.

23. Burberry Lip Velvet Crush Sheer-Matte Stain in Tangerine Red

Red Lipstick Burberry Lip Velvet Crush Sheer Matte Stain In Tangerine Red

The Burberry Lip Velvet Crush Sheer-Matte Stain in Tangerine Red is an orange-based brick red shade with a sheer to medium coverage. The product has a unique formula that leaves a sheen when first applied on the lips before drying down to a matte finish with a stain-like effect.

Burberry Lip Velvet Crush Sheer-Matte Stain in Tangerine Red is available at all Burberry counters and Sephora at SGD47.

Best vampy dark red lipsticks

Red Lipstick Lancome Pigeon Blood Ruby

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream Lipstick in 481 Pigeon Blood Ruby is a dark burgundy shade that is perfect for fall and winter time as well as any night-time occasions. The special bullet tip and the creamy formula give you easy and precise application in just one stroke.

Red Lipstick Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick 201 Dark Velvet

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Lip Stain in Dark Velvet is a rich, deep burgundy shade with a velvet matte, non-sticky finish. It provides long-lasting coverage and comfortable wear up to eight hours.

26. Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint in RD302

Red Lipstick Etude House Water Tint Rd302

Want the longevity of liquid lipsticks but not the drying formula? Lip tints are your answer. The Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint in RD302 is a deep wine red shade with a lightweight yet long-lasting formula.

The Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint in RD302 is available at all Etude House stores islandwide at SGD8.90.

27. NARS Sheer Lipstick in Fast Ride

Red Lipstick Nars Sheer Fast Ride

Dark, vampy shades can be rather intimidating to pull off. To experiment with these shades, try a sheer formula such as the NARS Sheer Lipstick in Fast Ride. It is a dark berry shade with a sheer finish that can be built up to medium coverage.

NARS Sheer Lipstick in Fast Ride is available at all NARS counters islandwide at SGD40.