Want Taylor’s Red Lip? The Best Red Lipsticks For Each Skin Tone
This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
Call me old-fashioned, but I have always loved the look of a perfect red lip. Famous powerhouse women like Marilyn Monroe, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift have all effortlessly (and beautifully) rocked a sultry, red look throughout the decades. But red lips aren’t only on your favorite celebrities, you can often casually catch that standout red lipstick anywhere. The good news is that you can do it too, especially when you find the best shade of red for your skin tone and unique style. If worn well, red lipstick can be a timeless beauty accessory for any occasion–not just today, but for decades to come!
Over time, and not only as Swift’s Fashion Editor, I’ve tried different shades and brands of lipstick that are long-lasting, have an easy application, brighten up my face, and make me feel almost as good as Rihanna. We’ve rounded up the best red lipsticks that you can wear with confidence–from luxury brands to drugstore finds, all at various price ranges to fit any budget or style.
Firstly, How To Find The Perfect Red Lipstick?
Figure Out Your Undertones
Knowing your undertones is key to finding the right colors and shades of makeup for yourself, especially when it comes to getting the right red lipstick. Professional Beauty Expert, Shona Wallace, explains that taking a look at your wrist and seeing the color of your veins will help you identify your undertones. If your veins are more blue or even purple, you have cooler undertones. If your veins appear lighter and more green, you have warm undertones.
From there, the next step is figuring out how to match the undertones of your skin to the undertones of the lipstick. Red lipsticks that have subtle shades of orange are more warm toned, while bluish-red shades are cooler. Therefore, if you have warm undertones, you should choose these warmer reds; cool undertones should choose red lipsticks with hints of blue.
Sample It
However, there’s no way to know for sure if it’s the right red lipstick for you unless you try it on! If you have no local store, consider using Sephora’s or Ulta’s virtual makeup artist and sample application.
Play Around
Finding the perfect red lipstick takes time, but it will be so rewarding once you’ve found the perfect one for your undertones, skin color, and personal style. So, once you’ve discovered your shade, play with lipstick options. Notice how it feels when you apply it to your lips. Do you like a shiny look or a more matte finish? If you want a pop of color, try adding a layer of gloss or make it more striking with a matching lip liner. The classic satin red isn’t the only way to rock a bold lip. Once you find your perfect match, you’ll have your own timeless makeup accessory that you’ll never have to think twice about!
So, What Is The Best Shade Of Red Lipstick For My Skin?
Price Reference (average price):
$ | Under $10
$$ | Between $10-$25
$$$ | More than $25
Best Red Lipsticks For Fair Skin
In general, people with fair skin have cool undertones. Therefore, if you have lighter skin, play around with lipsticks with blue or purple tints, and stay away from any shades with orangey hints of color! A perfect example is MAC’s Ruby Woo, made ultra-famous by Taylor Swift (who clearly did her research). She continues to stay loyal to this lipstick and you can, too!
All the red lipsticks below will have darker tones as well.
Our Favorites:
Image: Nordstrom
Matte Lipstick
MAC
Shade: Ruby Woo
Price: $$
While this is Taylor’s go-to shade, we like it, too! A smooth matte red lipstick that is absolutely timeless and one of the best!
Image: Nordstrom
Soft Lipstick
Lime Crime
Shade: Radical Red
Price: $
This makes the list for its light consistency while still emitting the bold red look you’re looking for.
Image: NARS
Satin Lipstick
NARS
Shade: Bad Reputation
Price: $$
We love the creamy application of NARS’ passion fruit oil-infused lipstick. The color and tones are similar to Ruby Woo, but with a shiny satin finish.
Image: Ulta
Colour Rich Satin Lipstick
L’Oreal
Shade: British Red
Price: $
A drugstore lipstick that doesn’t forsake quality in its vivid blue-red.
Image: Target
Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick
TLB
Shade: Boy Trouble
Price: $$
A vegan formula with a silky smooth application that is a long-lasting cool red shade.
Best Red Lipsticks For Medium Skin
If you have medium skin tones, you have more options and versatility when shopping for your next red lipstick! Experts share that if your skin is more olive and caramel-like, you should reach for neutral-toned reds or even those with more red-orange shades. Generally, people with medium skin have warmer, golden undertones, so steering toward warmer shades will brighten up their faces. Of course, do the wrist-check hack to confirm what your undertones are to narrow down the options for yourself!
