If someone were to ask you to close your eyes and think of the word ‘make-up’, where would your mind take you first? A mascara, lipgloss, eyeliner? I doubt it. A powder compact? Perhaps. But when I think of make-up, my immediate mental image is of red lipstick, the most iconic, glamorous and enduring of all beauty products. And it’s not just me – I’m in the best of company.
When Hedi Slimane, Celine’s now-former creative director, announced that he was to add beauty to the house’s portfolio of ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, sunglasses, fragrance, homeware and accessories, he did so with just one single make-up product: Le Rouge Celine Satin Lipstick in Rouge Triomphe.
A classic, Parisian scarlet in creamy formula with an elegant satin finish, encased in fluted yellow gold, stamped with the luxury house’s Triomphe motif. Where else would one start?
Red lipstick is the reigning monarch of make-up and I can’t imagine what it would take to dethrone her. Because while a red lip is very much in this season (Dries Van Noten, Richard Quinn, JW Anderson, Moschino and Carolina Herrera all focused on bold red lips for their A/W ’24 catwalk beauty looks), to make red lipstick fashionable is to miss its entire point. It can be no more trendy than denim jeans or a little black dress.
But as with tattoos, leopard print and cropped hair, wearing red lipstick will always simultaneously prove too great a leap of faith for many. Men frequently dislike it (Suffragettes wore red lips to antagonise them), many women either fear it or consider it ‘too much’, whole societies have rejected it (Parliament once even banned red lipstick because of its perceived powers of wanton seduction). One probably wouldn’t wear it to the average job interview, funeral or place of worship, of course. But red lipstick’s ability to dominate its environment, demand attention and divide opinion is what is also so utterly brilliant about it.
It is never demure and makes no attempt to mimic or enhance naturally the features of the face. The polar opposite of an Instagram beauty filter, it appears without disguise or even the slightest apology for its artifice. It is strong, uncompromising, scene-stealing, overtly sexual, lethally feminine and it quite literally repels human contact with the threat of smudge and stain.
And yet, despite all its scene-stealing bold- ness, it is the deceptively simple option for a woman who finds herself short on time, skill, effort or inclination. Just a couple of swishes of red lipstick takes an otherwise effortless face of tinted moisturiser, mascara and blush several rungs up the dress-code ladder in 20 seconds flat. It looks every bit as dressy – and arguably more chic – as a smoky eye, minus any agonising faff with a blending brush. A pair of jeans and trainers become magically evening-appropriate when saved by a red mouth. And a messy bun appears deliberate.
There is simply no faster way to look considered, cool and confident in an upscale setting. A nip to the ladies at half time for a touch-up is all the maintenance it requires. With a twist of a tube and the swish of a bullet, one is made instantly more glamorous. And while not every day feels like a red mouth day, when crimson lipstick is called for, it delivers a sort of facial armour.
Red says the wearer means business, is in control, unafraid – even if in reality quite the opposite is true. And look at Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Debbie Harry, Rihanna, Taylor Swift – phenomenal women for whom red lipstick is their weapon of choice, who are resolutely and defiantly themselves behind a bold, sexy mouth. They will always be my people.
Shop: Sali Hughes' Pick Of The Best Red Lipsticks
The iconic red
www.lookfantastic.com
Accept no substitutes. The greatest vivid orange-red in make-up history. Legendary.
The beginner red
uk.glossier.com
The perfect poppy red for those tiptoeing out of their colour comfort zone. Gives a matte, blurry, cool-girl finish that’s impossible to get wrong.
The French girl red
www.harrods.com
For a laid-back Parisienne flush of crimson with added skin-softening gleam, smoosh into the mouth and cheeks with fingertips, then throw into your jeans pocket.
The power red
www.lookfantastic.com
A bold, sexy, uncompromising red with a blue undertone, favoured by the likes of US political powerhouse Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Makes teeth appear whiter and has phenomenal staying power.
The easy application red
www.lookfantastic.com
A slim, chic stylo-bullet of classic, movie-star red that lasts all day.
The game-changing red
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Vibrant reds rarely came in vegan- friendly formulas until Hourglass founder Carisa Janes developed and patented a non-animal derived crimson pigment. The result is bold, long-lasting, comfortable and kind.
