![Best Dark Red Lipsticks](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/i7rES0yn0FCLRleFsXWb7MgK3gs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-dark-red-lipsticks-primary-56e5ee0315114dd78c537cc91335511c.jpg)
Byrdie / Lecia Landis
You can quote me: red lipstick will always be in a league of its own. Everyone should own at least one, and it's one of the few beauty trends that will forever be timeless and elegant. I shamelessly own over 200 red lipsticks (yes, I have a problem), but the beauty of my collection is that each and every shade is different. More than half of my collection falls into the category of a "dark" red, and I mean it when I say these rich, pigmented colors look good on everyone. A deep red will take your makeup look to the next level and steal the show. Trust me.
There is a red lipstick for everyone, but we are here to highlight the shades that are universally flattering. The reds that look good on all skin tones and all people, all the time. The reads that will turn heads. Ok, you get the point.
From drugstore gems to luxury picks worth your pennies, keep scrolling for the best dark red lipsticks you need, like now.
Best Overall
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
![Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/TunXUjS-e6zF9kskBagWVSeO13w=/fit-in/1500x999/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Pat-McGrath-MatteTrance-Lipstick-2adf786a01f74d7a9a83406fbf6339f9.jpg)
Sephora
Richly pigmented
Lightweight
Very modern look
Product dries up fast
Who else recommends it? Cosmopolitan and Allure both picked the Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick.
What do buyers say? 2,300+ Pat McGrath reviewers rated it 5 stars.
Meet one of my favorite reds of all time made by the one and only, Pat McGrath. When I tell you this sultry shade looks incredible on all skin tones, believe me. It was formulated with the fairest of fair and the richest of rich skin in mind, and we personally think they can consider it a success. Plus, a burst of color shows up in just one glide, make application easy and simple. The lip itself is long wear, and touch ups are far and few, but layer nicely on the lip with no uncomfortable or cakey feeling.
Price at time of publish: $53
Shades: 28 | Size: 0.14 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
![Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/grN2PyvrzfHU5SSwAxMXzNKnlwI=/fit-in/1500x1566/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MaybellineSuperStayMatteInkLipColor-5c489aa346e0fb0001ff0da7.jpg)
Ulta
Lasts up to 16 hours
Easy to apply
No transfer formula
Slightly sticky in feel
This drugstore gem of a lipstick is loved by celebrity makeup artists for a reason: it works. The brick-red shade gives us winter vibes, but when the look calls for it, this lip can be rocked year-round. It has 16-hour wear, but is easily removed when need be. The best part of it all? It's affordable.
Price at time of publish: $11
Shades: 36 | Size: 0.17 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Splurge
Tom Ford Lip Color Matte
![Tom Ford Lip Color Matte in Velvet Cherry](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/xU_hFFKICaf2tm51TLKFQWXEPEI=/fit-in/1500x819/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2019-10-29at12.50.00PM-af1917ab89ee401b8caa98db7ae0a466.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
Luxurious feel
Sophisticated look
Long-lasting
Pricey
If you're looking to splurge and invest in a great lipstick, this one is for you. Trust that Tom Ford knows how to make a good red—this one screams "independent woman," in my opinion. The matte lip is a long-wear formula packed with Vitamin C and E for a comfortable wear.
Shades: 11 | Size: 0.1 oz. | Finish: Velvet-Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Matte
Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick
![Smashbox Always on Matte Liquid Lipstick in Disorderly](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/d2IrjpfwBl1FD5ROfCszzKDAUpI=/fit-in/1500x819/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2019-10-29at12.18.02PM-c40ed7b26d7d4b839215d61efbd105e8.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
Waterproof
Weightless
Has staying power
Product dries out too fast
I'm such a fan of this collection of matte shades from Smashbox because they stay on without completely drying out your lips, which is quite honestly magic. If you want your lips to be the star of the show, reach for this red.
Shades: 22 | Size: 0.13 oz. | Finish: Metallic | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Liquid
KVD Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick
![Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Mother](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/t_5shh3TH7AGhB99KheReHflaX0=/fit-in/1500x790/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2019-10-08at11.48.32AM-5b68af8e70ba4cff865e3e4945d177a6.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
All-day wear
Very saturated coverage
Conditions the lips
Messy applicator
If there is one thing Kat Von D's lipsticks are known for, it's their long wear. These things could stay on for days (or so it feels). In the 42-shade lineup, this deep crimson color stands out from the pack. The liquid formula is vegan and cruelty free as well, for a guilt-free wear.
Shades: 15 | Size: 0.22 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Crayon
Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick
![](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/TSO5Be0qX9w1S-ZinKx8II0g-8I=/fit-in/1500x700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__268346__best-dark-red-lipsticks-268346-1537565521343-main.700x0c-e117584b958e44d5a040d62e08ad7859.jpg)
Creates softness
Full-coverage shades
Defines and fills in one seamless stroke
Feels too thick to some
Lip crayons are my favorite because they take things back to the basics. You can pop this in your bag and know you have a pretty, brown-based red readily available at all times for a quick slay. Despite its matte appearance, this crayon in particular is a creamy formula that sits comfortably on the lips.
