7 Best Expert-Approved Darkest Red Lipsticks Of 2025

A makeup kit is simply incomplete without red lipstick. Red is a statement-making color that exudes confidence and boldness. Red declares “I am” and so you deserve the best dark red lipstick that can effortlessly brighten up your look and flatter your beauty. Explore our list of the top 7 dark red lipsticks out now and pick your favorite.

7 Best Darkest Red Lipsticks Of 2025

1. Best Lightweight: Aromi Matte Liquid Lipstick – Red Dahlia

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | $17

Aromi brings you a stunning dark red lipstick – Red Dahlia – in blue undertones. It has a velvety matte finish and a silky-smooth texture that offers exceptional results while complementing all skin tones. The rich pigmentation of this liquid lipstick glides easily like a gloss and dries out to provide a matte effect. It is a lightweight formula and reviewers have found it to be comfortable on the lips.

Quick Tip

Pair neutral-colored outfits, such as gray, cream, or white, with this shade of lipstick to appear bold and beautiful.

2. Best Smudge-Resistant: Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink – #340 EXHILARATOR

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.98

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The celebrity-endorsed brand Maybelline New York presents a SuperStay Matte Ink range that provides high pigment colors in a matte finish. The Exhilarator shade of this liquid lipstick has a perfect blueish-red undertone that is simply gorgeous. The long-lasting formula of this bold lipstick is smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and extremely lightweight. Reviewers love its precision applicator that allows a flawless application.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 76,391 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

3. Best Long-Lasting: Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick – Bawse

4.1

Now 15% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.95

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The Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in the Bawse shade has rich pigmented colors that suit olive or medium skin tones. This dramatic deep red shade is enriched with a primer oil complex that keeps the lips moisturized and soft. The lightweight intense lip color stays in place without smudging or fading and lasts long. This video details a tester’s experience with the product. It will provide you with added insights into the formula.

Pro Tip

Use a red lip liner when applying a red lipstick shade as any other contrasting coloured lip liner would clash and ruin the entire look. Although the liner and lipstick do not have to be exactly the same, they should be from the same shade cluster.

	Aromi Matte Liquid Lipstick – Red Dahlia Best Lightweight	Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink – #340 EXHILARATOR Best Smudge-Resistant	Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick – Bawse Best Long-Lasting
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	AllColor	AllColor	DryColor
Dimensions	-	0.72 x 0.72 x 4.42 inches	3 x 3 x 5 inches
Weight	-	1.28 Ounces.	0.13 Ounces
Rating
Reviews	390	76,391	904
Price	$17	$7.98	$22.95

4. Best Smear-Proof: Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick – Dominate

4.5

Now 38% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.72

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This bold Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in the Dominate shade has an extremely matte finish. Its seductive blue-red hue has a sensational velvety texture that works for a statement glamorous look. The enchanting lip color formula is infused with mattifying powders and silky-smooth conditioners that make the lips soft and luscious. Reviews have mentioned that the stick has a slimline design for a precise and mess-free application.

5. Best Waterproof: URBAN DECAY Vice Lip Bond – Unbreakable

4

BUY ON AMAZON | $27

The URBAN DECAY Vice Lip Bond is a glossy liquid lipstick that provides a high-shine finish. This lipstick nourishes your lips while also adorning them with a bold, highly pigmented color. The formula is vegan and free from animal testing. The lightweight, non-sticky formula of the lipstick glides smoothly and evenly on your lips and stays on for 16 hours. It is a transfer-resistant and smudge-proof formula that does not fade or crack throughout its wear time. Whether you are heading to the office or partying with your gal pals, this product will keep your lips looking and feeling their best. Stand out confident and beautiful with this striking lip hue.

6. Best For All Skin Tones: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick – Ruby Woo

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.87

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The MAC Retro Matte Lipstick is a one swipe lip color that stays on for twelve hours. The celebrity-favorite lipstick has an intense matte finish in balanced blue-red undertones that suits all skin tones. It is one of the best-selling products from the house of MAC and has a cult following. From sultry makeup to high-impact vampy lips, this attention-grabbing lipstick has all your makeup needs satisfied.

Pro Tip

Try warm or cool shades of brown paired with gold, and bronze shades when choosing eye makeup colors. Going for black and dark gray shades with red lips would also offer a glam look.

7. Best Matte Finish: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil – Mysterious Red

4.4

Now 20% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $21.67

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The Mysterious Red shade from the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil has a darker blue-red undertone. It has a creamy texture with antioxidant properties and delivers rich color with a burgundy matte finish. The red wine-inspired color has a formula containing emollients and vitamin E, which keep the lips moisturized. This is a non-drying pencil that makes the application of color on the lips easy and smooth. Reviews on online forums indicate that the product is also easy to remove.

