If there’s one look that everyone tends to gravitate toward on Valentine’s Day, it’s that vampy, luscious red lip. Because let’s be real, this is the time of year when you know you can get away with the boldest looks.
While some may find that a softer, more subtle approach is more of a personal preference, there are so many brands to choose from with a wide range of shades to meet our every need. From English rose looks to glamorous colored lip glosses for lovers of the Yakuza wife aesthetic, red is a versatile look perfect for that much-needed day of romance.
Our beauty experts tested some of our favorite red lips from Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, NYX, and more. This is truly your “go-to” and could complete the look perfect for a date night or a few drinks at a local restaurant. Or, enjoy a fancy meal with her at your favorite restaurant.
Read more: We’ve found the ultimate party jumpsuit, perfect for Valentine’s Day too – and it’s only £15
This bright red lipstick from leading British cosmetics company Charlotte Tilbury is a shade that Marilyn Monroe herself would be proud to wear (it was formerly known as So Marilyn, after all). Besides giving your lips a pop of scarlet color, this lipstick also moisturizes and keeps your lips plump all day long. Formulated with Lipstick Tree Extract, it protects lips from UV damage and environmental oxidative stress, leaving them soft, smooth, soothing, and totally kissable.
Beth
MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Color Devoted to Chili – £16.57
For me, nothing beats MAC’s lip formula. I’ve been wearing a flattering velvet teddy almost every day for the past seven years, but when I have a date night or just want to give myself a little extra confidence, I always choose Devoted to Chilli.
Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Color is a match made in heaven. It has a matte finish but doesn’t feel dry at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, with the addition of vitamin E providing “up to 10 hours of hydration” while leaving your lips feeling buttery and refreshing. As a result, you don’t have to worry about reapplying or peeling your lips. As is often the case with mats, you will be looking for hydration.
With a whipped, mousse-like texture, the hourglass applicator contours to the curves of your lips to fill in lines and accentuate your lips with a smooth, blurred effect. The brick red shade in Devoted to Chilli goes well with my fair skin without being overpowering. Plus, MAC says it’s “fade-resistant, non-sedimenting, wrinkle-resistant, non-peeling, and non-drying.”
Click here to purchase boots
Mel
NARS Power Matte Lip Pigment, Don’t Stop – £18.40
The “pretty girl” aesthetic has certainly been a big thing, but I’ve always stayed true to my full glam look. So when it comes to lipsticks, believe me I’ve tried more than enough to know which ones are really worth your money.
NARS Power Matte Lip Pigment is one of the best formulas for me. The highly concentrated liquid lipstick has a matte finish, is incredibly lightweight, applies like ink, and won’t dry out your lips. With 15 shades to choose from, I was thrilled to find Don’t Stop, the ultimate bold red that suits my medium skin tone.
First of all, this red is impressive. It’s a color that complements an all-black outfit. Don’t Stop offers a rich medium-dark red with subtle cool blue undertones. After shaking the tube as per the instructions, I applied the silky product over my trusty Universal Red Huda Beauty Lip Contour liner (£18.90, here) and it brightened up the color incredibly .
The doe-foot applicator makes it easy and precise to apply in one swipe. However, like any liquid lipstick, you need a steady hand to apply it. Although not the most smudge-resistant formula, Powermatte Lip Pigments are incredibly long-lasting and provide color that lasts day and night. It is the most comfortable lipstick I have.
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eve
MUA Creamy Matte Lipstick Razzleberry – £3.50
I’m a red lipstick girl at heart. Just painting her lips red will make her feel a little happier and more confident. When I’m not wearing red, I’m usually wearing lip balm (like this one from Fenty Beauty, £16) or a gloss with a slight pink tint. So when I find a gorgeous red lipstick that stays on for hours and matches my skin tone perfectly, I will cherish it for the rest of my life and use it every chance I get. I’m a sucker for bargains, especially if it’s less than her 4 pounds.
I received this lipstick in Glossybox’s advent calendar in December (previously Ride or Die was KIKO’s Rip Me Lots, but it seems to have been discontinued, sob) and I haven’t stopped wearing it since. .
It glides on very smoothly and feels velvety soft and really light on the lips. The color is rich and gorgeously bright – thanks to the highly pigmented formula, it’s a mix of crimson and scarlet, with a matte satin finish that leaves a vibrant rouge throughout the night, perfect for drinks, dinner, or even one. It can withstand two kisses. Reapply.
We recommend pairing it with a lip liner for a seamless finish. At such an affordable price, you’ll reach for this lipstick whenever you need a pop of color to your outfit.
