Red lipsticks will always be a mood. It’s one of the longstanding style secrets passed from generation to generation. We may get older, but red lipstick will always be in style. Now that’s it fall, for me that means dark red lipsticks. Dark reds are moody, gorgeous, and flattering on every woman and every skin tone. And there’s only more and more options to choose from these days.
Plus, keeping in line with our less is more philosophy, a dark red lip has such an impact you don’t need to do that much else. A dark red lip will do all the heavy lifting for you. Low effort, high impact? Sign us up. We scoured department stores, relied on some old favorites, asked a few experts, and These are our favorite picks, from drugstore to splurges that are actually worth it.
Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in McMenamy, $38
Pat McGrath is the coolest makeup artist around. Regularly doing makeup for all of your favorite brands during Fashion Week, her makeup is some of the highest quality around. Our millennial won’t stop talking about her.
Flesh Fleshy Lips in Peck, $18
Flesh is a new brand that you might not have heard of, but it’s getting rave reviews from makeup artists and beauty bloggers. This purple-y jam color is bold, fun, and unexpected.
L’Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Doesn’t Matte-r, $9.99
Because it’s not just you that’s worth it. It’s also this lipstick.
Kevyn Aucoin Expert Lipcolor in Bloodroses, $35
The deep, rich color of this Kevyn Aucoin is reason enough to buy it. But it’s also infused with mango butter, making it super moisturizing and perfect for minimizing lines.
Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard, $8.99
A moisturizing lip crayon for those who want just a pretty wash of color.
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle in Griselda, $18
Fenty Beauty is Rihanna’s new makeup line, with a focus on inclusive colors and dramatic looks. If you can’t trust Rihanna, then who can you trust?
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche in Maple, $26
The lipsticks from this natural beauty line are so green that the founders swear you can eat the lipsticks, although it’s not recommended. Either way, your pout will look delicious.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Near Dark, $55
Near Dark is luxe from start to finish. The pigment is deep, gorgeous, and doesn’t dry your lips out. The packaging is a piece of art. Our favorite splurge that’s totally worth it,
100% Pure Lipstick in Desert Rose, $29
For all of you green beauty fans out there, this is a lesser known brand with an excellent variety of colors.
MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, $18.50
MAC lipsticks are classics for a reason. This is a great lighter red for when you’re not feeling quite so dark. Also, this is a particularly great shade for women of color.
Lipstick Queen Invisible Lip Liner, $18
The best liner for keeping any color in place where it belongs – on your lips.