Tatler Tests: 5 Of The Best Red Lipsticks

There's nothing quite as classic and timeless as a bold red lip. When done right, it's a statement that can elevate your look from ordinary to extraordinary the same way a killer pair of shoes or a good blow-out can. But finding the right shade and texture can be tricky, so we tried five of the hottest red lip products on the market:

1. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment 

Above Photo: Courtesy of NARS

Tatler tested: Don't Stop

What it does: With a lightweight ink-like texture and potent pigmented colour, NARS calls this their "most powerful matte yet"—and they aren't wrong.

Pros: This lip pigment does not budge. You can eat, drink, be merry, and still come out of it all with perfectly tinted lips. Not to mention "Don't Stop" has to be one of the best classic red hues we've seen on the market.

Cons: The ink-like texture can make NARS' Powermatte Lip Pigment tricky to apply. We suspect NARS tried to counter this by making it a quick-dry product, but that means any mistakes are a pain to remove without the help of a heavy-duty makeup remover.

2. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick

Above Photo: Courtesy of MAC

Tatler tested: Ruby Woo

What it does: There's no going past this cult favourite when it comes to red lipsticks—and MAC knows it, calling it "the most perfect matte red lipstick of all time." Ruby Woo is the go-to shade for countless celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Rihanna.

Pros: Ruby Woo definitely lives up to the hype, and its versatile shade makes it flattering on any skin tone. It's the quintessential red lippy that deserves to be a staple in any woman's make-up bag.

Cons: The Retro Matte Lipstick formula is quite drying, so we highly recommended that you either moisturise your lips or use a lip primer before applying.

3. YSL Beauty Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream 

Above Photo: Courtesy of YSL Beauty

Tatler tested: Rouge Vinyle

What it does: According to YSL Beauty, their iconic Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream is a "mash-up of a lip stain, a lipstick and a lip gloss."

Pros: One of the biggest let-downs with liquid lipsticks is they can leave your lips feeling dry and flaky, but that's a total non-issue with the Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream—the moisturising formula does its job to keep your lips smooth and plump while delivering super-saturated colour.

Cons: We honestly can't think of anything to fault this product, so we won't.

4. Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet 

Above Photo: courtesy of Burberry

Tatler tested: Military Red

What it does: Burberry's game-changing formula has a barely-there feel while still delivering a bold, romantic red hue.

Pros: Its one-of-a-kind whipped, velvety texture feels amazing on the lips. It's extremely light and comfortable to wear, and looks like something between a matte lipstick and a low-shine gloss.

Cons: While Burberry's Liquid Lip Velvet has great staying power, the formula isn't transfer resistant, so avoid touching your lips and be careful with your clothes.

5. Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick

Above Photo: Courtesy of Dior

Tatler tested: Rouge Dior #999

What it does: "What makes Rouge Dior #999 such a universally flattering shade on all skin tones is its balance of cool undertones,” explains Dior Makeup Artist Daniel Martin.

Pros: This iconic shade really is universally flattering. It glides smoothly on the lips like butter and has just the right amount of sheen thanks to its extremely moisturising formula.

Cons: It has quite a strong scent—nothing unpleasant, but it can be a little overpowering.

Topics

Beauty Lipstick MAC Makeup Nars Burberry Dior YSL Beauty

Tatler Asia

Tatler Tests: 5 Of The Best Red Lipsticks

1. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment&nbsp;

2. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick

3. YSL Beauty Vernis &agrave; L&egrave;vres Vinyl Cream&nbsp;

4. Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet&nbsp;

5. Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick

1. NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment

3. YSL Beauty Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream

4. Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet