Best red lipsticks for Valentine's Day as tested by our beauty team
Best red lipsticks for Valentine's Day as tested by our beauty team
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If there's one beauty staple that will, without fail, make an appearance on Valentine's Day year after year, it's the humble - or not-so-humble - red lip. A bold and luscious lick of scarlet, crimson, cherry, wine, ruby and merlot will always hold a special place in our hearts on this occasion (and all times of the year to be honest) and can elevate an outfit with such ease and sass. With so many different shades to choose from - whose undertones each give of a different look - there's a red lipstick out there for everyone. Whether you're looking for something subtle that's giving 'English Rose' or want to channel your inner Marilyn Monroe, the most romantic day of the year is the time to wear your red lips with pride.
If you want to treat yourself to a new lippy or are simply new to this gorgeous hue and are keen to give it a go but don't know what brands to choose, our beauty experts have shared their favourite products to help you find your ultimate red lip that'll leave you feeling sexy, confident, and fabulous come February 14. Read more: Erborian CC cream that ‘blurs imperfections’ gets £16 price cut in limited-time sale.
Read more: Frankie Bridge channels The Traitors’ Claudia Winkleman with cosy argyle jumper. Eve's picks:. Red lipstick is quite possibly my favourite accessory. It's more than a just a beautifying make up tool that'll brighten up an otherwise dull outfit. I began wearing a lick of rouge in my teens after watching my mum don red lipstick religiously for any and every occasion and looking fabulous. Now, it seems, painting my lips in a deep scarlet - matte - colour at the age of 30 instantly boosts my mood, showers me in a sprinkling of sassiness and, most importantly elevates my confidence.
British make-up icon Charlotte Tilbury is totally right when she says: "Lipstick is happiness in a tube, darling!" And with Valentine's Day on the horizon, why would you not want to be your happiest, most confident self on National Love Day?. Here are the top red lippies in my make-up bag and why:. When I first tried Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Hollywood Vixen upon its launch last year, I knew I had found my perfect shade of red. Its bright matte scarlet shade is strong, powerful and is buttery smooth smooth to apply. Paired with the brand's Lip Cheat liner (in Red Carpet Red), the lipstick is moisturising and creamy and delivers a bluey-red, bright shade that really makes my hazel eyes pop and my skin - as a friend of mine said - glow.
Whether it's worn during the daytime to give my casual outfit a lift, or out for a date night dinner, this red lipstick instantly makes me look perkier and glamorous - even if the only other make up on me is mascara and Revolution Pro's Skin Silk, which shows what the power of a good lipstick, in your shade, can do. What's more is this colour, everytime I wear it, stays put for hours, withstanding food and drink. The only thing is, it takes a bit of elbow grease to remove it later. All in all, it's stunning and a shade, no doubt, the stars of old Hollywood would be caught sporting on the reg'.
Get it from Charlotte Tilbury here. As soon as I found out that Pat McGrath Labs' LiquiLUST lipstick was worn by the one and only Taylor Swift on her Eras tour and other shows - withstanding three plus hours of singing, dancing and joy - I had to put it to the test to see if the colour was just as fabulous as it looked on her (we have quite different skin, hair and eye tones). And I must say, I was impressed.
The colour is a lovely deep, warm red that goes on unbelievably silkily. I was shocked at how precise it was too - without the need for a pencil. It's easy to tidy up and once on feels really moisturising and buttery smooth. It dries matte - my favourite kind of lipstick finish - and the colour does not budge once it is set with some blotting - but make sure you get the inner bits of your lips otherwise you will see some red tinges on your teeth.
A quick coffee test showed that it doesn't really transfer onto your mugs and glasses and can withstand dinner. Despite this, it glides off your lips with ease when you clean it off with warm water. No need for much scrubbing - only if you see it in the cracks of your lips. Plus, after wearing it, my lips felt nourished and in tip-top condition. No notes. 10/10, can see why Taylor loves it. Get it from Lookfantastic or Pat McGrath Labs here.
With an ever so slightly more subtle hue than my beloved Hollywood Vixen, No7's Red Carpet Ready Matte Muse Lipstick is another fave of mine. Its matte finish is creamy, intense and hydrating. Some matte lipsticks can leave your lips flaky and looking very unkissable, but this formula is nourishing and isn't at all sticky (and only has a teeny bit of transfer onto glasses). The lipstick's cool undertone is simply stunning, instantly brightening your complexion and enhancing any eye colour - our proof is here. I wore this colour, switching out with CT, all festive season and will certainly make use of it in 2025. Especially on dates.