The Perfect Red Lipstick

The perfect red lipstick is a statement of personality, character, and the ultimate makeup mood lifter. Red lipstick has that elusive quality that makes you look “done” in three seconds; a little mascara and a red lip are all you need on those speedy makeup days. There are some red lipsticks so famous they’re instantly recognisable by look or name alone: Dior 999, MAC Ruby Woo, Giorgio Armani in 400 (also known as “Armani Red”), to name a few.

It is also worth noting that it is just as important how you apply a red lip as well as which red lipstick.

Dior 999 Iconic Red Lipstick Secrets in Beauty Christina Maria Kyriakidou

The Perfect Red Lipstick Prep

As I wrote in my article on Summer Lip Care, to achieve and maintain the perfect red lipstick, it is all about the prep.

1 – Exfoliate and moisturise the lips

2 – Apply foundation or concealer to the lips. In order to see the true red colour of your chosen lipstick, it needs a nude base.

3 – Add lip liner. This will work with the foundation or concealer you have applied and make the colour last; it also prevents the red from bleeding into fine lines around your lips. Use a shade that matches the lipstick. Outline your lips first, fill them in completely with the liner, and blend like crazy for a full wash of colour. Lip liner also has serious staying power— a great backup for when the lipstick wears off.

4 – Blot and apply colour again. Apply one layer of lip colour. Blot with a tissue to remove any excess and then apply a second layer. You can also add a touch of translucent powder and dust it over the tissue to give your first coat that extra staying power.

Iconic Red Lipsticks

Dior 999

The Dior 999 shade dates back to 1953 when Christian Dior created the shades 9 and 99 for his models to wear on the runway (9 was his lucky number, after all). A few years ago, the lipsticks were reinvented and modernized as Dior 999.

The lipstick now comes in formulas for every preference: An ultra-shiny lip gloss, metallic lipstick, matte liquid lipstick, and there’s even nail polish. The shade is said to look like the “perfect red” on any lip it touches—no matter your age or skin tone. And I totally agree!

MAC Ruby Woo

Red, matte and bold! This lipstick is a modern classic with a huge cult following. This semi-matte red really does look amazing on all skin tones and it wears beautifully, so it requires minimal touch-ups throughout the day.

Armani Red 400

Giorgio Armani wanted to create the ultimate red lip colour. Now available in just about every formulation and finish, this famed colour is simply referred to as “400” or “the red” – a slightly cool-toned, dark red with a pearl finish.

Other Perfect Red Lipstick Options

Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in Ginza Red. This is a high-pigment lipstick with a super soft texture. You do not feel that you have lipstick on, and at the same time, you do not have to worry about colour loss. It lasts reasonably well.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored. The matte, intensely pigmented liquid is intended for all skin tones. Once you swipe it on, the matte formula will last until you decide to wipe it off at the end of the night. Uncensored is the perfect blue-red lipstick that looks incredible on every skin tone.

Coco Rouge Coco Lipstick – 444 Gabrielle. Rouge Coco, the iconic Chanel lipstick has been reinvented with a more nourishing formula. The lipstick features a combination of three vegetable waxes; mimosa, jojoba, and sunflower. This will ensure the lipstick nourishes the lips and delivers lasting comfort.

Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red. True ruby red matte lipstick; a moderately cool-toned, medium-dark red with a matte finish.