My Top Red Lipsticks

This is my favorite time of year, and, perhaps not by chance, it's also my favorite time of year to wear red. I've amassed quite the collection of red lip products over the years, but I've whittled it down to these fine few. Check below for swatches!

From left: Hourglass Opaque Rouge liquid lipstick in Raven is one of my all-time favorites, even amongst this elite bunch. It's a true red, a classic red, that goes on precisely with its uniquely shaped applicator, is highly pigmented, and sets to an un-budgeable soft matte finish that isn't drying. World's most perfect red lipstick? I give it top marks, that's for sure!

Next up is a budget beauty buy: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam. I've long been a fan of this formulation, but the apple-red color Amsterdam is new to my collection and I'm loving it. Not quite as long wearing as Hourglass or the Sephora variety, but definitely a favorite drugstore buy because it isn't as drying as other drugstore matte lipsticks.

Next up is a new-to-me red lippie that I discovered in 2014 thanks to Amelia: Sephora's creamy lip stain is a classic red that does. not. budge. Truly. It's not quite as easy to apply as Hourglass but it's way up there for its pigmentation, longevity, and price point.

Last up we have the classic: MAC Ruby Woo. One of the most matte true red lip formulations out there, this is a classic red that genuinely looks good on everyone. It makes teeth look whiter. Though not a long-wear formula per se, it lasts ages. It can be quite drying, so make sure your lips are well exfoliated and moisturized beforehand (I like Nuxe Riev de Miel since it's a matte balm).