A Comprehensive Guide to Finding the Perfect Red Lip This Fall

By: Lizzy Calvo

Red Lipstick shot by Elizabeth Gelber for MWAH Collective

As the weather turns colder, red has once again made a comeback, re-entering wardrobes and inspo boards alike. But one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to add the color to your look may be often overlooked: the red lip.

According to social media, professional makeup artists, and my personal collection, here are the six best red lipsticks money can buy, considering shade, sheerness, price point, and durability.

1. MAC Cosmetics, M·A·CXIMAL SILKY MATTE LIPSTICK, Russian Red

For a classic shade of matte red lipstick, MAC is the best place to start. A Rockette first recommended the shade "Russian Red" to me through social media, and it's the perfect mix of bright and bold to achieve a timeless feminine look. It does wear and smudge because it's a standard lipstick product. But when set with translucent powder, it lasts all night long. It retails for $25 and is available both online and in MAC, Macy’s, and Ulta stores.

2. Fenty Beauty, Glass Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick, The MVP

Similar in shade to the MAC cosmetics lipstick, Fenty Beauty’s version is sheer and glossy. Recommended by the director of Hair &? Makeup for University Girl Magazine, Kelsey Aberbach, this product portrays confidence and is easily buildable, allowing for varying wearability. Because of its sheer nature, it's not as long-lasting as some of the others on this list, but is a flaeless choice for those who want to add more color to their look while having the option to wear it more lightly. It also retails for $25, and is available online and in-stores at Ulta.

3. Les Filles En Rouje, Semi-Matte Lipstick, Camille

When it comes to achieving the “French girl red lip,” this is THE product. It's a bright red with slightly pink undertones, creating a more natural look. The lipstick comes recommended by @thebrontemarie on TikTok, a makeup artist who tried out different brands of reds to find the perfect shade for her wedding. Camille has a matte finish, but is still quite smeary. For a clean look, setting the lipstick with powder is a helpful option, similar to the MAC, or some slight smudging will contribute to the French look (if that's your goal). The most expensive of the bunch, it comes in at $38, and is available online through the Les Filles En Rouje website or through Anthropologie.

4. Clinique, Almost Lipstick, Black Honey

If you’re looking for a darker wine-toned red, then this is the lipstick for you. Black Honey went viral on TikTok earlier this year, making it harder to find, but it’s now more widely available in stores that carry Clinique products. Like Fenty Beauty’s lipstick, this sheer pigment is easily buildable. The texture is buttery soft and has a moisturizing effect, similar to a tinted chapstick. It retails for $25 and is available online and in-store at Ulta.

5. L’Oreal Paris, Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick, 203 Le Rouge Avant-garde

For a more affordable option, this is an amazing choice. It's a bit darker and blue-toned compared with some of the other options on the list, but has a beautiful warm shade and matte finish. Recommended by makeup artist and beauty creator ryanbaileypotter on TikTok, this red lipstick finds a stunning balance between bold and laid back. It retails for $9.99 and is available online and in stores at Target, and at other drugstores.

6. Lip Lingerie XXL Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick, fire red

Another option on the affordable side, this liquid lipstick is a great fit for those who don’t want to risk smudging. It's a bright warm color with a dry matte finish. From my experience, I can attest that once you put this on it won’t come off, for better or worse. I recommend taking it off with an oil-based makeup remover, which works like a charm. It retails for $10, and is available at most drugstores, and at Ulta.

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