Cover The best red lipsticks to buy for summer 2021. (Photo: Gucci Beauty/Instagram)

Forget diamonds. A good red lipstick is a girl's best friend.

There are many ways to measure the state of the world, and one such way is lipstick. I'm being serious. Time and time again, statistics have shown that when the economy or political stability is down, lipstick sales go up––especially in shades of red.

In tough times, we turn to small luxuries as a way to substitute for larger extravagances. Even if it's something as simple––yet significant and symbolic––as a bold, red lip.

As summer approaches, with restaurants opening and yacht season on the horizon, it's time to show up and show off, and these gorgeous red lipsticks are a great place to start. 

See also: 10 Long-Lasting Lipsticks To Wear Under A Mask

1. Hourglass Cosmetics Confession Lipstick in Red 0

Devoutly vegan and cruelty-free brand, Hourglass Cosmetics, recently introduced its latest Confession Lipstick shade, Red 0. The formula is a creamy, saturated brilliant red with a rich satin finish that won’t smudge or feather.

What sets Red 0 apart is that it is completely free from Carmine, the beauty industry’s go-to red pigment produced from crushed female insects. Sustainability is sexy, haven’t you heard?

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2. Tom Ford Beauty Satin Matte Lip Colour in Scarlet Rouge

Just one stroke of Tom Ford's Scarlet Rouge delivers a layer of deep, sultry red. This shade became so instantly iconic that it made it to Tom Ford Beauty's "Most Wanted" list, which features the brand's most iconic products and shades. If Matte Satin isn't your vibe, Scarlet Rouge is also available in metallic, cream and matte versions. 

The formula includes nourishing ingredients like soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and rosehip seed oil, so dried out lips be gone.   

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See also: Tom Ford Beauty’s Latest Fragrances Are Anything But Skin Deep

3. Gucci Beauty Rouge De Beauté Brillant in Goldie Red

Gucci Beauty’s Rouge De Beauté Brillant in Goldie Red functions as a balm while serving serious vermilion sass. It claims to deliver a full 24 hours of moisture on top of long-lasting colour and shine, leaving you with smooth, full cherry-red lips.

The retro-kitsch packaging design is inspired by creative director of Gucci, Alessandro Michele’s love for brooches and all things vintage.  

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4. Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom in 140 Alive

Always trust Chanel when it comes to classics - including red lipstick. While we love the original Chanel lipsticks, the latest Coco Rouge Bloom collection comes with a few added perks. 

Coco Rouge Bloom's two-phase technology combines Colour Capture, for a rich pigment that sets instantly and is long-lasting, with Plumping Power, which hydrates the lips for a full and flirty pout. For the perfect red, reach for 140 Alive.

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See also: Chanel’s New Lipscanner App Will Help You Find Your Perfect Lipstick In Any Shade

5. Byredo Lipstick in La Flamme

Byredo launched its genderless make-up collection late last year and didn't hold back on its amped up hues and artistically designed packaging. 

Its fiery orange-red lipstick, aptly named La Flamme, is creamy with a matte finish to absorb light and intensify its highly saturated colour. 

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6. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored

Few celebrities get it right when it comes to launching their own cosmetics lines. But in Rihanna's case, much like her music career, Fenty Beauty continues to produce hit after hit. 

Dubbed "a new classic" by makeup artist Georgina Graham, the Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored comes in a universally flattering shade of red that sits so comfortably on the lips you'll feel as if you're wearing nothing at all. 

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