Who doesn't love a vibrant red lipstick - especially as we get closer to Valentine's Day. And if you're feeling glum this January, do not fret, a red lipstick look can instantly boost your mood.
Whether you prefer matte, glossy, or a subtle sheen, we've scoured the internet for the best red lip colours for you. Y'see, a bold red lip can instantly make dull complexions radiant again, and if you're wearing a plain outfit, a slick of red lipstick will give transform your look.
PHOTOS: Bold royals with red lips! All the beauty inspiration you need
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Best red lipstick virtual try-on websites
If you're struggling to find the perfect red lip colour, do not fear, you can try a virtual try-on experiences on most beauty websites. While not all of them are perfect, it's a good idea to help shoppers with their makeup queries without leaving their house.
From MAC's Virtual Try On, to Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Makeup Mirror Try On, and Chanel's Lipscanner, shopping online has never been easier.
Best way to apply red lipstick
But how about the application? Colour expert Trinny Woodall demonstrated on Instagram how she likes to apply a red lip using her Rossy Lip2Cheek colour: "A lot of women are scared of a red lip," she said to the camera. "They say, 'Ah, my teeth are too yellow, Trinny' or 'My lips are too thin' … When I do a red lip I don't like to do it with a matte face, I like to do a really glowy skin."
She continued: "I think the trick when you do a strong bright lip is that you want your skin around to feel even. When you do blusher and you've got a bright lip you've got to be careful that there's a tonality. Before I do any lip I do Miracle Blur and I put it around to stop my lips bleeding and it's going to fill in all the little marks I've got around my mouth."
While applying her red lip colour using a lip brush, she told her beauty followers: "There are different ways people can do a red lip! For me, I start in at the edge and I draw the line out towards the middle and then I fill it in. You get the line of a lip liner doing it this way but you don't get the look of a lip liner."
Rossy LIP2CHEEK, £25, Trinny London
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She added: "I don't really like a pouty lip, I like what I call a French lip. I go straight across and start filling it in."
Her final tip? To strengthen the brows when you do a strong lip.
Best red lipsticks to shop now for a summer time pick-me-up
If you haven't found your red, don't worry. We know all the must-have red lipsticks that will totally give your pout a lift in less than two seconds...
The best new red lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure
We all know Chanel's Rouge Allure is no ordinary lipstick. This red lipstick glides onto lips, delivering continuous hydration throughout the day.
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Rouge Feu, £31, Boots
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Best cult classic red lipstick: Dior Beauty 999
The Rouge Dior Couture lipstick in 999 is a cult classic thanks to its 16-hour formula and rich colour pay-off. What's more, the conditioning formula keeps your pout looking plump and healthy – no need to worry about chapping. Oh, and if you need convincing, look at this photo of Victoria (aka InTheFrow) wearing this exact shade during a festive masterclass. dreamy!
Dior Beauty Rouge Dior matte velvet refillable lipstick in 999, £32, Selfridges
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The best red lipstick with high-fashion packaging: Guerlain
Sometimes brilliant packaging lures you in and the new Guerlain Rouge G collection did just that! Designed by the jeweller Lorentz Baumer, Rouge G is the quintessential luxury item for lips, with a secret double mirror.
Guerlain Rouge G Satin Liptick in 770 Red Vanda, £27, and Vanda case, £64 Guerlain
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The best red lipstick for added scent: Tom Ford Lost Cherry
There's just something about this red lipstick that brings all the joy! The brand's Lost Cherry scent is swirled within the formula of this lipstick Centred on black cherry, it's accented with voluptuous fruit and breathtaking florals. Expect Turkish rose and jasmine sambac for waves of sweet and tart. Peru balsam and tonka are juxtaposed with sandalwood, vetiver and cedar. Divine.
Tom Ford Lost Cherry lipstick, £44, Selfridges
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Best matte red lipstick: Il Makiage Dirty Talk in Bella
This long-lasting, silky-matte lipstick is enriched with hydrating mango butter and nourishing oils so you can show off your red pout, uncensored.
Il Makiage Dirty Talk lipstick in Bella, £24, Il Makiage
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Best red lipstick for a Parisian pout: Lancome x Emily in Paris
Unlock the beauty secrets from the Netflix Series, Emily in Paris. Lancome has launched the iconic l'Absolu Rouge lipstick in limited edition packaging in collaboration with the Paris-based TV show.
Lancome x Emily in Paris l'Absolu Rouge lipstick, £27.50, Boots
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The best matte red liquid lip: Estee Lauder Pure Color Whipped Liquid Lip
Estee Lauder's Pure Color Whipped Liquid Lip gives that sexy matte finish without drying the lips. Infused with lip loving lip loving nourishment including Moringa Butter and Hyaluronic Acid, the non-sticky formula is velvety smooth and highly pigmented, and promises to last for 12-hours.
