As beauty editors, it should come as no surprise that we’re constantly hoarding new shades of lipstick. Although it’s fun to keep a rotation of colors (from pink and brown all the way to red), there’s one shade we always come back to—a deep, rich red. A bold lip shade like this one can really take your makeup from zero to 100 in a minute. It instantly polishes a look up and looks good on every single skin tone. It’s also equal parts dramatic, vampy, powerful, and feminine. If you’re curious about which dark red lipsticks we reach for most, keep scrolling. The Who What Wear beauty team is sharing all their favorites ahead.
This is one of the most comfortable lipsticks I own. Although it does have a bit of a brown undertone to it, I love the satin finish and how the shade is extremely buildable. Additionally, it offers the benefits of a hydrating lip balm with squalane, sunflower seed oil, papaya fruit extract, and raspberry oil.
“Normally, I opt for a true red when I want to wear red lipstick. If I want something a little deeper, however, I reach for this burgundy shade from Glossier’s new liquid lipstick line. It’s still super wearable but has a little bit more depth to it than my typical red. I wore this to the Eras tour and have never gotten so many compliments on a lip color—it’s really flattering. Plus, it’s comfortable and doesn’t flake, so I only had to reapply once during Taylor’s set.” — Katie Berohn, beauty editor
“I swear, the color of this lipstick calls to me like a siren song. It was formulated to look like a crimson rose petal, so it’s deep and dark, and pretty much perfect. Sometimes I’ll apply one swipe and blend it out with my fingers for a light wash of color. Other times I’ll layer it until it’s bold and opaque. Either way, it creates the prettiest effect. It does dry out my lips if I wear it long enough, but the color is well worth it in my opinion.” — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor
This liquid lipstick is so easy to apply thanks to its applicator and smooth formula. The super-saturated lip color lasts for 16 hours, so you don’t have to worry about smudging or having to touch it up throughout the day.
“This dark-red color is the perfect French girl take on matte lipstick. The wine-stained color is bold yet effortless, and the formula feels incredibly comfortable on the lips, unlike other matte lipsticks I’ve tried. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it.” — McLintock
Associate beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock in Milani’s Color Statement Lipstick.
“I’ve been a fan of Milani lipsticks for years. They’re super creamy and blendable, they deposit bold color, and they never dry out my lips. Plus, they’re super budget-friendly.” — McLintock
“I’ve never been one to naturally gravitate towards highly pigmented red lipstick shades, but when I do, there’s a good chance it promises a smooth, satin finish with a weightless feel. Kosas’ Weightless Lip Color Nourishing Satin Lipstick in Deep Talks in has been at the top of my “to try” list for a while because it’s packed with all of the nourishing ingredients I love (mango butter, cocoa butter, and rosehip oil), while also offering all day hydration. Its neutral brick red shade is also extremely flattering on all skin tones.” — Maya Thomas, assistant beauty editor
“It’s no secret that I’ve been a longtime fan of Rose Inc’s incredible line of products, including their ultra-hydrating lipsticks. The shade Poised stands out to me the most, a deep brick color that I can imagine myself wearing all fall long. The lipsticks are incredibly hydrating and longwearing, with a unique formula powered by a medley of swertia chirata extract, hyaluronic acid, and most surprisingly, mustard sprouts to keep the lips looking full.” — Thomas
This lip stain has a velvety, matte finish. The shade is a deep red with a hint of wine for extra vibrance. It also has a creamy texture and applies really beautifully.
Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry isn’t just your average red. It’s a deep burgundy wine color that works perfectly for fall or any time you want to add extra vibrance to a look.
“I’m obsessed with all of the Lisa Eldridge reds and her dark reds in particular,” celebrity makeup artist Quinn Murphy says. “Velvet Myth is an unapologetic blackened red. It’s deep, rich, and smooth. It’s a balanced blue-red but not too cool that is gets vampy. It’s very universal.”
For a luxe velvet look, Shiseido’s matte lipstick will do the trick. The product doesn’t feel too heavy and it gives your lips a bit of an airbrushed look.
