We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The Absolute Best Red Lipsticks of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE Our top pick for a luscious red lip is the Dior Rouge Forever By Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 16, 2024 04:15PM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Tamara Staples Is there anything quite as chic as a red lip? Makeup trends change over in the blink of a kohl-lined eye, but red lipstick in all its varied finishes — matte, glossy, just-kissed-smudged — is timeless. Celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero tells PEOPLE that a red lip is his go-to for instantly waking up a client's face. “I always reach for a bold red lipstick whenever I need to create the illusion of energy and power,” Rivero says. “If a client tells me 'I’m exhausted today' or they have just been working many nights in a row, I love using red lipstick to distract the eyes from dark circles, low energy, and to bring the focus to the lips.” Finding the right red lipstick for your specific preferences is more difficult than it should be, which is why we did the heavy lifting for you by meticulously testing 30 of the most popular red lipsticks on the market. The results speak for themselves: We uncovered the best red lipsticks for lip feel, longevity, and comfort in a variety of formulas and finishes for any budget, from luxury to drugstore. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dior Liquid Lipstick at Nordstrom ($40) Jump to Review Best Long-Wearing: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick at Nordstrom ($39) Jump to Review Best Pigment: Tarte Juicy Lipstick at QVC ($24) Jump to Review Best Weightless: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Semi-Matte Lipstick at Sephora ($12) Jump to Review Best Liquid: Makeup Forever Matte Liquid Lipstick at Nordstrom ($22) Jump to Review Best Refillable: Guerlain Customizable Lipstick at Nordstrom ($36) Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay Liquid Lipstick (See Price) Jump to Review Best Blue-Toned Red: MAC Original Lipstick at Nordstrom ($20) Jump to Review Best Overall Dior Liquid Lipstick Macy's View On Nordstrom $40 View On Sephora $47 View On Dior.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Pigment 5/5 Transfer Resistance 4/5 Wear 5/5 Pros It provides an amazing color payoff. This lipstick did not bleed or fade. It feels very comfortable on the lips. Cons It's one of the more expensive lipstick options we tried. Not only did this liquid lipstick provide a crisp, clean color payoff with zero bleed or fade, but it was also comfortable. That’s right — a matte liquid lip can actually feel good on your lips after hours of wear. Even after blotting firmly with a piece of tissue, the Dior Rouge Forever lipstick didn’t budge, and surprisingly, left behind almost no transfer at all. The color payoff was impressive and looked bright, with crisp lines around the lip that stayed vibrant throughout the testing process. Just one dip of the applicator into the frosted glass tube of the product was enough for a full, opaque coat. Perhaps the greatest praise a lipstick could earn: We simply felt more confident while wearing this lipstick. If there's one small drawback, this was one of the most expensive lipsticks we tried. Type: Liquid | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.2 ounces | Shade: Forever Dior People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Long-Wearing Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick Sephora View On Nordstrom $39 View On Sephora $39 View On Walmart $72 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Pigment 4.8/5 Transfer Resistance 4.7/5 Wear 5/5 Pros It provided a smooth, non-sticky application. It leaves a natural velvety finish. The lipstick felt soft and not overly dry. Cons The color transferred slightly on a paper cup. If we could use only one word to describe Pat McGrath’s Matte Trance Lipstick, it would be velvet. According to our tests, the texture wasn't sticky at all, went on smoothly, and didn't feel like it stuck to parts of the lips that were drier than others. Despite being a matte formula, this lipstick felt soft and not overly dry, while still feeling velvety, natural, and comfortable. There was a little bit of transfer of the lipstick onto the lip of the cup during the drinking and eating test, but not much. The tissue dabbing and snacking tests didn’t affect the color of the lipstick, though, and we were impressed by its performance. Even when we were blotting, it didn't feel like it was coming off — it just felt like it got rid of excess product or pigment. The all-day staying power didn’t compromise the lip feel, which was notably comfortable and not drying. Type: Bullet | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.14 ounces | Shade: Ellson People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples The 15 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Pigment Tarte Juicy Lipstick QVC View On QVC $24 View On Tartecosmetics.com $26 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Pigment 5/5 Transfer Resistance 4/5 Wear 4/5 Pros It feels very comfortable and lightweight. It gives a demi-shine finish to the lips. It still looked bold and bright after blotting. Cons Our tester's lip moisture decreased slightly after using this product. If a demi-shine, satiny finish is more your speed, then swipe on a coat of Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lipstick. This bullet lipstick gave one of the most impressive color-payoff performances that we tried in our labs and felt supremely comfortable without being too matte or too slippery. "This is a very comfortable lipstick that feels lightweight and not cakey at all,” commented PEOPLE associate editorial director Erin Johnson after applying one to two swipes of the Cherry shade. “It feels