Our Favorites:
Image: Sephora
Matte Lip Souflee
Rare Beauty
Shade: Inspire
Price: $$
Selena’s go-to bright red shade matches olive skin beautifully and makes it one of the best red lipsticks!
Image: Ulta
Colour Riche Satin Lipstick
L’Oreal
Shade: Maison Marais
Price: $
The same L’Oreal lipstick we love, but in a warmer, more neutral red that aligns with a medium complexion.
Image: Nordstrom
Liquid Lip & Blush
Benefit Cosmetics
Shade: Fiery Red
Price: $$
A sheer red lip stain that is both non-drying and doubles as a blush. This shade of red has more hints of orange and pink that brighten up any warmer undertones.
Image: Target
Super Stay Lipstick
Maybelline
Shade: Red Hot
Price: $$
TikTok goes crazy over this affordable liquid lipstick. Not only for the price, but for its vibrant, long-lasting color!
Image: Ulta
Vice Hydrating Lipstick
Urban Decay
Shade: Olvera
Price: $$
A warm, blood-orange color with a satin finish that you can wear all year long, this lipstick is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Best Red Lipsticks For Mocha Skin
For brown and mocha skin, experts recommend red lipsticks with deep blue undertones. Think of Rihanna and her memorable red lip that she wears often–no one gets tired of seeing it! Consider berry shades–like cherry-red–for brightness or burgundies for a darker hue. The cooler tones will align with your complexion without looking dull and pasty.
Our Favorites:
Image: Sephora
Stunna Lip Paint
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna
Shade: Uncensored
Price: $$
How could we not include this world-famous color by Fenty? The color stays on your lips and perfectly complements this skin tone.
Image: Ulta
Luxe Lipstick
Ulta Beauty Collection
Shade: Red Carpet Red
Price: $
Since berry-like reds are a good place to start, this inexpensive option makes it easy to say yes to.
Image: Sephora
Matte Revolution
Charlotte Tilbury
Shade: So Red
Price: $$
This ultra-matte lipstick is vegan and oh-so-red.
Image: Ulta
Butter Gloss Non-Sticky Lip Gloss
NYX
Shade: Red Velvet
Price: $
A red velvet color that is perfect for your lips, the creamy application finishes matte but leaves your lips moisturized and feeling buttery-soft.
Image: Ulta
Colour Riche Satin Lipstick
L’Oreal
Shade: Ruby Flame
Price: $
A dark-blue red with a shiny satin finish at a great price point.
Best Red Lipsticks For Deep Skin
Red lipsticks with both cool and warm undertones look great on deep-colored skin. Therefore, you can choose based on formula preference and the lipstick’s finish. Depending on your style (or event), you can try an extra-brilliant red or pick a sultry, wine-like shade for a special evening look. You can even consider the lipsticks from the other categories if they catch your eye, too!
Our Favorites:
Image: Sephora
Rouge Pur Satin Lipstick
YSL
Shade: Red Blue
Price: $$$
If you’re looking for luxury, this is the one. Since deep skin tones are able to try more shades of red, this one shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for its design, packaging, and bold, sparkly finish.
Image: Ulta
Colour Riche Satin Lipstick
L’Oreal
Shade: Classic Wine
Price: $
A drugstore lipstick that we can’t get enough of, we found one perfect for each skin tone on this list. This raspberry red will be just enough pop for an everyday makeup look!
Image: Target
HD Matte Lipcolor
REvlon
Shade: Romance
Price: $
Ultra-matte and an ultra-perfect shade of red for deep skin tones.
Image: Ulta
Dramatically Different Shaping Lip Colour
Clinique
Shade: Angel Red
Price: $$$
A rich, hydrating, and oil-infused luxury-brand lipstick in a deep, sultry red.
Image: Ulta
Liquid Lipstick
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Shade: Sarafine
Price: $$
Another luxury-brand lipstick with a standout liquid formula in a dark, bluish-red for a different kind of bold.
We’re sure you’ll be able to find your best red lipstick on this list! The best part of the red lip look is that it looks great when standing alone, so keep the rest of your makeup simple. We’re all about keeping makeup easy, while highlighting our natural features and beauty. The bold red will only accentuate them even more!
