The classic red lipstick. It’s been a timeless, quintessential, beauty go-to for generations, yet there are still endless ways to bring new life to this look. From high-shine glosses to blurred matte formulas, we’re always stopped in our tracks whenever we see a red lip executed to perfection. Forget the old red lipstick rules about playing down your eyes and cheeks whenever a red lip is involved—whether you rock this beauty staple alone or with full glam, we believe that a red lip oozes confidence and sophistication.
So if you’re waiting on the right moment to pull out your red lipstick, we’re here to help inspire you no matter the occasion. And if you think you can’t pull off a rouge pout, our answer is simple: yes, you can. You just need to find the right red lipstick shade for you. Ready to take your red lipstick to the next level? Keep reading to find your next red lip look.
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Let your lips take center stage with this simple makeup look. Tracee Ellis Ross frequents this carefree red lip, and her key to pulling it off while still looking finished and elevated is a balanced and even complexion. Opt for a no-makeup makeup routine or spot treat with concealer, then add a touch of mascara to keep the focus on your red lipstick. For lips that last, use a red lip liner that matches your lipstick like the ABSOLUTE NEW YORK Waterproof Gel Lip Liner in True Red.
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The contrast of this metallic navy blue against a fire-engine-red lip is the perfect look for a night out. To recreate makeup artist Jocelyn Biga’s red lip with blue liner look, try the BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in this navy shade. The navy blue winged eyeliner with a thick waterline is just enough to add a fun pop of color to an otherwise classic look.
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Taylor Swift is no stranger to a red lip, but this gray smoky eye is a beautiful way to add a sultry effect. By applying neutral shades to lids and creating a gradient into a gray shimmer, this eyeshadow becomes much more wearable than the traditional black smoky eye. BEAUTY BAKERIE Do It For The Graham Eyeshadow Palette has everything you need to recreate this look, and the ELIZABETH ARDEN Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Red Door is the perfect satin finish.
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Bring on the gloss! This ultra-shiny candy apple red lip is truly the star of the show paired with a naked eye. Though this look is sans eyeshadow or eyeliner, it still has a glam effect with a flawless matte complexion, perfectly contoured cheeks, and just a touch of highlighter on the nose and eyelids. HAUS LABORATORIES Le Riot Lip Gloss gives the color payoff you need for a bold red lip with a shiny gloss finish.
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A red lip isn’t just sexy and sophisticated; it can also feel playful and light-hearted. By taking a few notes from the coquette beauty trend, you can add hearts on your lids and freckles, like influencer Charlotte Barker, or play with sparkles and glitter. The one staple in the coquette trend is always pink blush. Our current fave is the ALAMAR COSMETICS Colorete Concentrate Liquid Blush in Guava Mama. We love how hydrating and pigmented it is for a luminous pink flush.
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There is always a place for matte lipstick in our books. When your outfit brings the glitz and the glam, match the sophistication but balance the sparkle with a gorgeous blue-red matte lipstick like the CIATÉ LONDON Liquid Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick. Be sure to exfoliate and condition your lips for a healthy, hydrated look. For a classic Hollywood flare, add a thick winged eyeliner and the look instantly becomes timeless.
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Issa Rae stunned on the red carpet in this look that gives a new spin to the classic Hollywood glamor. Instead of winged eyeliner, her look is complete with a radiant complexion and voluminous, flirty lashes. We love that these add a bit of drama to her style without being too distracting. Get the look yourself with the LASHOHOLIC Lashes Goddess Lashes.
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If you’re not afraid of a more-is-more kind of look, this makeup look is for you. For makeup artist Abbi Rose’s warm orange-red lipstick look, try GXVE Anaheim Shine Clean High Performance Satin Lipstick in Loara, which creates such a dynamic contrast against the cool blue eyeshadow. What makes this look work is the matching matte finishes. When opting for high-contrast colors, choose complementary finishes for a harmonious look.
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Berry red lips, rosy contoured cheeks, and a golden pink eyeshadow shimmer create a gorgeous rosy flush in this glam makeup look. The gold on the lids prevents the look from being too pink, while the classic red lipstick shade (we love M·A·C COSMETICS Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo!) grabs your attention. When trying this look at home, don’t forget the highlighter for a lit-from-within glow.
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The old Hollywood look of delicate black winged eyeliner paired with a classic red lip is just as gorgeous today as it was in the golden age of film. Opt for a camera-ready soft matte foundation and an eyeliner that will stand the test of time, like the KALEIDO COSMETICS Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner.
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We are mesmerized by rouge! If a red rose could be a makeup look, this is it. Created by celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, this look features a radiant complexion, delicate cat eyes, and generous scarlet blush. We also love how the red lips are lined with a deeper wine shade to create a vampy contrast. Try using the ELEMAN BEAUTY Lip Liner in So Sophisticated with your favorite blue-red lipstick for an equally striking look.
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This fall-inspired color palette created by makeup artist Sara HilL features the colors of the sunset in a gorgeous eyeshadow look paired with bold auburn red lipstick. It’s an unexpected pair for a red lip, but the shadow to the waterline of the eye creates a head-turning editorial effect that we love for any season. Try this look for yourself with the BEAUTY CREATIONS COSMETICS Irresistible Eyeshadow Palette.
Interested in more beauty inspo? Check out these Skincare-Makeup Hybrids that can actually make your skin better and Colored Mascaras to make your eyes pop. Want in on all the IPSY fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY beauty subscription. Already an IPSY member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.
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