Price at time of publish: $30
Shades: 11 | Size: 0.035 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Fall
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick
![Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Insanity](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/3OfkpSSE3NK04g7dT_gRyGeevJ4=/fit-in/1500x5092/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/91d36f92-0ada-49c5-9ec8-0413eb4f3555-7f17ff79806f4bffa49e3017c1b4cbc4.jpeg)
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Vegan
High-impact color
Highly hydrating
Less color choices now
Packaging could be easier to close
If you don't own an Urban Decay lipstick, you... should. This line offers a rainbow of stunning shades, but I always find myself going back to Bad Blood when fall foliage hits. It's a true red, if you will with a moisturizing and vibrant finish and vegan formula.
Price at time of publish: $19
Shades: 35 | Size: 0.11 oz. | Finish: Creamy Matte, Creamiest Matte, Super Intense Matte, Metallic | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Winter
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color
![Crushed Lip Color Grenadine 0.17 oz/ 5 mL](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/QWRViWwfV4KWNnMFyYMHENVcOEk=/fit-in/1500x700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__268346__best-dark-red-lipsticks-268346-1537565527651-main.700x0c-bb8dd94708ce4b16a0207b1b038c429f.jpg)
Delivers a just-kissed stain effect
High color payoff
Rich in vitamins C and E
Waxy feel
This gorgeous cherry shade toes the line between a true berry and deep red hue. With moisturizing benefits of a balm, it'll help keep your lips hydrated for hours.
Price at time of publish: $32
Shades: 21 | Size: 0.12 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Plumping
Sisley Le Phyto Rouge Lipstick
![Sisley Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick in Rouge Miami](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/hrNzm05G5Ks69rYgtZo7Hsklcm0=/fit-in/1500x5092/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/e919ea16-a621-4bb6-a8d5-6b76e0c9589a-1567a8bb33d44a6cb9583227c7c6904f.jpeg)
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Ultra-silky texture
Buildable coverage
Very comforting
Pricey
Low staying power
This vibrant red, loved by Byrdie Editorial Director Faith Xue, is your next best secret to the perfect selfie. The formula is full of hyaluronic acid and konjac microspheres, so it has serious lip-plumping powers.
Price at time of publish: $36
Shades: 24 | Size: 0.12 oz. | Finish: Luminous Satin | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dry Lips
Flesh Beauty Strong Flesh Lipstick
![Flesh Beauty Strong Flesh Lipstick](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/sWqQ_0Lzo_zADxTFcCOqlNKUyo0=/fit-in/1500x700/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cdn.cliqueinc.com__cache__posts__268346__best-dark-red-lipsticks-268346-1537565507822-main.700x0c-94e0a8d0dcc24e14b0b02904d4e3341b.jpg)
True to color
Buttery feel
Magnetic packaging
May transfer a bit
You might as well call me Flesh Beauty's biggest fan because I can't stop talking about the line. This hydrating lipstick will comfort chapped, dry lips with its balm-like texture. This stunning deep red will make you feel like a bona fide badass.
Price at time of publish: $18 for pack of 2
Shades: 9 | Size: 0.12 oz. | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Bawse Lady
![The Lip Bar](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/Frv6nZadsYD-RRAwNrBirqEYbjM=/fit-in/1500x720/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/matte_bawse_lady_720x-6ec1c869b66e4829bc90afca0ca70c02.jpg)
Budget-friendly
Feels like gloss
Vegan
Can be a bit streaky
This vegan, budget-friendly brand does not disappoint when it comes to lipsticks that consistently deliver in the shade category. This ruddy red feels like a gloss at first then settles into your lips with its matte texture.
Price at time of publish: $13
Shades: 17 | Size: 0.24 oz. | Finish: Liquid Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Deep Skin
MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
![mac lipstick in ruby woo](https://www.byrdie.com/thmb/8BTBlCqiwpvQphWyuugUcnGMkOc=/fit-in/1500x875/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8810983_fpx-c82549e060de4a518626124cc63fc612.jpg)
Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
Gorgeous intense colors
Works on darker skin tones
Velvety look
Can stain a bit
MAC has always been known for the most intensely gorgeous color payoff. Sin is a rich red shade popular among women of color for enhancing our deep skin tones. The matte formula gives the lips a perfect velvet look.
Price at time of publish: $21
Shades: 32 | Size: 0.1 oz. | Finish: Creamy Matte | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"Every single time I put Ruby Woo on, I feel confident and amazing. It’s that hero product I can use when I don’t want to put too much makeup on but want to look put together. Its matte finish and zero shine is the exact texture and finish I love, and the lipstick won’t budge unless you fidget with your lips too much or eat something greasy and messy." — Khera Alexander, Product Tester
What to Look For in a Dark Red Lipstick
Undertones
While these lipsticks are meant to look universally good on everyone, it's still important to understand and know your undertones when honing in on the perfect red for you. For those with cool undertones, a lipstick with purple or blue hues will suit your skin best. For those with warm undertones, a lipstick with red or orange hues is the route to go. And for those with neutral undertones, lucky you—a wide spectrum of colors will suit you perfectly.
Formula
Understanding what formula wears best on your lips is another piece of the puzzle in finding the perfect lipstick. If you tend to have dry or dehydrated lips, finding a creamy moisturizing formula will help keep your lips looking supple and luscious. If you're going for a matte look, a matte velvet lip is the choice for you.
Ingredients
Just like any makeup or skincare product, understanding what ingredients work for you is important. For starters, if you have certain restrictions and want to wear only vegan and/or cruelty-free products, knowing what ingredients to avoid is important (in this case, carmine, beeswax, and lanolin would be the top three to flag). Beeswax in particular can also be a skin irritant to some with sensitive skin, so all that is to say, read and understand the ingredient lists before purchasing.