Click here to shop at Superdrug
Lucy
Charlotte Tilbury KISSING Lipstick So Red – £27
Like many lipstick lovers, my everyday go-to neutral lipstick is Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk. So it’s no wonder I’m a big fan of Charlotte Tilbury So Red lipstick when I’m in the mood for a pop of color.
The creamy, satin-finish formula keeps lips moisturized and creates a beautiful shine when exposed to light. We recommend applying lip liner beforehand to prevent color transfer.Kiss ‘n’ Tell Lip Cheat It’s a perfect match, especially if you plan on wearing it all day.
The warm scarlet shade is perfect for my skin tone, whether it’s winter or summer, and at £27 it provides a seamless red lip that I always reach for.
Get it from Charlotte Tilbury here
NYX Suede Matte Lipstick Spicy £8
If you like a matte finish, this is the one for you NYX Suede Matte Lipstick Spicy . You can buy him at Boots for less than $10, and the staying power is very impressive, plus it doesn’t leave my lips feeling dry like I’ve found with other matte formulas.
It’s a true pillarbox red with a cool undertone, so I like to pair it with soft, natural makeup around my eyes to make them stand out. There is no need to wear a lip liner as the shape of the lipstick makes it easy to apply and there is little need to fill it up throughout the day.
Available from Boots here
roller
MAC Matte Lipstick, Lady Danger – £22
I once read that women over 40 should never wear red lipstick. For me, it was the opposite, and it wasn’t until I reached this much-maligned milestone that I even considered wearing it. To buck the trend, I’ve been experimenting with different shades of red, some with more success than others, but the one that continues to win my heart is MAC’s Lady Danger Lipstick .
It’s a toasty red-orange shade, perfect for my pinkish-warm skin tone, and the creamy, soft formula glides on the lips without flinching. It’s easy to wear and compliments my predominantly dark colored wardrobe. When I actually wear it, I feel cool, like punk rock, in my head. Even if it’s not actually the case.
At £22, the medium-dark shade with a creamy, rich formula lasts almost all day and shows no signs of dreaded flaking. This iconic shade instantly lifts my complexion. I have at least two of my favorite MAC shades dotted around my bag, car, and vanity at all times, so I can’t part with them any time soon.
Available from Boots here
stacey
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur (Walk of No Shame Blur) – £22.95
I have a few looks that I tend to stick to that have to do with Makuup. And one thing’s for sure…I’m definitely a bronze/orange-toned person. I’ve always loved an easy, natural glow and a pop of color, so when introducing a new bold lip, I want it to be versatile and elevate my look.
Charlotte Tilbury has successfully released a range of lip liquids that are perfectly blended to create a texture-free, smooth and durable lip color. This shade, Walk of No Shy Blur, has a deep rouge vibe, but with a nice orange undertone. I think it suits my skin tone very well.
I would love to wear this with any outfit on Valentine’s Day. We think a red lip can be as subtle or bold as you want – pair it with a pop of color, a red bag, jeans, a white top, a blazer, or if it’s a night to remember, definitely throw it on with this knockout You will need a dress purchased specifically for this event.
Cult Beauty has this very blurring lip liquid in stock for just £22.95, so you can’t go wrong buying it now.
Get it from Cult Beauty here
charlotte
Clinique makes a dramatic difference with Red Alert 20 – £23.40
Red lipstick is always my favorite makeup item to wear when going out. Out out. I don’t wear it any other time, and it’s what separates my “going out” look from my everyday look. I’ve been using her mostly red lipstick for 20 years. I’ve tried every shade of red from almost every brand. Some had the perfect shade but were drying on the lips, while others had great texture but the shade wasn’t perfect. When I was in my 20s, I loved letterbox red shades, but as I get older I tend to lean towards richer red shades, especially when I’m looking for something that keeps my lips nourished. It Is difficult.
I was gifted Clinique Dramatically Different Red Alert 20 for my birthday. This is the best red lipstick I’ve ever worn and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments from people who have seen me in almost every shade of red. Not only that, but it keeps my lips very nourished thanks to the little treats included in the lipstick.
It has a pearly core that feels like a nourishing lip balm, and the brand says it “instantly contours and provides smoother lips instantly.” Over time, it improves the definition of your lips. Masu. ”
I’m not sure about all the engraving and contouring, but what I can most definitely confirm is that it’s a great red shade if you’re looking for a deeper, richer shade. It lasts for several hours every time you wear it and is sure to keep your lips moisturized.
Available from Boots here