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Red Lipstick Looks Good on Everyone—But These 10 Shades are the Best of All Time
Signed, your friendly neighborhood Cosmo beauty editors.
Water is wet, the sky is blue, and red lipstick looks good on everyone. These are universal truths of the world, dammit. But I get it: Like many things in the ever-expanding world of makeup (ahem, finding your right foundation shade or matching blush to your skin tone), finding the best red lipstick is a challenge. There are liquid lipsticks that last a long time but are oftentimes drying; there are shiny satin versions that hydrate your lips but can smear and feather; and there are blue-based reds, yellow-based reds, orange-y reds, maroons, burgundies—you name it. It's enough to make you just grab your nearest nude lipstick and call it a day.
But! I refuse to let you go one more night-out without your perfect red lipstick in tow. Because there's one thing everyone can agree on—from Miley Cyrus in a recent interview with Cosmo to basically every makeup artist I've ever interviewed to Cosmo beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson—and it's that a red lipstick can make you feel like your best, most put-together self... so long as it's a formula, shade, and finish you love. Here are just a few of our favorites, but keep scrolling for the full list:
Our top picks for best red lipsticks of 2025:
Need help finding your ideal shade, finish, and format? I got some tips from a makeup artist that you can read below. But first, let's run down our top picks, from a range of Cosmo editors with varying skin tones and preferences. We've even included some Cosmo beauty award winners.
Pros
- Blue-red shade looks great on all skin tones
- Doesn't fade or feather for up to 10 hours
Cons
- Some reviewers say it doesn't apply smoothly straight from the tube
MAC's Ruby Woo has been around since 1999 and is arguably *the* most iconic red lipstick of all time. With cool blue undertones that make your teeth look dazzling white and a rich pigment that demands a double take, it’s no wonder everyone from ordinary people (hi, me) to celebrities like Taylor Swift is a loyal fan.
Even though it’s a matte lipstick, it won’t make your lips feel dry or flaky. It's equal parts creamy, comfortable, and long-lasting, making it ideal for all-day wear.
One Cosmo editor says: "It's the icon to beat all icons! Ruby Woo has the most recognizable, true red color that really does look good on practically every single skin tone. And the updated MAC MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick formula is so good—it's creamy and smoothing but has a velvety finish on lips."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Matte |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
If you think you hate matte lipstick, welcome to the club. But first, try out this formula from Prada Beauty. It's a super-smoothing, lightweight cream that helps blur lip lines. It doesn't get trapped in all the little crevices or cling to dry patches. Instead, it just glides right over them. This can be worn sheer or built up to full opacity, making it quite versatile depending on your vibes.
One Cosmo editor says: "The Prada lip balms get all the love—even from Sabrina Carpenter—but I, personally, would pick these lipsticks over and over again. They are fantastic for dabbing on the center of my lips and blending out with my finger for a really soft application, even when I use the red shade. I avoid wearing red lipstick often because it can be so intense, but this formula just makes it easy."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Matte |
| Cruelty free? | No |
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
- Moisturizes lips to avoid dryness (but doesn't smear or smudge either)
Cons
- Some reviewers say it feathers a bit without a lip liner
You don't have to go with a smeary gloss to get a hydrating red lip. Instead, opt for this satin formula from NARS, winner of a Cosmo Holy Grail Award in 2025. It provides hella pigment in one swipe but feels extremely comfortable—even moisturizing—on lips (thanks to vitamin E and rosehip seed oil).
One Cosmo editor says: "I’m a matte lip hater, so I love a natural finish lipstick that gives tons of pigment and some added hydration. This lipstick gives a near-glossy finish and comes in a v extensive shade range. And if you wanna add even more shine, it layers well with lip oils and glosses.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Satin |
| Cruelty free? | No |
Pros
- Truly lasts all day
- Packaging is super chic
Cons
- Requires a few extra coats to build it up
A long-lasting lip with a shiny finish is hard to come by, but Pat McGrath did the seemingly impossible. This satin-esque lipstick will truly last for hours, no matter how many cocktails or bites you put it through. And I mean, if it's Taylor's favorite formula for a three-hour Eras Tour set, it can get you through anything.
One Cosmo editor says: "Normally I avoid red lipstick when my lips are chapped and dry, but this one feels super emollient and hydrating. It doesn't feel sticky or too glossy though; it still gives off a satin finish, just without all the usual dryness and tugging."—BG
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Satin |
| Cruelty free? | No |
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Cinematic Red
Pros
- Packaging is refillable
- Infused with vitamin E
Cons
- The tip shape is a bit tricky for tight precision
A matte lip is ideal for long-lasting pigment, but locking down a go-to formula and shade can quickly turn into a beauty challenge. Enter: Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick.
