My Red Lipstick Research

There were many old photos of me to choose from on the blog here where I’m wearing red lipstick. I chose this pic from a post wearing my LBWSD (Little Black and White Striped Dress).

Dear Readers, I know you know I love lipstic–especially red lipstick! And, if you follow me on Instagram and watch my stories, you might have noticed I’ve been going through all, I mean ALL, my red lipsticks. I have so many of them–orange reds, blue reds, velvet reds, and now dried out reds. There is no possible reason why I should need over 20 red lipsticks. So, I’ve been researching all the red lipsticks I own putting them through the test. I’m doing red lipstick research–I am a librarian after all! Some of my criteria include application, smell, orange or blue color, the coffee cup test, and lasting power. Not all are making the cut, some need replacing, and of course there are new red lipsticks I’m eager to try. Enjoy my findings!

Red Lipsticks to Keep

Unfortunately there are quite a few lipsticks that I’m either passing on or actually throwing out. Some of my red lipsticks are just plain old and gunky. No one wants to put those on–no wonder I haven’t been. There are a couple I’m definitely keeping though, so take note:

Giorgio Armani Maestro #400—this lipstick stood the test. The color is great, it goes on smoothly, and it last a long time. It’s not noted as a long lasting lippy but it holds really well, and for how moist it is, I was pleased it never rode up into my lip line wrinkles.

All my Topshop red lippies—I have a Lip Bullet in Joyride and two lipsticks in Rio Rio and Watermelon. Basically I highly recommend any Topshop lipstick: they smell great, glide on, and feel more like wearing a long lasting lip balm. I swear by these lippies and hand them out to my sisters and girlfriends as presents. Really, find the Topshop (or two, or three!) lipstick colors that work for you. They’re amazing; you can’t go wrong!

Red Lipstick Replacements

With having so many reds, some of them have definitely become neglected, and therefore are in need of replacing…

M.A.C. Ruby Woo—this is a definite must in terms of red. It’s long lasting-especially with the M.A.C.’s Prep + Primer worn underneath. This red lipstick makes every single “best red lipstick” list. Before I replace with Ruby Woo however I will try Lady Danger. This one has been highly recommended as another great M.A.C. red.

Nars Dragon Girl—My stick is almost finished. I could leave the old one in my office beauty basket. This lip pencil is perfect underneath any red lippy to make it last even longer.

Bourjois Hot Pepper—This is my favorite orangey red. In fact it replaces the famous NARS Heat Wave in my opinion. I usually have a couple of these tubes as it’s such a great red. Now I’m down to one tube, and it’s just about gone. No wonder I haven’t been wearing it! This lipstick LASTS too plus it passes the coffee cup test.

Red Lipsticks to Try

Of course, being a red lipstick wearer, I am always aware of new brands and shades for me to try. Here’s a list of what I’d like to sample:

Smashbox Bawse—just check out this article, witness this color on ten different women, and then tell me you don’t want to try it. I know I sure do….this will be the first red I purchase! (Unless maybe Smashbox wants to send me that sample box I’ve seen floating around my Instagram stories….)

Maybelline Red Revival—I have several Maybelline lipsticks–they are so great for the summer. I have a perfect coral and pink. Now if they have a red for me to love, I’m all game. The thing I like best about Maybelline is there lipsticks feel more like wearing a lip balm stain than anything. It’s worth an $5 try!

E.L.F. Rich Red—before I replace my M.A.C. Ruby Woo, I might try out this drugstore option. It’s compared to the famous color–which I already know I like. Maybe I could save some money by going with this very reputable but economical cosmetic brand….Hmm, $3 verses $20? Seems like a no-brainer to me!

Charlotte Tilbury in So Marilyn—I keep seeing this lipstick brand. I had never heard of it, so perhaps it’s new to the market. I do know that I keep seeing it in colors I want to try. Aside from their red, So Marilyn, I am very intrigued by Glastonberry. It looks like a very gorgeous berry color.

*Upon further research I have found out that Charlotte Tilbury is a UK makeup artist. AND, I love her site for choosing lip color. There are about ten women to choose from with the lip color on, so you have an idea of how it might look on yourself. Genius Charlotte! Absolutely genius!!

Your Turn!

Tell me! What is your go-to red lipstick? As you can see I’m eager to always find more and other reds out there. I’d love to know which red lippy works for you….