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1
The matte red
Prada Hyper Matte Lipstick in Fuoco
1
The matte red
Prada Hyper Matte Lipstick in Fuoco
Prada's move into make-up was one of the biggest beauty moments of 2023, offering up bold, off-kilter shades for eyes and lips that chime with the house's subversive stance on femininity.
That's not to say you can't find a killer classic in the line-up, though: this Hyper Matte lipstick lives up to its name, delivering the boldest, brightest neutral red that lasts for hours without drying or flaking. Employ a lip liner first to ensure the sharpest finish.
2
The luxe red
Hermès Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rouge Cinétique
2
The luxe red
Hermès Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rouge Cinétique
This season, Hermès has added a trio of limited-edition shades to its coveted lipstick line, each one saturated in bold, joy-inducing pigment. Rouge Cinétique is the classic true red, as moisturising as it is vibrant. The finish is matte yet light, and the refillable Pierre Hardy-designed case is really the icing on the cake.
3
The cool Parisian red
Byredo Liquid Lipstick Matte
3
The cool Parisian red
Byredo Liquid Lipstick Matte
At Byredo, make-up artist Lucia Pica's latest lesson in colour is a line of creamy-yet-matte lipsticks, which span the spectrum from brown-toned nudes to blackened blood red. For the traditionalists, Red Coma is the ultimate true red, which delivers maximum impact whether drawn on neatly via the wand or pressed and blurred lightly onto lips.
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4
The old Hollywood red
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipstick In Ribbon
4
The old Hollywood red
Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipstick In Ribbon
No-one has a deeper understanding of the rich history of make-up than Lisa Eldridge, and her love for old Hollywood shines through in these suede-like lipsticks. They're likely the most intensely saturated formula on the market, and manage to look plush and velvety without falling flat, or cracking on dry lips. Ribbon is the blue-toned red that everyone should try.
5
The volumising red
L'Oreal Paris Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Rouge Determinance
5
The volumising red
L'Oreal Paris Intense Volume Matte Lipstick in Rouge Determinance
Trust me: L'Oreal's 'volumising matte' lipsticks are not just 'great for their price' – they easily compete with the spendiest options out there.
Completely unlike any other formula in the matte realm, this one feels incredibly light and skims over fine lines to leave behind a vivid yet ever-so-slightly sheer veil of colour. Your lips will look hydrated, smoothed and (yes, really) properly plumped.
6
The brick red
M.A.C Matte Lipstick in Marrakech
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The brick red
M.A.C Matte Lipstick in Marrakech
Now 63% Off
This is one I was introduced to via iconic make-up artist Terry Barber: and trust me, no-one knows colour quite like him. He describes his favourite from the sprawling MAC line-up as 'a 1990's classic that has come full circle: a cooler, more street version of a classic cherry red with spicy undertones.'
'My first memory of colours like this was in the early to mid 90s when Dick Page did make-up for designers like Helmut Lang' he adds. 'Foundation got taken off, models had very scrubbed faces and bricky red lips – I love that glamour moment.'
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7
The vegan red
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in Red 0
7
The vegan red
Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High Intensity Refillable Lipstick in Red 0
Vegan make-up has come a long way in recent years, but red lipsticks that pack a proper punch remain elusive, due to the fact most rely on animal-derived carmine for the pigment.
Hourglass, however, has mastered it: this is a vegan-friendly red with absolutely no compromise: it's opaque, glossy, and comes in the brand's chic refillable case.
8
The liquid red
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid in 999
8
The liquid red
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid in 999
Liquid lipsticks undeniably last a lot longer than a traditional cream bullet, but it's also true that most of them are pretty uncomfortable to wear, with a tendency to crack and flake.Dior, however, has mastered it with this light and hydrating formula.
The trick is to apply a balm beneath, then swipe on a light layer only: the pigment is potent, so will look bright and opaque. As for the shade? It has to be 999, AKA the ultimate true red.
9
The red lip palette
Westman Atelier Lip Suede in Les Rouges
9
The red lip palette
Westman Atelier Lip Suede in Les Rouges
Gucci Westman knows exactly how to make an editorial red lip into an everyday proposition. These brilliantly unique lip creams blur over the skin to create that soft-focus, fuzzy-edged effect that always looks so cool.
Don't let the hydrating texture fool you: these shades are seriously pigmented. Try building up the colour at the centre of your lips, letting the edges fade softly for a just-been-kissed effect.
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10
The balmy red
Tata Harper Lip Creme in Juicy
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The balmy red
Tata Harper Lip Creme in Juicy
Now 12% Off
This one technically isn't a lipstick, but for anyone looking to add a sheer hint of colour into their make-up look, it's the best thing out there.
Tata Harper's recently launched tinted balms are every bit as indulgent as you'd likely expect from the queen of natural skin nourishers: the texture is oil-rich and instantly comforting, while the red pigment is glossy enough to make lips look bigger with minimal effort. And the scent? If you're familiar with Harper's botanical skincare, you know you're in for a treat.
11
The gift-worthy red
Chanel 31 Le Rouge Satin Lipstick in Rouge Premier
11
The gift-worthy red
Chanel 31 Le Rouge Satin Lipstick in Rouge Premier
Of course, any Chanel lipstick would make a well-received gift, but the house's newly launched 31 Le Rouge collection really takes thing up a notch or two.
These satin-shine bullets are infused with gardenia oil for lasting softness, and come encased in a weighty, faceted glass case inspired by the mirror-lined staircase of Gabrielle Chanel's Rue Cambon apartment. The case comes housed in its own quilted pouch, and is designed to be kept and refilled for years to come.
12
The vinyl red
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Red Hot
12
The vinyl red
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Red Hot
Maybelline's new Vinyl Ink lipstick is destined for those big nights out. Combining a latex-style gloss with impressive staying power, the result is a seriously pigmented, ridiculously shiny red lip that sticks around from the first drink to the last dance. Think all-out, Robert Palmer video glamour that feels, frankly, very appealing right now.
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