It’s not for everyone, but those who worship at the feet of red lipstick know the delicious addiction, the daily pop of pleasure that fixes everything (or at the very least covers it up). Application takes practice – one wrong move and no amount of makeup wipes can cover your sins, get it right and your lips will show no mercy.
I’m not sure where my love for red lipstick came from, but I have a suspicion it was my maternal grandmother who was never, ever seen without her very best red lipstick on. I feel naked without it. I’ve tried (and failed) to wear nudes and pinks but the only shade that has come close is a berry (which is strictly for autumn only).
On my wedding day, my makeup artist pulled together a gorgeous look for me based on my skin tone with a nude lip, but the minute I’d said ‘I do’ I was nipping to the bathroom to apply the Tom Ford ‘Flame’, £44 I had stashed in the puffs of my skirt. So, bar sleeping, there is no time where red lipstick isn’t appropriate as far as I’m concerned.
With these credentials in place – I am sharing what I believe to be the best red lipsticks for every occasion and all budgets.
The best red lipsticks for every day of the week
‘Saturday Red’ – the best bright bold red lipsticks
Once the lie-in/exercise/chores are all done, we are fully in the depths of the weekend, which calls for a big solid red with staying power because you never know what’s going to happen – or indeed who you might see. MAC’s cult reds Lady Danger, £20, ASOS and Ruby Woo, £17.50, Boots (depending on the season) are well-loved favourites due to their incredible colour, matte finish and genuine staying power. I am also very attached to my precious IMAN Red Lipstick, £12.95 which has the perfect combination of bright pigment and soft pliable texture in my opinion (some reds can be too stiff and hard to smooth on, some too soft and messy).
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‘Sunday Red’ – the best muted, light red lipstick
A Sunday red should be light, maybe a lip stain – nothing too serious because you’re probably going to be eating and drinking, and most importantly relaxing. A Sunday red should cover off walking the dog, popping out for coffee or the pub for a roast – so we are looking for the most relaxed reds possible that rarely need re-applying because of all that relaxing you’re doing.
The Elizabeth Arden 8-hour lipstick, £21, John Lewis is an absolute favourite, and has a lovely deep (almost burgundy) shade, whilst Guerlain Paris Kiss Kiss Bee Glow, £32, John Lewis is light as a feather and acts as a lip balm too. I recently tried Typology’s Ruby Red, £17.50 which is a cute, non-sticky tinted lip oil and Trinny’s Lip Luxe, £22, Trinny London which is again super light but packs a decent red.
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‘Weekday Red’ – the best red lipstick for ultimate staying power
A failsafe non-mover that will see you through lunchtime and beyond (never to be applied till after your commute). I’m no makeup expert but I hear so often: “your lipstick hasn’t moved once this evening – how?” Truthfully, it’s trial and error – I’m sure there are many lipsticks I’ve yet to try but I’ve found a few go-tos I can rely on for impact and staying power. That’s the thing with true red lipstick: you really need it to stay. It’s a faff to keep on re-applying, and the dangers that lurk therein with staining and smudging – so staying power is vital.
My every day go-to is the absolutely marvellous cult favourite Stila Liquid Lipstick, £17 for which I can confirm not only has the ability to stay on your lips, but also its amazing mega-popping colour. The NARS Velvet Matter Lip Pencil, £23, is the holy grail of red lipsticks IMO; it plays nicely with lip liner, stays put, and the colour (in my case Mysterious Red) is a rich cool red full of blue hues.
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‘Going Out Out Red’ – the best luxurious red lipsticks for a WOW finish
All the classics should be embraced here from Chanel Rouge Allure, £35, Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick (Red), £32, Givenchy Le Rouge Deep Velvet Lipstick, £31.50 and Rouge Dior 999, £34.
Even the most committed red lipstick wearer would only reserve this lipstick for absolute best. Eating will be impossible, and you want to avoid anything that might lead to lipstick straying onto your teeth or hair (which we know the glossies can). This lipstick is for pouting and smoldering only. A deep glossy red that you’re happy to touch up as the evening goes on. Enjoy every minute of it.
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Best products to help smooth & prep lips
My lips have become less full in recent years meaning I need to go to extra lengths to keep the shape of the lipstick without it bleeding. First off, I’ve been using products that will help the application of my red lipstick go more smoothly and last longer. I can no longer live without the Trinny London Miracle Blur, £26 – it evens out the whole lip area beautifully. The M&S Anti-Feathering Lip Liner I’ve been using under my Victoria Beckham Lip Pencil, £20, for extra definition is great, and I’ve grown to love the MAC Prep & Prime, £20, which helps prolong the lip staying power. I’ve also noticed my lips are dryer and would recommend these super hydrating lipsticks for relief.
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Best new red lipsticks
In at number one is the Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick in Fire, £34. It’s a beautiful shade, has a light and moisturising formula, and also packs a decent punch of red. I think we’re going to be friends long-term. I also couldn’t stop myself from buying the new Pat McGrath ‘Bridgerton’ (Red) £25 – the gorgeous case is enough of a draw in itself (but the lipstick is fantastic and gives a great full coverage also).
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See me trying out these lipsticks on @eliza.co.uk.
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