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The striking red lip has an undeniable allure. When done correctly, a simple swipe of the best red lipstick has the ability to transform any look for an unmatched confidence boost. “One of the first things I learned when I started doing makeup is that red is a power color,” says makeup artist Vincent Oquendo. “I think there’s some thing about a red lipstick that just makes a persons make up look finished and polished.” But like many products in our ever-evolving beauty marketplace, there are new shades to discover daily.
Whether it’s a matte or glossy finish, a bright apple hue or a rich wine shade, we’re certain your lip will take center stage. On deciding which shade is right for you, the pros say it takes trial and error, though many recommend keeping your undertones in mind. “There are no rules, you just need to try out colors that you are drawn to. You will know when you have got it right!” says celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee.
While you may assume a crimson color is best left for the red carpet or a glamorous beauty moment, there are ways to sport a red lip during the day, too. Think: sheer pigments and blurred finishes for a healthy, sexy pout (as described by pro makeup artist Romy Soleimani). Save the precision for nighttime wear!
So, in our search for the best red lip, who better to take inspiration from than Hollywood’s trendsetters? Read on to discover the lipsticks spotted on some of our favorite celebrities.
Keira Knightley
Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee says a few red lipsticks are always on rotation when she works with Keira Knightley. “A few of my all-time favorites are Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate. It’s a classic that suits almost everyone. [Also,] I also love Rouge Allure Velvet in Rouge Charnel—a classic rose red.”
For day though, “I would opt for softer, more moist formulations. My favorite at the moment is Chanel Rouge Coco Baume in In Love which is a bright diaphanous orange red that can be used in a very casual way.” Daytime to dinner might warrant Rouge Allure L’Extrait in 858, which she describes as “a beautiful classic blue red, tons of pigment but not drying.”
Lily Collins
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“For this makeup look for Lily, we wanted it to be French girl chic. So we pared down everything else and opted for this gorgeous shade of red from Lancôme,” explains Oquendo. “We kept everything else and Demure. Lily was doing press in New York City for Emily in Paris.”
Candice Swanepoel
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“For the Amfar Fala in Cannes, Candice wanted to look glowy and dewy. She suggested maybe we use a red lipstick and match the gown,” says Oquendo. So, he used a deep shade to create a tonal look, supplemented by a glossy finishes. “For her red lipstick I used Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance Lipstick in Elson to define her lips.”
Jurnee Smollett
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According to Oquendo, “Jurnee was attending the Christian Dior fashion show in Paris, and since it was a morning show we wanted to really wink and nod to classic Dior. And one of the most iconic colors is the Rouge 999. So we did soft taupe colors around her eye and layered Rouge 999 lip liner on her lips paired with Rouge Dior in 760 Favorite Velvet.”
Tracee Ellis Ross
Soleimani gave Tracee Ellis Ross a vibrant red lip for her Hair Tales press tour, sharing that she recently paired MAC’s Ruby Woo shade topped with NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl. “The mix of the more blue red and orangey red just made the most wonderful vibrant matte red,” she explains.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne’s recent fiery orange red lip leaves a lasting impression. Here, Soleimani relied on Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet topped with MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger to create the look.
Maude Apatow
We’re still thinking about Maude Apatow’s jewel-toned lipstick at the Met Gala 2022, perfected by pro makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan Fisher.
Ella Hunt
“I love the Chanel 99 Pirate lipstick, it’s the most universally flattering red I’ve seen,” says celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites. “Whether for an editorial shoot or for a red carpet, it’s a stunning true red that’s highly pigmented and lasts hours on end while keeping the lips hydrated. My client Ella Hunt rarely wears lipstick (let alone red), [but] when I applied this lip color on her, it instantly brightened up her face and accentuated the beautiful shape of her lips. The lipstick also acted as an accessory, tying in the look with her crimson red dress at the CFDA awards.”
Danai Gurira
Pro makeup artist Kim Bower completed Danai Gurira’s Met Gala glam with this Lancôme hue that she calls “the ultimate red carpet red.”
Daisy Edgar-Jones
“The most recent red lip look I loved was when I worked with Daisy Edgar-Jones for the premiere of Under the Banner of Heaven,” notes celebrity makeup artist Nina Park. “We used Chanel’s Rouge Allure L’Extrait in 854 to create a cherry stained lip. Stains are such an easy way to add the color without having to commit to wearing red lipstick.”
Miranda Kerr
“Miranda’s favorite go-to red is RMS Red,” says makeup artist Ericka Verrett. “This lip looks good on most people. It’s a classic warmer red that actually can be worn day or night. It’s a hydrating red lip without being over the top shiny, which is why I think it works for both occasions.”
