There was a time when I really and totally preferred matte lipstick, and every time I heard “liquid lipstick” I shuddered and had visions of wind blowing hair into my just-applied-perfectly glossy lips. BUT as I’ve gotten older, I found that hydrated lips are better than flaky lips, and liquid lipstick can do a lot to moisturize your smackers. Re-applying lipstick every few hours is not such a big price to pay for a nice lip finish.
And Red! Sassy red! For some, red lipstick is a fun choice that gives them confidence to go boldly out into the world; it’s a shade that sparks emotions from those around them. For others, it’s a daunting color and a more daunting task to apply red liquid lipstick, but I personally feel that everyone should wear red lipstick (and can with some tips below). To find the right shade, you’ll have to try a few on to find the one for you. I’ve rounded up some lipsticks that stay in my collection that I know I can’t go wrong in using! These particular lipstick shades are beautiful for all people with more pigmented skin and ones that I label as universal. But of course, I’ll let you decide what’s best for you.
Updated February 2022
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored
Photo Credit: © Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Even my grandmother knows that Fenty Beauty is owned by Rihanna so I can’t really do a roundup without this product. When I first saw photos of Rihanna in the shade Uncensored, I just had to see how it would look on me! It was a win after I figured out that less is more with this formula. Every stroke is rich in pigment so I would suggest working with less product with each stroke. The dove tip is great to fill in your lips with the beautiful color of red. The hue of this red is both sultry and vibrant and looks beautiful on any skin tone. Added bonus: This product is cruelty-free.
Shade of Red: The perfect shade
Coverage: Thin formula, full coverage and rich pigment
Application: Easy application, sexy even if it’s messy
Finish: Soft matte finish
Wear: Longwearing
Occasion to wear: Brunch in the city, desi wedding, your birthday
NARS Power matte Lip Pigment in Don’t Stop
Photo Credit: © 2019 NARS Cosmetics
This shade has a fluid formula and will stay on throughout the day, all the way to your nighttime rendezvous. The application is narrow which is great for sharp, precise liner action. It really glides on and sinks into the lips for a comfortable wear. The formula is more gel-like than it is creamy which makes it feel so light on the lips. This shade is a beautiful neutral red which is great for all skin tones as well.
Shade of Red: A true red
Coverage: Thin formula, buildable full coverage
Finish: Matte finish
Wear: Longwearing
Occasion to wear: Date night, Kentucky derby, red carpet events
Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipstick in Extra Saucy
Photo Credit: Copyright 2022 Dose of Colors
This lipstick is a stunning shade that ends with a velvety finish, and is a bit deeper than the first two in this roundup. The formula dries quickly after application but doesn’t dry up the lips. This shade is made for skin of color; I get compliments every time I’ve worn this color, and I feel good because the product is vegan and cruelty-free to boot. Tip: Before applying this lipstick, exfoliate your lips and use a good lip balm to hydrate. You can even use a little concealer after application to help define and clean up the edges.
Shade of Red: A deeper rose red
Coverage: Creamy and full coverage
Application: Easy application, sexy even if it’s messy
Finish: Creamy matte finish
Occasion to wear at: When you’re the vampire, fancy desi house party, bridal
Mac Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Feels so Grand
Photo Credit: © Make-Up Artist Cosmetics
I love the grand, quality products by Mac and Feels so Grand is one of my favorite hues from their massive range of lipstick shades. The undertone of the lipstick color is blue, which is great to make your teeth look really white!
Shade of Red: Neutral red
Coverage: Creamy matte and super intense pigment
Application: Easy application, sexy even if it’s messy
Finish: Ultra matte
Occasion to wear: All of em! Fiesta, Skydiving, block party, 4th of July, a breakup or divorce
Sephora Brand Cream Lip Stain in #96 Red Velvet
Photo Credit: Copyright © 2022 Sephora USA, Inc.
I love a lot of Sephora Brand’s products including this lipstick shade that is gorgeous on the lips and for the forehead to draw in the sindoor for when I’m rocking my other culture (my desi girls and guys know what I’m talking about). Everything about this brand is easy and simple. It’s a mid-ranged beautiful red liquid lipstick that delivers. This cream stain can withstand a full 10hour day and still remain silky and smooth on the lips. Bonus (literally!): This lipstick is priced affordably so I always end up picking up a few extra colors from their very wide shade range. If you’re ready for some new liquid lipsticks but don’t want to break the bank, I would start here!
Shade of Red: Original red
Coverage: Smooth, bold full cover lipstick
Application: Piece of cake! Comes with an attached wand, great for lining lips almost perfectly
Finish: Bold creamy finish
Wear: Long-lasting lip stain
Occasion to wear: Super bowl, day meeting, work or wedding
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks in Sarafine
This lipstick was an accidental purchase, but I ended up keeping it. I wore it out one night and received so many compliments that it went into my favorites pile. You’ll love yourself every time you wear this color! The colors are full-pigments and are smudge proof so you can go HAM! I enjoyed using the 30 colors that Anastasia offers in this lipstick when I did professional bridal makeup. Sarafine is a popular color for brides who like to have fun and think outside of the neutral range. Prep Tip: I like prepping my lips with Aquaphor or anything emollient because it’s a long-lasting color that can potentially dry your lips.
Shade of Red: Wild red
Coverage: Full matte cover finish
Application: Smooth and quick to dry, little room for mistakes
Finish: Matte to a T
Wear: Smudge-proof and long-wearing
Occasion to wear: Brooklyn, first date, in the club