more like a chapstick or balm and is not heavy on my lips." The Tarte Maracuja lipstick did transfer slightly during the tissue blotting test but still looked “bold and bright” on Johnson’s lips, she noted. When testing moisture after wearing this product, Johnson's lip moisture had decreased slightly. Johnson also noted that the color payoff was so exceptional that it was actually too bright for her taste. So, if you’re looking for a very pigmented, comfortable red lip with a demi-matte finish, this one is a great option. Type: Lipstick-balm | Finish: Satin | Size: 0.07 ounces | Shade: Cherry People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Weightless Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Semi-Matte Lipstick Sephora View On Sephora $12 View On Ulta $20 View On Kohls.com $20 Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Pigment 5/5 Transfer Resistance 3/5 Wear 5/5 Pros It comes in refillable packaging. There was no bleeding or feathering, even without lip liner. Our lip moisture reading increased after applying this lipstick. Cons The product is scented, which may not be ideal for certain shoppers. After swiping on one coat of the Fenty Semi-Matte lipstick, we were instantly impressed with the color payoff and lightweight feel on the lips. It also made our lips feel more moisturized — 10 minutes after applying, our lip moisture increased. The smooth formula comes packaged in a refillable tube so that when you’re done using every last bit of your new favorite red lipstick, you can skip the waste and pick up a refill of the product. One of the more difficult aspects of achieving the best red lip is avoiding the dreaded bleeding and feathering of product at the edges of the mouth, but we found that the Fenty Semi-Matte didn’t bleed at all, even sans lip liner. The product does come scented, which can be a pro or con, depending on your personal preference. Type: Bullet | Finish: Semi-matte | Size: 0.14 ounces | Shade: MVP People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Liquid Makeup Forever Matte Liquid Lipstick Nordstrom View On Nordstrom $22 View On Sephora $25 View On Makeupforever.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Pigment 5/5 Transfer Resistance 4/5 Wear 4.5/5 Pros It's very easy to apply, and only one dip of the applicator outlined and filled our entire lip. It gives the lips a smooth, matte finish. It didn’t feel drying on the lips, despite a lower moisture reading. Cons The color transferred and feathered slightly. With a cleverly designed doe-foot applicator that hugs the contours of your lip with one curved end and fills your lips in with bright, punchy color with the other, this is one liquid lip that’s surprisingly easy to use. With just one dip of the applicator wand into the tube of product, we were able to outline and fill in the entire lip. The matte appearance was instantly smooth, even, and bold, confirming that the uber-pigmented lipstick is as saturated as it promises to be. This lipstick did transfer slightly, with a bit of feathering on the cupid’s bow and outer corners of the lips, but it was not very noticeable. While the moisture reading test did show that the lipstick left the lips slightly drier than they had been before application, we noted that the lipstick did not feel or look dry. Type: Liquid | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.17 ounces | Shade: Constantly On Fire People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples The 16 Best Lip Oils of 2024, Tested by Real People Best Refillable Guerlain Customizable Lipstick Sephora View On Nordstrom $36 View On Sephora $36 View On Guerlain.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Pigment 4.5/5 Transfer Resistance 4/5 Wear 4.5/5 Pros It comes in a travel-ready case with two compact mirrors. It feels lightweight and leaves a creamy finish. The pigment is great. Cons There was a slight transfer on a paper cup and a tissue, but the color remained intact. Packaged in a palm-sized, customizable tube comes one of the most comfortable lipsticks on the market. The Guerlain Rouge G Refillable Lipstick isn’t just a beautiful red lipstick; the lipstick bullet is compatible with a travel-ready case that opens to reveal two compact mirrors. The lipstick goes on incredibly lightweight and creamy and applies so easily that we’d feel comfortable applying it even without a mirror. It layers on very smoothly, almost like a lip balm, but thicker and with great pigment. We also noted that this creamy lipstick left a blurring effect that looked akin to the elusive, effortless French girl makeup look. Type: Bullet | Finish: Creamy | Size: 0.12 ounces | Shade: Brick Red People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Drugstore Maybelline SuperStay Liquid Lipstick Ulta View On Ulta View On Target $10 View On Walmart $8 Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Pigment 5/5 Transfer Resistance 4/5 Wear 5/5 Pros The color is long-lasting. It comes with a precise applicator tip. It layered well into a deep shade of crimson. Cons It left a slightly sticky finish. This lipstick proves that you don’t have to shell out the big bucks to achieve a sharp red lip. The Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink lipstick has a truly long-lasting matte finish. The applicator wand has a pointed tip for sharp application, making it easier to draw a crisp line around the edge of the lips. The Maybelline SuperStay really did exactly what it said it would do — it stayed. Even after eating, drinking, and licking our lips, no lipstick came off. The pigment layered well and was deep, rich, and moderately opaque. Though it had a slightly sticky finish, SuperStay’s long-lasting color and precise application tip make this matte lipstick worth a buy. Type: Liquid | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.17 ounces | Shade: Exhilarator