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Red lipsticks are not just super romantic and sexy, but give off some serious girl boss vibes too! The confidence and sexiness that a red lipstick lends are truly unmatched. And to find that shade of red that suits your skin tone and budget is a true find. So, if your search is still on, check out our list which includes everything from classic reds to contemporary shades ones, and from high-end options ones to affordable, budget-friendly picks ones. We bet they’ll leave you (and your that special someone) swooning!
1. Ruby Woo by MAC
We have to kick off this list with the iconic Ruby Woo. A blue-based red lipstick, it somehow manages to suit all skin tones! Its OG retro matte formula promises delivers a highly pigmented, matte outcome finish. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, Janet Jackson and, Rihanna have all worn this stunning shade. In fact, Rihanna was so obsessed with it that she even partnered with the brand for her own limited-edition version of this called Riri Woo in 2013. The great thing about Ruby Woo is that now it also comes in different textures and formulas like the Powder Kiss and Powder Kiss Liquid Lipstick. So, you can take your pick.
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2. Rouge Dior 999 by Dior
Believe it or not, this lip colour first made its debut at Dior’s fashion show in 1953 and is still just as well-loved, if not more, seven decades later! The 999 is a gorgeous, gorgeous neutral-toned classic red. It comes in four finishes — matte, satin, metallic and velvet! What’s more? And guess what – Everyone from Natalie Portman to Bella Hadid has flaunted this stunning shade.
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3. Scarlett O'Hara from Matte As Hell by SUGAR Cosmetics
The Matte As Hell range from SUGAR is one of its bestselling lipstick collections and this particular red shade is quite the hit. Said to be similar to an exact dupe for MAC’s Ruby Woo, this pretty shade suits almost all skin tones. It is easy to swipe on with its crayon- style formulation and packaging, and has a matte finish which is non-drying and long-lasting.
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4. #220 Ambitious from Superstay Matte Ink by Maybelline
A fiery red with the slightest hint of orange, this is a great mask-proof, budge-proof, everything-proof red lip option! It does take a little while to dry down, but once it does, there’s no smearing or feathering whatsoever. Its pointed doe-foot applicator works well for precise application and the lipstick even has an appealing vanilla scent that lingers on. Perfect for those long smoochies!
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5. Cruella velvet matte lip pencil by NARS
Prefer something a tad darker? Then try this one. A dark red lip shade with cool, blue undertones and a matte finish, this suits Indian skin tones beautifully. Don’t believe us? Check out Deepika Padukone looking every bit the bombshell as she flaunted it at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
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6. Shade 99 (Pirate) from Rouge Allure by Chanel
Did you know this iconic shade was formulated to imitate the same shade of red that Coco Chanel wore?! And while this range from Chanel has been a celebrity favourite forever, this attractive crimson shade is also powerhouse actress and fashion icon, Lupita Nyong’o’s pick. A very cool-toned, dark red with a luminous finish, this pretty red pops beautifully against her skin tone.
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7. Russian Red by MAC
Another hit from MAC, this is a rich, medium-dark red with subtle, blue undertones and a creamy matte finish. Not many know that this shade was, in fact, tailor-made specifically for Madonna for during her ‘Blonde Ambition’ world tour in 1990. The Queen of Pop wanted a reliable lipstick that would stay with her throughout her energetic performances! It’s also been a favourite with celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Lopez and Anne Hathaway, who even wore the shade onscreen in The Devil Wears Prada.
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8. Bawse from Always On by Smashbox
In a partnership with Smashbox, Lilly Singh, the Indo-Canadian YouTube sensation, created this sensational fire-engine red shade, which is perfectly suited to Indian skin tones. It’s got a whipped mousse texture and once dry, it is totally transfer-proof. It comes in a liquid formula as well as a bullet one, so take your pick.
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9. Single Ladies from Matte To Last by Nykaa
Janhvi Kapoor, in an Instagram post, claimed she’s “obsessed with these metallic shades” from Nykaa and especially loves this red one. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Christmas or any other festive occasion time, this reflective, metallic red is a total showstopper.
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Photo: Featured Brands