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MAC Ruby Woo, Chanel Pirate, Dior 999, Gucci Goldie Red—these aren’t just red lipsticks, they’re icons. And much like your favorite perfume, you don’t just wear a red lip. You live it, own it, and love it. The power of a red lipstick cannot be understated—a simple swipe of crimson or cerise has the ability to transform any look. Whether you’re taking cues from French girl glam or simply want to make your pout pop, there are many ways to sport the hue.
Vogue editors are no stranger to red lipsticks. Lilah Ramzi, editor and contributor, famously only wears one hue—a Gucci red she’s waxed poetic about on numerous occasions. Cassandra Pintro, on the other hand, isn't much of red lipstick-wearer, but recently sported a rich brick red shade that set the office Slack chat ablaze. Myself, on the other hand, am still on my red lipstick journey—but stumbled upon what might just be the perfect glossy hue in a recent beauty launch.
Eager to know more of our favorites? Read on the learn about the red lipsticks 12 Vogue editors swear by—from Dior, Gucci, Fenty Beauty, and more.
Molly Barstein, audience development associate manager
My go-to red lipstick is Rouge Dior in the shade 846 Concorde. I used to be intimidated by red, but once I learned to tap the product vs. glide it on my lips my whole outlook changed. This technique gives me the perfect “did she apply lipstick or did she drink a glass of red wine stain” that I love.
Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor
I don't wear a bold lip in the day, but when I do want that striking pop of color for the evening, I love Sisley-Paris’ Phyto-Rouge Shine lipstick in Sheer Cherry. The formula has a balm-like texture, making it super hydrating and easy to apply. A staple I own in various shades!
Lilah Ramzi, contributor
Searching for the perfect red-orange lipstick that’s not too orange? Look no further. I swear by this shade and have decommissioned every other red in my collection.
Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
Dare I say this duo has made me a red lipstick convert? Thank you to the Hourglass gods who sent me the latest lip launches. The Satin Creme Lipstick is a comfortable wear, and a rich almost burgundy hue that pairs well with my go-to lip liner (read: Chestnut by MAC). To amp it up a bit, I added a layer of the brand’s Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in shade Thrill. Obsessed.
Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
Glossy and long-wear typically don't go together. But this Maybelline (yes, drugstore!) lipstick gets me so many compliments—from early morning meeting to nighttime dinner, with just one application.
Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor-at-large
When people ask how my red lip stays on all night I pull out this Dior 999 pencil that fits in the tiniest bag (or pocket of my leather jacket, my wearable purse) every time. It doesn’t get on my teeth or bleed all over my face so I actually trust it for events where someone else is handling a photo edit!
Sam Ravin, creative development senior associate
Look no further for the most creamy, hydrating, and ultra-pigmented lipstick in that perfect candy apple red we've all seen trending this season. Plus, it has a satiny shine to it so you won’t even need a gloss.
Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator
I rarely wear a red lip but when I do it’s the Merit signature lip in the shade Tiger. It’s such a subtle red that I'm not intimidated by applying the lipstick perfectly. Plus I get compliments every time I wear it so that must be a good sign.
Taylor Anderson, social media associate manager
I have never been able to truly master the red lip look until now. I was recently gifted a YSL’s Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick Hydrating Lipstick Balm in shade Corail Dolman from a friend and haven’t looked back. The application process is so easy and seamless, perfect if you’re a beginner like me!
Aurelie Pellissier Roman, global design director
Most of Serge Lutens makeup are my all time favorites. His lipsticks are really amazing, they really last on the lips and are highly pigmented. His matte reds are so beautiful, I get the perfect shade mixing shades M1 and M3. The little octagonal metallic tube is the prettiest I’ve seen, it’s the perfect size for a tiny bag—and best of all, it’s refillable.
Cassandra Pintro, associate production manager
I love Fenty’s H.B.I.C. red lip shade mostly because of the name but also because it’s the perfect shade of red to complement my dark skin tone. I’m a sucker for a really good matte lip option and Fenty gets me every single time. I usually pair H.B.I.C. with Bread Winn’R, a chocolate-y shade that gives my lips the luxe look I wear day or night.
Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
I’m a dedicated MAC Russian Red fan! It’s a slightly cooler, deeper red than the classic Ruby Woo (which I also love) and is better suited to my cool undertones. Jeans and a white tee with a red lip is an unbeatable combo—it instantly levels up a simple outfit with a sexy touch.
