Want to look ultra-chic in seconds? Swipe on a red lipstick and it will literally transform you from girl next door to glamour puss in record speed. A red lip is a classic head-turner, a surefire way to get you noticed, boost your confidence, and make you feel all grown up. Caroline Barnes, make-up artist extraordinaire, says, “everyone can wear a Hollywood red.”
Thanks to its allure, it has timeless appeal whether you’re 20 or 60 years old, but there’s a lot to think about when you’re choosing ‘the one’, such as skin tone, colour, and finish. Even your skin’s texture should be considered, “a red lip can pull out all the red in your skin and face, so if you suffer from pigmentation or bleary red eyes, suitably prepping and shading your skin is a must.”
Not sure where to start? We’ve chosen our all-time favourite statement lipsticks to rock this Valentine’s Day and beyond.
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £14
A cult classic that has a global following with almost 500,000 tags on Instagram. Need we say more?
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Red Carpet Red, £27
A true ruby-red hue with a matte finish that never feels drying.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour, £17.60
The perfect universal red that lasts forever and suits every skin tone.
Ilia Color Block Lipstick in Grenadine, £27
A soft coral red with warm undertones that lift pale complexions.
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour, £26
Intense colour, creamy texture, matte finish but without the flatness.
Trish McEvoy Veil Lip Color in Wild Rose, £27
A bright pillar box red that adds punch to warm skin tones.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick in Posh, £37
A pure cherry red that leaves a buttery shine and moisturised lips.
Jones Road The Lip Tint in Ruby, £26
A hydrating dose of red that is suitable for everyday wear.
NARS PowerMatte Lipstick in Feel My Fire, £22.10
Rock a red lip with a hint of orange. This won’t budge until removed. A makeup artist favourite as revealed Celebrity Make-Up Artist Katie Jane Hughes Shares Three Looks For The Party Season
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Fatal Red, £8.45
An everyday red with a creamy satiny finish that won’t break the bank!
Westman Atelier Lip Suede in Les Rouges, £78
Customise your red with this palette that leaves a unique colour every time.
Guerlain 16HR Wear Velvet Metal Lipstick in Flame Red, £27.20
A sensual orangey red housed in refillable packaging and interchangeable cases.
Armani Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in 400, £28.05
This hot red tomato shade looks incredible against blonde hair.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in The Bold, £27.20
A buildable and glossy pure red shade that delivers colour wow.
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick in Beat, £29.75
An ultra-hydrating, orangey-red hue that leaves a colourful sheen on lips.
Vieve Modern Matte Lipstick in Muse, £21
Super moisturising formula that leaves a beautiful blood-stained pout.
Dior Rouge Dior in 999, £30.60
An iconic rich red that comes in four different finishes.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice, £3.99
Giving women a bold bright lip since its launch in 1952!
Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance Lipstick in Forbidden Love, £36
A creamy matte lip colour that compliments all skin tones.
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in Red 0, £39
A brilliantly bright creamy red that guarantees to turn heads.
for more valentine’s beauty, check out our february beauty thrills
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some of the products purchased through affiliate links.