One Cosmo editor says: "At any given moment, I probably have a few of these must-have lipsticks in various shades in my bag. They apply so smoothly, never feel dry or adhere to any cracks in my lips, and always make my lips look full and plump. I’m obsessed with the whole assortment of shades from pinks and nudes to reds, including this deep shade called Cinematic Red. It would be fab for a deep skin tone, but even I like to wear it on my light to medium skin for a dramatic moment."–BG
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Matte |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
Pros
- Precise applicator
- Super pigmented
Cons
- Formula dries down pretty quickly
A liquid lipstick is ideal for all-day, transfer-proof wear, and it's super easy to create your desired lip shape with the thin applicator. This pigmented formula from Maed is Cosmo beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson's go-to.
One Cosmo editor says: "If you’re a liquid lipstick girlie, this is a must-have. The bold matte hue and lightweight formula is an unbeatable combo that looks great on a variety of skin tones. Plus, no lipliner needed—the exaggerated doe foot wand tip lines my pout to perfection."—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
| Format | Liquid |
| Finish | Matte |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
Pros
- Keep lips nice and moisturized for hours
- Can be applied without a mirror
Cons
- The cap of the packaging is a little wonky
- Super sheer, so if you want more color payoff this may not be the best choice
If your lips are in need of hydration but you don't wanna compromise on color, Glossier's High Shine Lipstick is the perfect hybrid. The juicy pigment is a red lip-lovers dream, and the hyaluronic acid-infused formula is ideal for chapped lips.
One Cosmo editor says: "I like this lipstick enough to take a selfie in it after a laser appt and while majorly breaking out—which basically means I like it a lot. Normally I have to layer a lip balm under lipstick to prevent my lips from drying out, but this combines the hydrating benefits of a balm with juicy red color for comfy all-day wear. And the tint skews berry, which I personally love for the winter months."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Shiny |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
Pros
- You can get the case engraved
- Comes in both satin and matte finishes
Cons
- The case costs extra
When it comes to high-end makeup, you can't go wrong with Guerlain. The customizable packaging is a luxury item in itself, and the formula imparts a bold red for hours on end.
One Cosmo editor says: "Beyond the fact this lipstick comes in the most stunning packaging (IYKYK)—it’s also the most complimented red lippie I own. The blue-base hue is so deep, sultry, and stunning!"—JW
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Satin |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
Pros
- Magnetic cap feels luxe and secure
- Less than $10
Cons
- Doesn't come in a matte finish
If you're in the market for an affordable lip that won't budge, consider your search over: Not only is this elf formula under $10, but it also offers hours of smudge-free wear.
One Cosmo editor says: "I wore this to our Cosmo holiday party (see selfie below), and lemme tell ya it lasted throughout the entire event—several drinks were had, might I add! The formula feels super lightweight and hydrating upon application, which is v impressive in this affordable-yet-mighty drugstore formula." —JH
| Format | Cream stick |
| Finish | Satin |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
Pros
- Long staying power
- Doubles as a lip and cheek tint
Cons
- A bit drying without a gloss to top it off
I’m a red lipstick girl, but I don’t always want to deal with all the fuss that comes with it to get the payoff. Instead, I’ll reach for this Benefit lip stain—a bright-red lip color that doesn’t smear or bleed and lasts hours. Simply swipe on the liquid tint and after a few minutes, a long-wearing red lip will develop.
One Cosmo editor says: "Worst part about red lipstick is the meticulous reapplication every few hours. But I get away with a lot more time when I use this stain. It dries matte on my lips and stays on for up to five hours, even amidst sipping water or coffee. If I want to make it glossy, I can add a gloss or a lip balm on top, but usually, I’ll keep it as is."—BG
| Format | Liquid |
| Finish | Matte |
| Cruelty free? | Yes |
How we tested for the best red lipsticks:
We've been testing red lipsticks for a combined 30 years as beauty editors, bringing you the best ones with all of our firsthand experience and updating whenever we try new launches or underrated gems. To compile this full list, we:
- Tested on a handful of Cosmopolitan beauty editors with a range of skin tones and makeup preferences and grabbed their first-person reviews, pros, and cons
- Researched each formula to see if they included ingredients that would help hydrate lips, or if they offered a long-wear element
- Took into account our expert makeup artist's take on the best shades for every skin tone to have a well-rounded list
What red lipstick do celebrities wear?
Celebrities’ red lipstick choices are as diverse as they are, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things they generally agree on. According to celebrity makeup artist Emily Amick, "When it comes to red carpet glam, celebs usually opt for a long-wearing lip formula." She adds that they also prefer one with enough pigment to shine bright under the relentless flash of approximately a zillion camera bulbs. And MAC's Ruby Woo—our best red lipstick overall— is a regular favorite among celebs like Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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