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Did someone say iconic? The Rouge Dior Red Lipstick in 999 isn’t a red carpet staple for nothing. One of the best-selling and highest-rated lipsticks from the fashion brand, the 999 has been seen on stars like Bella Hadid.

What we love about this lipstick is that it’s perfectly suitable for daily wear. Its texture isn’t so much cream lipstick-y as it is liquid – some might even call it a combination of both. Plenty have described it as closer to a stain than a bullet lipstick. 

Either way, it doesn’t leave you with that sticky feeling that most products have. Instead, this classic red lets you feel glamorous and comfortable.

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The roots of the iconic Rouge Dior 999 can be traced back to 1953. Christian Dior himself had created two different shades, 9 and 99 (after his lucky number), for his models to sport on the runway. Decades later, the lipsticks were modernized to create the 999 everyone knows and loves. But why exactly is it so beloved?

In the world of red lipsticks, there are a few ones that earn the rank of “looks good on everyone.” Dior’s Rouge Lipstick in the shade 999 is one of them. Whether you have a dark skin tone, fair skin tone, or an olive complexion, the 999 is guaranteed to give your look that extra oomph.

And we can’t get enough of its comfy texture. 

Unlike many lipsticks, which tend to have a creamy-powdery feel, the 999 is a full-coverage lipstick that doesn’t impose its presence on your lips. In other words, it’s really soft and easy to wear. It lasts the whole day, too, which might be too good to be true, but that’s why it’s our best overall red lip.

If you’re a fan of the 999, you’ll also enjoy the same shade in different lip formulas. Dior has since released multiple products with the 999, including a metallic red lipstick, a liquid matte, and a shiny lip gloss.

Pros and Cons of the Dior Rouge

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Another iconic shade used by celebrity makeup artists, MAC Cosmetics’ Ruby Woo is a bold red lip that you’ve probably seen on the likes of Rihanna and Taylor Swift. The texture is soft and gives a matte, zero-shine finish for a classic look.

The bullet lipstick contains a blue-based red, which works great for pretty much any skin tone, deep or light. Just make sure you’re not someone who shies away from an eye-catching color because this red lipstick WILL make heads turn!

If you’re planning on going to a dinner party or a function, then the Ruby Woo is a red lipstick you’ll want to have with you. It doesn’t budge even when you’re eating something, so you can enjoy full meals without retouching.

Pros and Cons of the MAC Matte Lipstick Ruby Woo

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Our next favorite is a newcomer that can nonetheless compete with more established makeup brands. Launched in 2017, Fenty Beauty has become a staple in many makeup artists’ and beauty enthusiasts’ kits, and it’s not just because it carries Barbadian superstar Rihanna’s name on it. 

The Fenty Stunna is one of the best liquid lipsticks you could invest in. Its texture is a liquid matte that layers well – you can build a few layers without feeling too overpowered because the consistency isn’t drying at all. It also comes with a lip wand for precise application.

Throughout the day, the hydrating matte doesn’t crunch or chap your lips. I’d say the drawback is it doesn’t stick to the crevices of your lips the way a true matte lip would, but unless you’re intentionally scrubbing or biting your lips, the Stunna does not budge. 

As for the undertone, it’s a pretty neutral red, so no matter your color, you’re going to love this. But as a pro tip, if you’re not quite happy with how a lip color looks on you, try lining your lips with a darker tint that’s close to your natural lip color. This will help make any color instantly blend more nicely and look more natural overall. The Stunna Lip Paint is perfect for this as it doesn’t tug when you apply a lip liner.

Pros and Cons of the Fenty Stunna in Uncensored

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Speaking of true mattes, the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution might be more to your taste if you prefer something more opaque and less watery. This makeup artist-originated brand is no stranger to red carpet-worthy looks, so if you want a tried and tested velvet matte, this one is it.

Even though it’s matte, it’s still quite creamy and hydrating. It’s also pretty buildable without feathering or cakiness, and although it produces a solid color with one swipe, you can still go darker and deeper with your choice of red.

Keep in mind, this lippie falls on the expensive side. But apart from a long-lasting and pigmented formula, you also get this beautiful metallic rose gold tube and an engraved cap that clicks into place. The taper is square, which may be difficult for those who have thinner lips, but it helps with precision if you know how to hold it right.

