In my mind, there are two very different sides to February. The side that is far into the depths of a bleak winter, and the side that exudes a red warmth as people are celebrating who and what they love all month long. Taking this month as an opportunity to distract myself from the below freezing temps and gray clouds, I’ve been thinking a lot about the color red. As indie-pop queen Maggie Rogers once said, “Red is a color that has no apologies. It doesn’t ask permission. It takes up space.”
You can bring the color and passion of red into your life in so many ways, but my personal favorite is through red lipstick. A powerful and unapologetic statement piece to any outfit, red lipstick is somehow both so casual and yet so major. If you need a break from the gloomy throes of winter, I’ve rounded up the best red lipsticks to brighten up your winter blues.
The Best Red Lipsticks for All-Day Wear
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Hex:Â I love the witchy name; I love this formula; I love this shade. Urban Decay is typically known for their eyeshadows (RIP Naked 1), but their lip colors deserve equal amounts of praise. Hex is described as a rich red wine with cooler undertones. Its smooth formula has fantastic pigmentation, and this jumps to the top of my list of favorite lipstick shades.
MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Devoted to Chili:Â Devoted to Chili is a great brick red that is rich and smooth all in one go. I will say that this formula is slightly drying, but the shade is so great I just ignore it. As long as you prime with a lip balm, you should be good to go. The staying power is great, but you will probably have to reapply after meals. This shade has been one of my favorites for years, and it goes great with almost every outfit.
The Best Red Lipsticks for the Ever Classic Cherry Red
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo: You didn’t think I was going to create a list of the best red lipsticks and not include the all time classic did you? Ruby Woo is a vibrant cherry red with cool undertones that suits any and all skin tones. You can add a pop to any look with the classic matte lip.
L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Lip Color in British Red: British Red has a more satin-matte finish than a true matte. This means this shade is one of the best red lipsticks for a full-face glow. If you love warmed toned reds, this is the one for you. An orangey-red with all-day staying power. You can’t go wrong with this one.
The Best Red Lipsticks for a Night Out
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lip in Ruler:Â One of my all-time favorite liquid lip formulas is this one. Drink-proof, food-proof, kiss-proof, you name it. This lipstick lasts through everything. I have to plan to wear it for at least two days, its staying power is that strong. The color is rich and smooth and the feathering is little to none.
Revlon Ulta HD Matte Lipcolor in Infatuation: The Revlon HD Mattes range contains one of the best drugstore red-purples I’ve ever tried. Infatuation is a great creamy berry shade for those on a budget. The red undertones keep it from being too vampy for day wear, but perfect for a night out with the girls. This formula takes a little longer to dry and you’ll definitely have to reapply after you eat, but I promise it’s worth it.
What’s your favorite way to wear these best red lipsticks? Let us know here or tag us on Instagram!Â
Opening image by Jazmyn Green