Pure Color Whipped Liquid Lip in Love Fever, £26, Estee Lauder
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Best red lipstick for a matte look but a hydrating finish: Vieve
Soft, comfortable and highly pigmented, the Vieve lipsticks contain a hydrating formula so you can have an intense, bold, matte colour without making lips look flat or dry.
Vieve Modern Matte Lipstick, £21, Cult Beauty
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Best red lipstick for added moisture: Charlotte Tilbury
This is an iconic, statement red in homage to Charlotte’s mother Patsy Tilbury! Hot Lips 2 in Patsy Red has a modern matte texture that is so easy to build, adding instant glamour to your makeup. This is an iconic, statement red in homage to Charlotte’s mother Patsy Tilbury! Hot Lips 2 in Patsy Red has a modern matte texture that is so easy to build, adding instant glamour to your makeup. It contains Antioxidant Lipstick Tree & Orchid extract to hydrate and condition lips.
Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2 in Patsy Red, £29, Charlotte Tilbury
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The best high pigment red lipstick: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Elote
Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick lineup features 31 vegan, high-pigment shades in three moisturising finishes: cream, matte, and shine. Within the line-up you can find electric reds that will match any mood. The vegan formula is even infused with aloe vera and avocado oil, ingredients known for being rich in antioxidants.
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Elote, £19, Urban Decay
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Best multi-tasking red lipstick: Glossier Ultralip
Cult beauty brand Glossier created the perfect orange-red lipstick for everyone. Why is it so perfect? Well, it gives the buildable colour of a lip tint but with the sheen of a gloss and the rich moisture of a balm. What more could you ask for really?! Perfect for every day use.
Glossier Ultralip in Portrait, £14, Glossier
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The best red lipstick to give as a gift: Pat McGrath Labs
When you gift a red lipstick to someone you want to make them feel special - which is why we've chosen this red lipstick by Pat McGrath Labs - and it's a special one for Lunar New Year. Designed to drench the lips in a lightweight veil of high-shine colour, the creamy formula is encased in a divine limited edition case.
Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance limited edition red lipstick, £35, Selfridges
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The best red lipstick with added luxury: Louboutin Beauty
Oh, it's all about the luxury, darling! The SOOOOO Glow lipstick case is a lovely home for the brand’s beloved lipsticks. Your favourite shade clips effortlessly into this Italian-crafted piece.
SOOOOO Glow lipstick case, £44, Selfridges
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The best affordable re-fillable red lipstick: Zara Stiletto Demi Matte Lipstick
Everyone is talking about Zara's makeup line right now - it's a game-changer for the high-street. The Stiletto Demi-Matte Lipstick is sharp in colour but has a smooth, serum-like formula. What's even more exciting? The packaging is refillable.
Stiletto Demi-Matte Lipstick in Parfait, £9.99, Zara
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The best sustainable red lipstick: HIGHR COLLECTIVE
Let us introduce you to HIGHR Collective - a clean lipstick brand made sustainably with organic plant oils and butters, then blended with hyaluronic filling spheres to pump the lips. This is the talk of the beauty industry.
Chiltern vegan red lipstick, £22, HIGHR Collective
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The best semi-matte refillable lipstick: Fenty Beauty
Rihanna's Semi-Mattte Refillable Lipstick is a new favourite. You never have to choose between comfort and a luxe look. The semi-matte, creamy formula hugs lips with a smooth, plush texture and lasting iconic wear. Choose your shade, grab a case, and go be your own damn icon.
Fenty Beauty Icon Semi Matte Refillable Lipstick, £18, Boots
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MORE: 9 nude lipsticks Duchess Meghan would certainly approve of
The best red lip colour with a velvet-like texture: Armani Beauty Lip Maestro
If a matte finish is more your bag, you can get intense colour and hydration with Armani Beauty's gorgeous Lip Maestro. It's a fan favourite thanks to its velvety finish and staying power. Bonus: it's not at all sticky. Pass the vino...
Armani Beauty Lip Maestro in Sultan, £33, Harvey Nichols
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Best red lip crayon: NARS
For something a little more subtle but easy to apply, a crayon is ideal. If you're tentatively stepping your toes into red lips, this product will allow you to build colour, starting subtle. Plus, the precise tip means it's much harder to mess up. Basically, it's a makeup bag staple.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, £23, Selfridges
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Best red lip gloss: Stila
Stila's lip gloss gives incredible shine, thanks to its formula packed with light-reflecting crystals. It gives solid colour whether you wear alone or over lipstick, and is enriched with hyaluronic filling spheres and luminous oils to give the appearance of fuller lips.
Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in shade In The Red, £14, Selfridges
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Best lip-plumping red lip gloss: Ciate London x Christine Quinn
This plumping gloss will ensure you get that perfect pout, worthy of the Sunset Strip! Formulated with a unique plumping complex, this red-tinted gloss gently volumises the lips with hyaluronic filling spheres, zapping the appearance of fine lines, and leaves smooth, pillow-like lips.
Ciate London x Christine Quinn Villain Pump Plump Lip Gloss, £12 (WAS £20), ASOS
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