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MAC Ruby Woo, Chanel Pirate, Dior 999, Gucci Goldie Red—these aren’t just red lipsticks, they’re icons. And much like your favorite perfume, you don’t just wear a red lip. You live it, own it, and love it. The power of a red lipstick cannot be understated—a simple swipe of crimson or cerise has the ability to transform any look. Whether you’re taking cues from French girl glam or simply want to make your pout pop, there are many ways to sport the hue.
Vogue’s Favorite Red Lipsticks
- Best Iconic Red: Dior Rouge Forever in 999 Forever Dior, $47
- Best Creamy: Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick in 500 Odalie Red, $47
- Best Drugstore: Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor in 50 Wicked, $10
- Best Balm: Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm in Pipsqueak, $38
- Best Deep Red: Fara Homidi Essential Lip Compact in Red 2, $88
- Best Gloss: Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Red 0, $38
Vogue editors are no stranger to red lipsticks. Lilah Ramzi, editor and contributor, famously only wears one hue—a Gucci red she’s waxed poetic about on numerous occasions. Beauty editor-at-large Arden Fanning Andrews, on the other hand, pulls out a red lipstick only on special occasions—specifically, Dior 999 pencil that she says stays on all night. Myself, on the other hand, am still on my red lipstick journey—but stumbled upon what might just be the perfect glossy hue in a recent beauty launch.
Eager to know more of our favorites? Read on the learn about the red lipsticks 17 Vogue editors swear by—from Dior, Gucci, Fenty Beauty, and more.
Molly Barstein, audience development associate manager
My go-to red lipstick is Rouge Dior in the shade 846 Concorde. I used to be intimidated by red, but once I learned to tap the product vs. glide it on my lips my whole outlook changed. This technique gives me the perfect “did she apply lipstick or did she drink a glass of red wine stain” that I love.
Willow Lindley, fashion market and collaborations director
I’m obsessed with all things Westman Atelier and this is my favorite red lip product—the perfect shade, light but highly pigmented.
Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
I don’t wear a bold lip in the day, but when I do want that striking pop of color for the evening, I love Sisley-Paris’s Phyto-Rouge Shine lipstick in Sheer Cherry. The formula has a balm-like texture, making it super hydrating and easy to apply. A staple I own in various shades!
Lilah Ramzi, contributor
Searching for the perfect red-orange lipstick that’s not too orange? Look no further. I swear by this shade and have decommissioned every other red in my collection.
Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
Dare I say this duo has made me a red lipstick convert? Thank you to the Hourglass gods who sent me the latest lip launches. The Satin Creme Lipstick is a comfortable wear, and a rich almost burgundy hue that pairs well with my go-to lip liner (read: Chestnut by MAC). To amp it up a bit, I added a layer of the brand’s Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in shade Thrill. Obsessed.
Mai Morsch, fashion editor
I am a huge fan of Fara Homidi’s makeup line and her super chic lip compact is no exception. I have the “Red 2” shade, which is the perfect statement for my very pale complexion. Pair it with her liner and you’re set for the night.
Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Glossy and long-wear typically don't go together. But this Maybelline (yes, drugstore!) lipstick gets me so many compliments—from early morning meeting to nighttime dinner, with just one application.
Lea Donenberg, associate producer
Look no further for the best redhead-friendly red lip: Goldie Red by Gucci is a staple for when I am on day three, slick back hair and can’t be bothered to do a full glam—it still has me feeling put-together every time. And as I learned from Jessica Chastain’s beauty secrets video, dabbing a few dots on the cheek for a natural flush goes a long way.
Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor-at-large
When people ask how my red lip stays on all night I pull out this Dior 999 pencil that fits in the tiniest bag (or pocket of my leather jacket, my wearable purse) every time. It doesn’t get on my teeth or bleed all over my face so I actually trust it for events where someone else is handling a photo edit! I recently topped it with Burberry Kisses Matte Lipstick in The Red and the shades and texture together really work!
Alexandra Ditch, associate producer
When I opt for a bold red lip, I need to feel confident that the color will stay in place until I wash it off. YSL’s Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream lip stain is always up for the task—although it has an ultra smooth texture and is very highly pigmented, the matte finish doesn’t budge. It’s perfectly paired with a Precision Lip Liner by NARS… You’ll thank me later!
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Sam Ravin, creative development senior associate
Look no further for the most creamy, hydrating, and ultra-pigmented lipstick in that perfect candy apple red we've all seen trending this season. Plus, it has a satiny shine to it so you won’t even need a gloss.
Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator
I rarely wear a red lip but when I do it’s the Merit signature lip in the shade Tiger. It’s such a subtle red that I'm not intimidated by applying the lipstick perfectly. Plus I get compliments every time I wear it so that must be a good sign.
Taylor Anderson, social media associate manager
I have never been able to truly master the red lip look until now. I was recently gifted a YSL’s Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick Hydrating Lipstick Balm in shade Corail Dolman from a friend and haven’t looked back. The application process is so easy and seamless, perfect if you’re a beginner like me!
Aurelie Pellissier Roman, global design director
Most of Serge Lutens makeup are my all time favorites. His lipsticks are really amazing, they really last on the lips and are highly pigmented. His matte reds are so beautiful, I get the perfect shade mixing shades M1 and M3. The little octagonal metallic tube is the prettiest I’ve seen, it’s the perfect size for a tiny bag—and best of all, it’s refillable.
Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director
After years of not wearing makeup at all, Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick became my gateway. It’s richly pigmented with the perfect matte finish, and as far as reds go, American Doll is it.
Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
I’m a dedicated MAC Russian Red fan! It’s a slightly cooler, deeper red than the classic Ruby Woo (which I also love) and is better suited to my cool undertones. Jeans and a white tee with a red lip is an unbeatable combo—it instantly levels up a simple outfit with a sexy touch.
Emma Specter, culture writer
I love Rouge Dior Forever Liquid in the 999 Forever Dior shade; it’s lightweight and liquid enough not to get dry or cracked, but it also doesn’t get on my teeth too much, which is what generally happens to me with lip gloss/paint/oil—and really, is there any quicker way to undercut the glam potential of a classic red lip without getting some on your front incisor?
