The Best Red Lipsticks For Summer
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
BEST BUILDABLE SHEEN
Posh Lipstick In 'Fire', £37 | Victoria Beckham Beauty
Creamy but rich in tone, this incredibly versatile product is perfect – whether you’re after a natural, sheer layer or something more intense. Enriched with botanical waxes and superfood ingredients, it also nourishes the lips to make them look and feel their best with each wear.
Available at VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com
BEST FOR ALL SKIN TONES
Pure Color Crème Lipstick In 'Defiant Coral', £31 | Estée Lauder
A true coral, this suits a range of skin tones. Beautifully dimensional and silky to apply, make it your go-to for a high-shine finish and plumping feel. Plus, it’s formulated using the brand’s ‘moisture lock complex’ and a blend of nourishing oils for smooth and healthy lips.
Available at Boots.com
BEST CLASSIC RED
Rouge À Lèvres Matte Lipstick In 'Goldie Red', £37 | Gucci
With 58 flattering shades on offer, this matte lipstick is a favourite of our beauty editor. Creamy on application, it smooths out into an easy-to-wear finish with a chic, true red tone – making it perfect if you’re after that signature ‘French girl’ vibe.
Available at Selfridges.com
BEST FOR EASY APPLICATION
Velvet Matte Lip Pencil In ‘Red Square’, £23 | NARS Cosmetics
While ‘Dragon Girl’ is a cult favourite, we’re also big fans of ‘Red Square’ for high summer. Effortless to use thanks to its crayon-style packaging, simply scribble it on and blend it out with your fingers for a soft finish – or take a slightly more detailed approach by using it to line the lips, before filling them in.
Available at NARSCosmetics.co.uk
BEST PINKY RED
Rouge Pur Couture In ‘52’, £35 | Yves Saint Laurent
Another coral, but this time with pinkier undertones, this is best for those who prefer their reds on the subtler side – and no orange tones in sight. Don’t let its gloss-like formula fool you – the wear-time is seriously impressive, lasting for up to six hours at a time.
Available at JohnLewis.com
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL
Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick In ‘22R’, £33 | Valentino Beauty
Formulated with a cooler undertone, this is a classic red – which uses the brand’s Roma Light Complex to build lightweight but impactful layer of colour. The brand recommends going in with the tip of the bullet to line the lips first, followed by the flat edge to fill everything in.
Available at Valentino-Beauty.co.uk
BEST HYDRATING FORMULA
Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm In ‘Lucid’, £35 | Hourglass
With a glossy sheen but punchy colour – plus a nourishing formula – this is a firm favourite among beauty insiders and the SL team. Available in eight shades, we love ‘Lucid’ – a punchy summer red that hydrates and nourishes the lips.
Available at SpaceNK.com
BEST CULT FAVOURITE
True Velvet Lip Colour In ‘Velvet Morning’, £27 | Lisa Eldridge Beauty
A round-up of red lipsticks wouldn’t be complete without something from Lisa Eldridge. Formulated with a highly saturated and strong pigment, ‘Velvet Morning’ offers ultra-comfortable wear and the formula is cruelty free. Keep this in your make-up bag to add instant impact to any look.
Available at Selfridges.com
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