The fuchsia-red undertones make this friendly for any skin type, but it would look best on very fair skin that has a pink undertone.

Pros and Cons of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte in The Queen

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Fire and ice may clash, but in a lipstick, cool and warm make an unbeatable pair. The Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick is our pick for the best lipstick anyone with a warm skin tone can wear. This lippie has both warm and cool undertones (hence the name), but it leans towards coral, which makes it ideal for those who have yellow-toned skin, a.k.a. many of us Filipinas.

Okay, now for the texture. We can’t get enough of its flat cream finish – there’s no shimmer nor frost, which you’ll find in many older lipstick formulas. But this isn’t a matte lipstick either. In fact, it looks a little glossy.

Whether you’re going for a stain or a bold opaque color, the Super Lustrous has your back. In one swipe, it reveals a sheer tint that freshens up your face; in two-three, you can build a solid hue that transforms your glam look.

Pros and Cons of the Revlon Fire & Ice Red Lipstick

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Can’t commit to a full-on red lipstick just yet? This translucent yet still gorgeous red lip from Gucci is what you need. Velvet-soft with a matte finish, you can opt for a simple stain with the Goldie Red or pack it on for a stunning pop of color.

The lightweight texture of this red velvet lip makes it easy to wear even as it sits on your lips for hours… and hours and hours. Inspired by old Hollywood bombshell Jean Harlow’s titular role in the 1931 movie Goldie, the Goldie Red is a neutral-slash-true red that complements any skin tone.

If that isn’t enough to make you add this to your collection immediately, its beautiful floral packaging might be. Ever-careful in its attention to detail, the bullet’s movement is silky smooth. On the tip of the lipstick, you’ll find the GUCCI logo imprinted.

Pros and Cons of the Gucci Goldie Red Lipstick

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Tired of all these matte, no-shine red lips? We hear you. If you’re on the hunt for a red lipstick that is shiny, satiny, and almost reminiscent of lip balm – look no further. The Chanel Rouge Coco Flash can give you the best of both worlds: a beautifully intense color pay-off and all-day hydration.

While anyone can rock this lip, we highly recommend it for those with chronic dry lips or mature skin. It contains potent hydrators like jojoba and sunflower oil, which help keep our pout soft and plump.

Our favorite of the collection is the shade Ultime, a subtle yet poppy red that leans brownish. Among the red shades from the Flash variety, we love how Ultime can make you look put together, even if it’s the only product on an otherwise bare face.

Pros and Cons of the Chanel Rouge Coco Flash

Best Liquid Lip: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Liquid Lipstick in Pioneer

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The Maybelline SuperStay mattes have a special place in my heart, and although they’re a drugstore line, these lippies are still my standard for how smudge-proof and waterproof a liquid lipstick ought to be. Among the red lipsticks I’ve tried, this is the one that truly does not fade even after a burger or drinks.

That said, it can also be difficult to remove if you don’t have oil, micellar water, or makeup remover on hand. Thankfully, its applicator is a narrow brush that is pretty hard to mess up, so you are less likely to need a re-do.

Blue-toned rather than orange-red, the shade Pioneer is perfect for giving your face that glow (and making teeth look whiter, too).

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For a less intense but just as gorgeous red lip, the Color Sensational line from Maybelline is what you’re looking for. Pro-tip: Rich Ruby is often considered a dupe for some of the more expensive reds on this list, so if you’re still saving for one of them, why not try this one in the meantime?

The Rich Ruby is a creamy matte in the ultimate sense of the phrase. The application is silky smooth while the finish is a classy flat color. This is another must-have in any makeup bag because you can’t really go wrong with it.

Pros and Cons of the Maybelline Rich Ruby

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Beauty editors rave about NARS, and with good reason. Our favorite for cool skin tones is the Inappropriate Red from the Must-Have Mattes collection, which features lightweight mattes that last all day.

Other similar NARS reds include Dragon Girl, NARS Audacious Lipstick, and orange-red lipstick Heat Wave. Dragon Girl is the lip liner of our dreams and goes quite well with their other products.

As for the color, the Inappropriate Red features subtle medium tones with a cool undertone.

Pros and Cons of the NARS Inappropriate Red