National Love Day, aka Valentine’s Day, is a holiday full of love and joy. It’s also the day you dress to the nines and look stunning for yourself and your partner. Everyone is searching for the perfect dress, shoes, and, of course, the perfect red lipstick. Therefore, choosing the best red lipstick can make or break your Valentine’s Day outfit, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. 

TikTok and Instagram are full of people sharing their favorite lipstick options. On the flip side, some folks believe that red lipstick is outdated. However, that sentiment is subjective and far from the truth, especially where makeup brands are concerned. That said, there’s no need to worry. We have all the information you need. Picking the right red lippie depends on pigment, shade, and skin tone. Here are the five best red lipsticks for Valentine’s Day and beyond!

1. Fenty Beauty Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick ($29, fentybeauty.com)

Rihanna, the queen of a red lippie, had no choice but to make this matte red lipstick available. Unlike other liquid lipsticks, this offering doesn’t dry your lips out. In addition, you won’t have to worry about any cracking or peeling.

Fit for all skin tones, this Fenty Beauty velvet lipstick is vibrant. The lipstick is also available in multiple red shades, making it easy to wear what compliments you best. Pictured above is “The MVP,” which is a bluish-red shade. “Fiyaproof” and “H.B.I.C,” pictured below, also have red tones, perfect for medium and dark skin tones.

2. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color ($29, fentybeauty.com)

You guessed it, Rihanna is on this list twice. As one of the most inclusive beauty brands on the market, Fenty Beauty’s red lipsticks are perfect for everyone. According to the makeup brand, the “Uncensored” shade is a universal red lipstick that looks amazing on all skin tones!

This lipstick formula offers a soft-matte finish with a weightless, long-wearing formula. There is no need to add uncomfortable matte lipsticks to your collection. Stunna Lip Paints are perfect for Valentine’s Day and date nights!

3. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick ($35, charlottetilbury.com)

The most important thing about finding the best red lipstick is pigment. If the lipstick is top-quality, it won’t require multiple swipes to achieve color payoff. The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution offering is the perfect example of a well-rounded lipstick formula. Not only is the pigment supreme, but it also moisturizes your pout as you wear it.

In addition, this lipstick comes in several shades to suit various skin complexions. In fact, the “Red Carpet Red” shade may be one of the best red lipsticks for the holiday.

4. MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick ($23, maccosmetics.com)

Long before influencers and social media, MAC Cosmetics built a cult-like following. The makeup brand started a matte lipstick revolution that continues to go the distance. As a matte lipstick pioneer, the beauty brand also gained popularity for its red shades.

Available in two red hues, “Ruby Woo” and “Dangerous,” everyone can find a shade that suits their needs. The “Ruby Woo” shade is best for most Black women, with many praising its formula for complementing women with dark skin tones.

5. Pat McGrath Labs Lust: Gloss ($29, patmcgrath.com)

No one knows what looks good on Black women better than a Black woman. Pat McGrath is a pioneer in the beauty industry and one of the first Black women to achieve this feat. Her brand meets the standards of her artistry in quality, pigmentation, and inclusion.

Matte red lipsticks have a special place in everyone’s heart, but sometimes, it’s OK to switch it up. Consider the Lust Gloss from Pat McGrath Labs for Valentine’s Day. The “Blood Red” shade offers high shine and full coverage and doesn’t leave your lips feeling sticky.

No matter what your ensemble entails or the hairstyle you select for the evening, you can’t go wrong with red lipstick for Valentine’s Day. Shop these options for the best red lipstick you’ll ever use!

What is your favorite lipstick brand? Let us know in the comments below.

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