The classic red
www.libertylondon.com
Neither matte nor glossy, neither orange nor too blue. This deeply beloved neutral scarlet is the Goldilocks’ porridge of red lipsticks.
The Swifty red
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Tay-Tay is devoted to Pat McGrath’s red lipsticks. This matte but moist blue-red, named after supermodel Karen Elson, is her most worn.
The heirloom red
www.celine.com
The ultimate red lipstick as fashion accessory? Celine’s first foray into beauty could be nothing but this. A satiny, super-comfortable, pillbox red. Touch-up in public – this chic tube needs an audience.
How to wear red lipstick
While the likes of Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani rock a vibrant lip effortlessly, we appreciate that it's a bold look for many. 'A red lip can be an intimidating move,' confirms celebrity make-up artist Enya Sullivan. 'But actually, you can choose specific tones and formulations to flatter your own unique lip shade and texture. Those with cool under-tones tend to look great with a more blue red, while warmer tones look stunning with a warmer red. That said, there are no rules. The joy of a red lip is in the creativity. With the right red, teeth look whiter and skin looks brighter, so don't be afraid to swatch and swipe to see what shade you prefer.'
Dry lips? There's a formulation for that. 'Look to nourishing lipsticks made with ceramides or oils, and use a lip scrub first to slough away dead skin' says Sullivan. 'Those with oilier lips can afford to reach for mattifying numbers that will soak up excess moisture. New innovations ensure these offerings are matte, but never chalky.'
Of course, so much of the allure of the red lip is in its versatility. It's no longer reserved exclusively for a special occasion; blot it down with tissue, or apply it with your finger, for a thoroughly modern and wearable feel. 'While a sharp red lip always has its place, a blurred-out, feathered version feels very modern,' suggests Sullivan.
With that said, here is the Grazia edit of the best red lipsticks to know for 2024. And you can rest assured knowing that these are lipsticks we've personally tried and tested on the Grazia beauty team.
Shop: The Best Red Lipsticks, Tried And Tested By The Grazia Team
Best for a luminous finish
www.sephora.co.uk
This nourishing Chanel lipstick lends itself well to those with cooler skin tones or fair skin. It's this shade that makes teeth look impressively whiter, The Rouge Allure Luminous formula has a - you guessed it - luminous finish, that feels comfortable and easy to wear.
Rachael says, 'There's something that feels so special about owning a Chanel lipstick, never mind this stunning red which ups the glamour factor even more. When I whip this one from my handbag the compliments come pouring in before I even reveal the shade - and you best believe that this particular red is met with awe too. It's my go-to when I want to take my make-up application up a notch, and it never disappoints.'
Pros
- A second-skin feel
- Reels in compliments
- Beautiful packaging
- Makes for a great gift
Cons
- Some might need regular reapplication after eating
Best for mimicking Marilyn Monroe's red lipstick
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
This lipstick was originally called 'So Marylin', for the way it resembled Monroe's infamous scarlet red hue. In our experience, this shade sits on the deeper end of the red spectrum (especially on fairer skin tones). After swatching this one in the office, we compared the shade to a lighter red wine. Rather handily, Charlotte Tilbury's website has a tool where you can see how the red lipstick will look on your skin tone. You can view it here, and, in our experience, it's pretty accurate.
Pros
- 'If I want to look seductive and sexy I'll reach for this,' says one reviewer.
Cons
- Some reviewers have said it doesn't last as long as they'd like.
Best matte red lipstick
www.sephora.co.uk
'The word "iconic" gets bandied around all too often, but after I wore this one at a recent work event I decided that Dior's 999 is worthy of such high praise,' says Rachael. 'For me, the magic is in the shade - it's a neutral-toned bright red that enhanced my complexion with just a swipe. I applied the lipstick with an angled brush to aid precision, but as someone with a pretty shaky hand I did need to clean up my many wobbles with a concealer. The dry-down time was a speedy one, so I had to work fast to ensure a flawless finish. But I got there, and the end results are beautiful.'
