10 Red Lipsticks I Tried as a Non-Red Lipstick Wearer: Here’s What I Learned
- Alvira Dsouza
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
Growing up, red lipstick wasn’t just a colour, it was a statement. A bold, daring, almost rebellious one. In my family, it was the shade exclusively worn by "grown women," the kind who carried themselves with an air of elegance and authority. Back in my younger days, just the thought of wearing red lipstick felt rebellious. The aunties would scoff, calling it “too much” for someone my age. It always seemed like red belonged on someone else’s dresser—never mine.
But my mother? She was different. She rocked MAC’s Ruby Woo like it was made for her — flawless, confident, and completely unbothered. She also taught me something important: "Red isn’t about age; it’s about finding the shade that complements you." With the beauty industry evolving to embrace different skin tones and undertones, we’ve got more options than ever. That also means what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another, no matter how stunning it looks in the tube.
While writing this piece, I spoke to fellow editor Anjan Sachar, who has carved out her own space with The Red Lipstick Club. She shared her personal journey with red lipstick, a story many of us can relate to.
“I remember being 16 when I first tried MAC Red,” she recalled. With her very fair skin, she initially felt intimidated. “I kept wondering—can I even pull this off at my age?” But instead of letting doubt take over, she took a chance, got colour-matched at the store, and that same shade has been her go-to ever since. She resisted the common fear that red lipstick is “too much” or “too intimidating.” Instead, she embraced its power like my mother did years ago. “You just have to own it—tell yourself this colour looks good on you and take the compliments as they come,” she said.
With this in mind, I set out on a mission to find the perfect red lipstick and, after plenty of trial and error, narrowed it down to my top 10 picks—each one flattering different undertones, moods, and occasions. So, if you’ve ever thought red lipstick wasn’t your thing, let me change your mind. Here’s what I discovered along the way!
MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo (Best Classic Blue-Red)
Starting with the OG—Ruby Woo is a universal red everyone talks about, and for good reason. The blue undertones make your teeth look whiter, and the matte formula stays put all day. The lipstick is meant for fair to deep skin tones with cool undertones. A little drying? Yes, but with a lip balm underneath, it’s unbeatable.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored (Best Liquid Red)
Rihanna got it right with this "universal red." No matter what your undertone —warm, cool, or neutral—Uncensored adapts and looks flawless. Plus, the lightweight liquid formula glides on smoothly and stays put, making it a go-to for a night out.
Dior Rouge 999 (Best Luxe Red)
If you want to feel expensive, this is it. A balanced red with both warm and cool undertones makes it flattering on a variety of skin tones. With a touch of warmth and a slight hint of orange, it’s especially stunning on warm-toned complexions. Its luxurious satin finish feels hydrating and sophisticated. Plus, it glides on like silk and feels ultra-comfortable.
Prishe Beauty Truly Yours Matte Liquid Lipstick in Thwisha (Best Bold Matte Red)
A deep, rich red with a creamy matte finish, this one’s for those who love their red to be fierce and long-lasting. This shade complements medium to dark skin tones beautifully, adding a punch of drama without feeling too heavy.
Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick (Best Soft Matte Red)
This lightweight, blurring matte red is a dream for those who want a softer, diffused look. Best for olive to deep skin tones, this red adds warmth without overpowering your face, making it an effortless option for daily wear.
NARS Dragon Girl (Best Bright, Playful Red)
A pinkish-red that’s perfect for those who find true reds too intimidating. The crayon-like formula makes it easy to apply, and the satin-matte finish is ultra-flattering.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance in Elson (Best Statement Red)
This is the one for those who want their red to command attention. Bold, rich, and velvety, this red is for the power-dressers and the risk-takers. Plus, the packaging alone is worth it—it makes me feel like a total goddess, just like Hera herself!
Glossier Generation G in Zip (Best Sheer Red)
Not a fan of heavy lipstick? This sheer, soft red gives a natural-looking stain that feels comfortable and easy to wear – even for red lipstick beginners like you and me!
YSL Rouge Pur Couture in Le Rouge (Best Hydrating Red)
A hydrating, satin-finish red that makes lips look plump and juicy. It’s an everyday, effortless red that doesn’t require a lip liner.
Type Beauty Inc Light Up Lipstick in Vendetta (Best Treatment Red)
This isn’t just lipstick, it’s skincare in a tube. A red with purple undertones, it’s ideal for cool and deep skin tones while also nourishing pigmented lips with Niacinamide and Vitamin C. The sheer formula makes it ideal for anyone who prefers a natural, buildable red.
For those who find a bold red overwhelming, Anjan Sachar has a simple tip: “Start with a red lip balm! It’s buildable and gives you that red tint without feeling too stark.” She also swears by the ease of a red lipstick-centered look. “With just mascara and a good red lipstick, your makeup instantly looks cleaner, more put together, and so effortlessly glam.”
Trying red lipsticks felt like stepping into a whole new beauty realm, but here’s what I learned: there is a red for everyone. It’s not about age or boldness—it’s about undertones, confidence, and what makes you feel amazing. Whether it’s a classic matte like Ruby Woo or a sheer tint like Glossier Zip, there’s a shade (and formula) waiting for you to claim it.
So, if you’ve ever thought red wasn’t your thing, I challenge you to try again. You just might find the one that makes you feel unstoppable.
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