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Want Taylor’s Red Lip? The Best Red Lipsticks For Each Skin Tone

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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!