Pros
- Just a slick reveals a heavily pigmented matte finish
- Flattering shade for most skin tones
Cons
- Dries down quickly, so working fast is a must to prevent a messy finish
Best for all-skin tones
www.net-a-porter.com
If you're unsure which red will suit you, one with neutral undertones - like this one - tends to be most universally flattering. It's neither warm nor cool, so wears well with all skin tones - we're quite a diverse bunch on the Grazia beauty desk, and found that this one suited us all. For colour that truly packs a punch but doesn't feel dry, we loved this formula from Gucci. It's packed with emollients to keep lips feeling hydrated, and leaves a pretty satin sheen on the lips. Rachael says, 'I blotted down with a tissue for a more translucent finish and it gave me more of a minimalist look, but Sameeha went full-force with a double layer of the stuff for a full-glam lip look.'
Pros
- Packed with nourishing emollients
Cons
- Plays best with a liner, so consider investing
Best for dry lips
victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Victoria Beckham chose this bright morello cherry shade to be red in her lipstick lineup, and we. are. glad. One swipe and it is instantly prettifying, making teeth look whiter and lips look fuller (thanks to the creamy, luminous finish). We particularly love the shape of this lipstick - small and rounded - as it allows for easy and precise application, without necessarily needing a lip liner.
Rachael says: 'This lipstick is my go-to for adding a vibrant wash of red to my lips. I'm usually a nude lipstick gal, but this red feels like a 'safe' option. It's not overwhelming and doesn't feel like too much. I adore it and have used it twice this week alone to take me from the office to a press dinner.'
Pros
- Shape aids precision
- Luxurious packaging
Cons
- VB products sell-out
Best for long wear
www.lookfantastic.com
Cassie Steer, freelance beauty editor, says, 'As an OG MAC Ruby Woo devotee, I’ve been swayed by the pigment payoff of this liquid iteration. The 8 hour hold promise totally stands up and despite being matte, the Colour-Flex technology means my lips still feel like my own. “Feels So Grand’ is a universal crowd-pleaser and it's a constant in my make-up bag.'
Pros
- Waterproof
Cons
- Quick dry down time - work quickly
Best luxury red lipstick
www.selfridges.com
If you're going to wear red as the weather gets warmer, make it this one. It's instantly cheering - and not just because of its sophisticated embossed packaging. This red is one we'd define as a cherry red, with a subtle pink undertone. The finish is completely matte and one swipe deposits a healthy amount of colour.
Rachael says, 'I bought this one for my Mum's birthday and she was delighted. While it's certainly expensive, she loves to use it for special occasions making it the perfect gift for beauty lovers. She'll also use a touch on her cheeks, which leaves behind a gorgeous, healthy flush.'
Pros
- Feels luxurious, from packaging through to formulation.
Cons
- A considerable investment
Best for a velvety texture
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
Purchase this one if you're after a no-nonsense, fail-safe red liquid lipstick that won't break the bank. It's creamy texture, loaded with vitamin A and E, makes this a nourishing and comfortable take on liquid lipstick.
Verity Clark, Grazia's acting beauty director, says, ‘I’ve been using the Huda liquid lipsticks for years, I apply this over a bullet lipstick to add definition. The bold red is really punchy and honestly, it does not budge.’
Pros
- Contains vitamins A & E for nourishment
Cons
- Some have claimed it errs on the drier side
Best for a bold impact
www.dior.com
If it's a powerful shade of red you're after, the kind that will make others look twice (and ask what you're wearing), take a leaf out of Anya Taylor-Joy's book and opt for the exact shade she wore on the 2024 Cannes Film Festival red carpet. Available in a Velvet and Satin finish, it boasts floral lip care (peonies to be exact) to keep lips soft and hydrated all while offering a long-wearing, pigmented finish.
Sameeha Shaikh, Grazia's beauty writer, says, 'I rarely wear red, but this luxurious choice packs the kind of tone, comfort and longevity levels that are too hard to pass up. It feels super creamy on the lips, thanks to the work of shea butter I'm sure, and packs a soft matte finish, which, trust me, you'll want to try again and again.'
Sali Hughes is a Welsh journalist, writer and broadcaster. She is The Guardian's resident beauty columnist. Hughes' first book, Pretty Honest was released on 25 September 2014. It was a beauty handbook and was published by the 4th Estate division of HarperCollins. Two years later she released her second book Pretty Iconic which was about influential beauty products. In 2019, Hughes' third book Our Rainbow Queen by Penguin was released. It was about the fashion trends of Elizabeth II. Her fourth book, Everything is Washable and Other Life Lessons, published by Harper Collins UK, was released in September 2022.
