The 13 Most Iconic Shades of Red Lipstick

Arguably the most famous red lipstick shade, MAC’s Ruby Woo is well-loved by celebrities like Tracee Ellis Ross. Its culty formula was even spun off into a version made just for Rihanna, aptly named Riri Woo.

Taylor Swift's favorite red lipstick these days is none other than Pat McGrath Labs's Elson, a vibrant cool red that looks great on Swifties of all ages and tones. She's worn the shade, which comes in multiple textures and formats, on red carpets and on tour.

Dior’s iconic 999 lip shade has had its fair share of celebrity fans over the years. It also helps that the lipstick looks beautiful on every skin tone and has an upgraded formula that promises 24 hours of lip comfort and 12 hours of wear.

Customer review: “This is not only a beautiful color but is the perfect red lipstick."

Makeup artists, celebrities, and beauty editors swear by Sephora's own Cream Lip Stain in the shade Always Red if you're looking for a lipstick formula that can truly outlast the apocalypse. Once you paint it on, the color does not budge.

Customer review: "I love this lippie! It’s a gorgeous matte finish that doesn’t look dry on the lips. The color is so pretty as well. It lasts so long on my lips, too. After eating a meal it was still on! I’m very impressed." —AngeliaMarie8

Here’s an unapologetically bright color from NARS that falls somewhere between classic red and vibrant pink. Before Pat McGrath launched her brand, this was often credited as Taylor Swift's favorite red lip.

Customer review: “The Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are a staple in my pro artist kit. I’ve had them for years. They are quite literally one of my ride or die products. They are ALWAYS the first product I reach for when doing lips and they are perfect for sanitizing and having in the set bag without mess.” —Crazypretty

Rihanna’s first red lipstick under her Fenty Beauty brand is not only universally flattering but also easy to apply. Once you swipe it on, its matte formula will last until you decide to wipe it off at the end of the night.

Customer review: “I love this! I only have to apply it once and it never budges! Wear it all day, eat, drink and never have to reapply. I always get compliments when I wear it. Color is beautiful, my favorite!” —ErwinK

There are a dozen perfect red shades in Chanel’s arsenal, but Pirate is by far the most fun to say. It uses sappan wood to keep lips smooth and hydrated, with a satin finish that’s not overly shiny.

Customer review: “I have long been a fan of red lipsticks so when Chanel introduced this new formula and I saw the gorgeous array of reds, I just had to give some a try! Passion is truly a drop-dead beautiful red and good for any time of the day. Pirate is a bit darker and for some might be more of a evening color. Coromandel is a warmer bright red and very wearable. Palpitante is a delicious creamy feeling red with a fuschia cast - quite flattering and ladylike! If you are looking for a high-quality lipstick, this formula and color variety will not disappoint!” —Tropical Traveler

Here's a matte red from Violette_FR, from makeup artist Violette, with a creamy, velvety texture that won't dry out your lips. While all three of the brand's Petal Bouche shades are worth adding to your collection, the fiery Amour Fou, in particular, is a red you'll want to wear in any season.

Customer review: "I love a bold lip. This goes on smooth and moist, and stays put for hours." —Alisha M.

Once you jump for Gucci’s signature Goldie Red—especially in this gilded tube—you’ll never look back. The ultra-soft matte color can be blurred on your lips for a just-there red, or layered on for an opaque pop.

Customer review: “Love this lipstick. The formula feels soft and doesn’t dry out your lips but looks matte. The Goldie red has such a beautiful payoff. The packaging is also very beautiful. I never right reviews but was very impressed. Can’t wait to wear this out!” —TheyCallMeStacC

Over 600 Sephora customers swear by this signature crimson shade from YSL called Le Rouge. You’ll need only a few swipes of the satin finish lipstick to make a bold makeup statement that lasts up to six hours per wear.

Customer review: “Very pigmented and stays on all day. Doesn’t transfer to your teeth, which I have a problem with sometimes. I have the matte version too, but this one stays on longer and feels better to wear. Most pigmented lipstick I’ve had.” —clarrisse

It’s natural to envision orange when you think of Hermès, but the brand also offers a nice range of other lipstick options. Bazaar editors reach for their Rouge Casaque shade the most, a radiant red inspired by garments worn by professional jockeys.

Customer review: “Beautiful luxury lipstick! I love how it looks on me (yellow, cool tone). It is not drying but it is not long-lasting. I’m a makeup collector so this is a perfect addition to my collection. The box and packaging is lovely!” —Mimiloveswreslting

If you prefer your reds a little more pink than blue, try Prada Beauty's Monochrome Soft Matte Refillable Lipstick in Scarlatto. The formula applies like a creamy, comfortable matte—and we're obsessed with the sturdy magnetic cap.

Customer review: "I really enjoyed this new lipstick from Prada Beauty. It was creamy and hydrating on the lips and the color was long lasting. It didn’t feel super drying nor did it make my lips look cracked like some lipsticks tend to do. I am super pleased with this lipstick!" —mmmmiiiiaaaa

Celine Beauté launched with Le Rouge Celine, a single bullet lipstick in a fiery red shade called Rouge Triomphe. Housed in a refillable gold tube that borrows inspiration from both Louis XVI jewelry and art deco, the radiant formula is lightly scented with notes of rose and rice powder, a nod to the olfactive signature that runs through all of the house’s fragrance offerings. The body of the lipstick, which also comes in 14 other vibrant shades, bears the brand’s Triomphe emblem, and the decision to launch with only a single shade of red is a wink to the past. (A red elephant was the brand’s first logo.)