People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples Best Blue-Toned Red MAC Original Lipstick View On Nordstrom $20 View On Walmart $37 View On Maccosmetics.com Our Ratings Comfort 4/5 Pigment 5/5 Transfer Resistance 4.5/5 Wear 4.5/5 Pros It was easy to apply. It provided beautiful color saturation. This is a true matte, but it's still creamy. Cons It can be a tiny bit drying on the lips. A blue-toned red is the key to a glamorous, true-red, crisp look, and the MAC Original Lipstick is one of the best out there. The rich formula glides on for a smooth layer of intense color, and the small bullet is easy to control with the fingers. After our testing, we finally see that the hype behind MAC's iconic Ruby Woo shade is real. It’s a gorgeous universal blue-toned true red that makes us feel glamorous from the first swipe. Though this is technically a matte lipstick, we found it to be very creamy and comfortable without settling into fine lines. This lipstick stood up to all of our tests, leaving a slight impression on the napkin but otherwise staying bright and intact on the lips. The one downside was that the formula could have been a bit more hydrating, but we otherwise loved this MAC lipstick. Type: Bullet | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.1 ounces | Shade: Ruby Woo People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples People / Tamara Staples The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Things to Consider Before Buying Red Lipstick Formula One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right red lipstick for you is your desired application method, which is highly dependent on the formula of the product. While bullet lipsticks with pointed tips might be easier for some to control, they can also dull over time and become slightly more difficult to apply. Liquid lipsticks, like the Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Longwear Liquid Lipstick, can create highly pigmented and precise lip looks but also require a steady hand for application. Finish The three main finishes that red lipsticks on the market offer are matte, satin, and glossy. Matte lipsticks often have superior staying power but are also more likely to feel drying on the lips. Glossy lipsticks can look gorgeous for a night out but might lead to more product transfer due to their sticky nature. Creamy satin lipsticks like our top pick, the Dior Rouge Forever red lipstick, are a great option for both their comfortable feel on the lips and impressive staying power. Price When it comes to finding a great red lipstick, you really don’t have to break the bank. “There are great formulas now available at pharmacies and affordable makeup brands that have just as much lasting power as the high-end lines,” says Rivero. We recommend the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick as the best drugstore lipstick. People / Tamara Staples How We Tested We tested 30 of the best red lipsticks for comfort, moisture level, ease of application, pigment, transfer resistance, and long-term wear. Moisture Level: We started by measuring the moisture level of our clean lips using a moisture reader. We then used a makeup wipe to clean the lips and remove any potential residue before going in with each red lipstick.Ease of Application: Once our lips were dry, we used small applicator brushes to dip into our red lipstick and then outline the edges of our lips. We then filled in the rest of the lip with the red lipstick, using the tip of the lipstick and following the natural shape of our lips. After giving the lipstick 10 minutes to dry and settle on the lips, we again measured the moisture level of our lips to compare to the original reading.Transfer Resistance: We then used tissues to blot our lips to see how much product was removed. We ate snacks and drank from a paper cup of water to see how well the lipstick lasted on the lips.Long-Term Wear: After snacking and drinking, we continued to wear our red lipstick without retouching it for the next 30 minutes. Each red lipstick was rated for its comfort, pigment, transfer resistance, and wear. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the best way to apply red lipstick? Rivero tells PEOPLE his step-by-step process for achieving the best red lip: “Start with the lip liner and create the shape and volume you want,” he says. If you don’t have a lip pencil handy, you can also use a small brush and dip it into your desired red lipstick, then carefully drag that along your lip line until you achieve your desired shape. If you want to make your red lipstick last extra long, Rivero recommends using a piece of tissue to blot the lips before applying red lipstick to them. How do I choose the right red lipstick shade for me? The best way to find the right red lipstick shade for you is to try them on — but if that’s not an option, Rivero recommends swatching them on your inner wrist. If you’re purchasing red lipstick online, think about the undertones of your skin and the red lipstick you're choosing. If you have warm-toned skin, lipsticks with more orangey undertones might be more complementary. If your skin has cooler undertones, a blue-toned lipstick, like the MAC Original Lipstick, might suit you best. Why Trust PEOPLE? Cai Cramer is a commerce writer covering the best products in beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle. For this article, she compared comfort, pigment, transfer resistance, wear, and tester insight to come up with this list of the best red lipsticks. She also tapped celebrity makeup artist Tomy Rivero for advice on what to look for in a great red lipstick. Meet Our Expert Tomy Rivero is a celebrity makeup artist who’s glammed stars like Kristen Bell and Tracee Ellis Ross. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. The 10 Best Eyeliners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed