When it comes to lipstick colours nothing beats a timeless red hue. One of the beauty world’s most classic trends, red lipstick hardly ever fails to deliver confidence and femininity to the wearer. Not to mention, pretty much everyone suits a swipe of scarlet.
Believe it or not, the history of red lipstick dates all the way back to 3000 BC, when Mesopotamian women (and men) would create colour for their pouts by crushing semi-precious stones. Fancy or what? An inexhaustible muse, Cleopatra VII soon began crushing carmine beetles and ants to achieve her signature scarlet lips.
By the middle ages, the popularity of red lips took a turn and were considered only fit for prostitutes and those deemed to be lower-class women - but luckily the rouge rebel was eventually brought back in the sixteenth century by Queen Elizabeth 1, who donned a pale-white visage and strikingly red mouth. Her own favourite recipe for red lipstick involved mixing ingredients like wax and various plants.
In 1840, Guerlain began producing the very first commercial lipsticks made of beeswax, tallow and castor oil and wrapped in silk paper. The first tube of swivel-up lipstick hit the shelves in the 1920s, making it easier to apply and carry. Fast-forward to the 1980s and a more extensive variety of shades became available including gothic tones and shimmer formulas.
Nowadays, the colour options and finishes of lipsticks are never-ending. The most recent craze was in November 2015, when reality star and makeup mogul Kylie Jenner launched her first set of own-brand lip kits, consisting of a matte liquid lipstick and matching lip liner. The demand was so high that the product sold out in thirty seconds, causing the Kylie Cosmetics website to momentarily crash.
If you are on a quest to find the perfect red for this party season, look no further. We’ve selected every red lipstick worth knowing about including some newly-launched offerings.
Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour
We have yet to see a more decadent line of lipsticks than Christian Louboutin's Velvet Matte Lip Colour range. It can be hard to find a red lippie that suits any skin tone, but the vibrant 'Diva' hue really does look great on everyone. Plus, the formula contains natural oils and seed butters – so it won't dry out your lips.
£70 | Net-a-Porter | Buy it now
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored
Prepare to feel like a #bosslady with Rihanna’s “universally flattering” Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored. Packed with intense pigment, it dries to a silky-smooth matte finish and won’t budge or fade either.
£19 | Harvey Nichols | Buy it now
MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red
This much-loved MAC lipstick was released in the 1990s and became popular after Madonna wore it during her Blonde Ambition tour. In a matte finish, the seductive crimson hue has cool undertones and glides on dreamily smooth.
£17.50 | MAC Cosmetics | Buy it now
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim
Yves Saint Laurent has historically made some of the most luxe lippy and the newest rendition from the beauty side of the French fashion label is a fine-tuned example of red at its best. With a slender new silhouette, the Slim Rouge Pur Couture is a 17 piece high pigment colour collection with one of the best matte finishes we've come across. The long lasting formula is light yet offers a sincere depth of colour without an ounce of gloss or stickiness. The square tip definitely makes a difference when getting those inner corners and lip points covered and the the slim and weightly packaging feels lovely in hand.
£29 | YSL | Buy it now
Nars Powermatte Pigment in Light My Fire
It's safe to say that the Powermatte Pigment in Light My Fire is one of the boldest reds we've ever seen. One swipe of this vibrant orange-y hue instantly brightens up tired complexions and has you ready for anything. The oil-free formula doesn't fade or feather, either.
£23 | Net-a-porter | Buy it now
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Pirate
One of the bestselling red lipsticks of all time, Chanel's Rouge Allure lipstick in Pirate is a blue-based red that looks beautiful on those with golden undertones. Its hydratingly creamy formula means you could even retire your lip balm.
£31 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bawse
There are plenty of wonderful things to say about this cool-toned red shade, but what we love most is how it manages to look super flattering against any skin tone. With a creamy matte finish, you won't believe how incredibly budge-proof it is either.
£19 | Smashbox | Buy it now
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Red Carpet Red
Bring some old-fashioned Hollywood glamour to your look this season with Charlotte Tilbury's must-have ruby red. It delivers a full and plush pout, thanks to the glowing pigments and plumping ingredients. Believe us when we say that this classic hue suits everyone – and you can check for yourself using the online store's clever 'see it on your skin tone' feature.
£24 | Charlotte Tilbury | Buy it now
Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick in Crimson
Cool red with a waterproof matte finish, the Vice Liquid Lipstick in Crimson delivers incredible depth and touchable softness.
£16.50 | Urban Decay | Buy it now
Lime Crime Unicorn Lipstick in Heart Eyes
A lipstick line inspired by unicorns? Count us in. Part of Lime Crime’s insanely cute Birthday Collection, Heart Eyes is a vibrant pink-red hue that feels luxurious and goes in opaque in one swipe. Best for medium skin tones.
£13.75 | Look Fantastic | Buy it now
DIOR Rouge Dior Couture Colour in 999
This bestseller is rumoured to be the first-ever lip colour worn on a Christian Dior runway. Delivering the ultimate everyday red and a luxurious satin finish, it's easy to see why.
£26.55 | Escentual | Buy it now
