Ten of the best red lipsticks – The Guardian

Right through history be it during war times or a downturn in economic stability red lipstick has always been used as a way to lift ones spirit and countenance. So for those who are yet to discover the magic of a red lipstick, now is as good a time as any. Everyone has a red, they say. Trite but actually, more than ever, it is true. Broadly speaking, the key finishes are creamy, shiny and (my personal favourite) matte. Mattes of old have (justifiably) gained a reputation for being brilliant for colour payoff but so drying they turn your lips to sandpaper. The new formulations, however, are much more sophisticated than their predecessors, so you can expect a deep, rich long-lasting pigment that doesnt compromise on comfort. The breadth of tones available is also impressive. The red lipstick is, contrary to popular belief, not monolithic. You can get a bluey red, said to be pretty universal (Byredo is a good example of this); a brownish red (Lisa Eldridges Cinnabar, Macs Viva Glam 1); an orangey red (Confidence by Kjaer Weis); a pinky red (Valentinos Spike Red) essentially there is something for everyone. You just need to try them and see what clicks. That said, if the idea of an opaque red still feels like too big a step, try Violette FRs Bisou Balm. This will give you just a hint of red and a less intense starting point.

1. Kjaer Weis Lipstick in Confidence 44, net-a-porter.com 2. Violette FR Bisou Balm in Betisse 24, violettefr.com 3. Too Faced Lady Bold Lipstick 22, selfridges.com 4. Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim Lipstick 39, cultbeauty.co.uk 5. Valentino Rosso Valentino in Spike Red 40, valentino-beauty.co.uk6. Byredo Mad Red 35, byredo.com 7. Vieve Modern Matte Lipstick in Muse 19, cultbeauty.co.uk 8. Pat McGrath Matte Trance Lipstick in Elson 35, selfridges.com 9. Lisa Eldridge Velvet Lipstick in Cinnabar 26, lisaeldridge.com 10. Mac Viva Glam 1 Lipstick 17.50, maccosmetics.co.uk

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Ten of the best red lipsticks - The Guardian