With the holidays right around the corner, statement-making red lipsticks are in season. Whether you want show-stopping trendy lips or the edgy beauty flawless pout, red lipsticks with intense color are the way to go. Red lipstick does not just complement your skin tone but accentuates your overall makeup look while being bold and classy at the same time. The key is to find a good red shade that complements your skin tone and makes your smile pop. Here is a detailed guide on choosing the best red lipstick for every skin tone.

How To Choose The Best Darkest Red Lipsticks For Every Skin Tone?

1. Shade
   • Fair Skin Tone: Go for red lipsticks with pink undertones. Blue-based red and pink-based raspberry red colors also add sophistication and glamor to your smile. Makeup artist Alysha Tucker notes, “Blue-based lipsticks will help your teeth appear whiter.”
   • Light Skin Tone: Choose an orange-based red color to complement your skin tone. This color brightens up your face.
   • Medium Skin Tone: Opt for an orange-based red color that compliments your brown skin during the summer. During the winter, you can go for a blue-based red color that gives your teeth a gleaming appearance.
   • Olive Skin Tone: Choose rust-colored or brick-red lipstick. These rusty tones blend with your skin tone effectively.
   • Caramel Skin Tone: Go for red lipstick with a true cherry color. It coordinates perfectly by picking up the warmth of the yellow-based undertones.
   • Dark and Golden Tan Skin Tone: Select a bold, true red color that adds warmth to your skin tone. You can also go for a blue-based red lipstick shade for a unified and natural look.
   • Deep Skin Tone: For a bold look, wear orange-based red lipstick and achieve the perfect pout. For a natural look, choose a blue-based red lipstick that compliments your skin tone and brightens your smile.

2. Formula: Pick a hydrating lipstick with high pigments for a brightened appearance. Depending on the time and occasion, you can choose a glossy or matte finish formula. For example, glossy red lipstick is sensational for a romantic date night or a high-profile event, whereas matte red lipstick looks great in daily meetings and lunches.
3. Must-Have Ingredients: Choose lipsticks containing moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, natural oils, and glycerine to keep your lips soft, plump, and healthy. Additionally, pick lipstick with the benefits of SPF to protect your lips from harmful UV rays.
4. Lasting Power: Look for a fade-resistant and transfer-proof lipstick that promises to last for at least 8 hours. Additionally, make sure to purchase a formula that is easy to remove with makeup remover or cleanser to avoid staining your lips.
5. Price: Pick a drugstore lipstick or one from the high-end brands that do not compromise on quality. Avoid adding cheap lipsticks to your enhanced beauty routine as they contain harsh chemicals which harm your lips.

Infographic: Tips For Wearing Dark Lipsticks During The Day

Dark lipstick shades are bold, sultry, and perfect for a night out, but they can be tricky to pull off during the day. However, with the right application techniques and a few simple fashion tips, you can carry them beautifully without looking overdone. Check out the infographic below to learn more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous red lipstick?

The most famous red lipstick is a classic red such as the MAC Retro Matte Lipstick – Ruby Woo.

Does dark red lipstick look good on everyone?

Yes, dark red lipstick looks good on almost every skin tone.

How do you pick a dark red lipstick?

If your skin has a cooler undertone, red lipstick with a blue base or maroon will look good on you. On the other hand, wine reds are a better choice if you have a deeper skin tone.

Is red lipstick still in style today?

Yes. Red lipsticks do not go out of style because they are universally flattering and are always a go-to for a bold and elegant look.

Why does red lipstick make my teeth look yellow?

Red lipsticks usually have a warmer undertone which can emphasize the warm tone of your teeth and make them look yellow.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care coach with a passion for makeup and beauty products. She loves reviewing different makeup products in her quest to find the best ones. She believes every makeup kit should have at least one dark red lipstick, and to help her readers pick the best one, she has researched thoroughly to curate this list of the most popular dark red lipsticks with the best formulas. The handpicked products on this list are sure to give you the bold and beautiful look you want to achieve!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Alysha TuckerPermanent Makeup Artist

   

Alysha Tucker is a certified permanent makeup artist, specializing in brows and lips. She is also the owner of Blush Baby Los Angeles. After graduating in 2018 from Elite Permanent Makeup in Santa Monica, CA, Alysha, has worked alongside some of California's best permanent makeup artists and tattoo artists, and completed several rigorous apprenticeships.

Read full bio of Alysha Tucker

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti

Srijani Roy Chowdhury Associate Commerce Editor

Srijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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