7 Red Lipsticks That’ll Make You Feel Bold, Confident & Valentine’s Day-Ready — Tested & Approved by a Beauty Writer
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
Whether you plan on achieving every goal on your 2026 vision board or want to elevate your everyday look, a red lipstick can help. As beauty writer who has worn red lipstick weekly for the last five years, I’ve been lucky enough to discover some high-quality red lipsticks from a various brands and price ranges. Since I’m not one to gatekeep (and with Valentine’s Day just one week away), I wanted to share my top picks, so you can make this year your best (and boldest) one yet.
Best Red Lipsticks for Valentine’s Day 2026, at a Glance
Best Overall: MAKE UP FOR EVER Everlasting Scarlet For Ever Matte Liquid Lipstick, $23
Best for Sensitive Skin: Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Devoted, $20
Best Hydrating for Winter Weather: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hollywood Vixen Lipstick, $37
Best for Classic Makeup Fans: ColourPop Melonade Ultra Matte Lip Matte Liquid Lipstick, $9
Best Matte Finish: HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Le Monster Lip Crayon in Scarlet Matte, $24
Best Glossy Finish: Bobbi Brown Luxe Hydrating Lipstick in Parisian Red, $45
Best Budget: Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick in Heatwave, $16
The best red lipsticks not only add a bold pop of color to your look, but they can also boost your confidence and empower you to tackle anything that comes your way. In fact, research even shows that wearing makeup, like a bold red lipstick, can enhance self-esteem and even improve academic performance. The good thing is, there’s no shortage of options out there. Figuring out the best one for you is the challenge. That’s where I come in.
Regardless of whether you prefer a yellow-tone red or one with a matte finish, there’s an option for you. Ahead, we’ve created a list of some of the best red lipsticks you can add to your cart ASAP — you can thank me later.
Best Red Lipsticks of 2026, Tested & Approved By a Beauty Writer
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
MAKE UP FOR EVER Everlasting Scarlet For Ever Matte Liquid Lipstick
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a red lipstick to complement an olive skin tone, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Everlasting Scarlet For Ever Matte Liquid Lipstick is a solid choice thanks to its orange undertones. This lipstick delivers an ultra-matte finish due to Kaolin Clay, which is one of its key ingredients. I was impressed by how the lipstick began to matte within seconds after application. This lipstick‘s applicator has a rounded edge, which makes it easier to perfectly outline the vegan liquid formula along your cupid’s bow (without veering away from the edges).
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Devoted
Best for Sensitive Skin
As someone with sensitive skin (and lips that are often chapped), this Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick in No. Devoted is one of my go-to lipsticks because of its hydrating and dermatologist-tested formula. While this lipstick is advertised as being matte, it’s not as dry, which I don’t mind since I enjoy how hydrating the product feels on my lips. That said, it is a point to consider if you’re looking for a lipstick with the traditional matte finish. Its accessible packaging is another reason I keep reaching for this lipstick, along with its classic red look.
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hollywood Vixen Lipstick
Best Hydrating for Winter Weather
If a red lipstick for a lighter skin tone is what you seek, look no further than the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hollywood Vixen Lipstick. As its name suggests, you’ll feel like a Hollywood star the moment you take the lipstick out of its packaging to unveil its red bottle and vibrant lipstick with a square tip. Since I have lighter skin, I appreciate how this lipstick complements my skin tone and contrasts with my lighter blue eye color. Furthermore, this lipstick contains vitamin E for extra hydration, which I find particularly helpful in winter.
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
ColourPop Melonade Ultra Matte Lip Matte Liquid Lipstick
Best for Classic Makeup Fans
A little bit of the ColourPop Melonade Ultra Matte Lip Matte Liquid Lipstick goes a long way to coat the lips with a vibrant (and matte) pigment that lasts for hours. This lipstick only takes a couple (sometimes only one) swipe before I am able to pucker my lips into a full coverage look. Despite its ultra-pigmented formula, I don’t encounter issues with feathering. The formula is also lightweight, which is a bonus. Not only do I love this lipstick, but I also receive a handful of compliments with each wear. I can’t forget to mention that the tube smells great, too.
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Le Monster Lip Crayon in Scarlet Matte
Best for Matte Finish-Lovers
Whether or not you’re a fan of Lady Gaga, you can rock a bold (and matte) look with HAUS LABS’ Le Monster Lip Crayon Vegan Lipstick in Scarlet Matte. This has been one of my favorite red lipsticks for years because of its vibrant color and ease of application. While you might have to literally color in your lips the same way as you would with a real crayon (I know I do), this creamy, cool red lipstick stays on without requiring too many refreshes. Additionally, this lipstick is made with mango seed oil and peptides for added hydration and volume, and can double as a lip liner.
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
Bobbi Brown Luxe Hydrating Lipstick in Parisian Red
Best for a Glossy Finish
If you’re looking for a red lipstick with a glossy finish, the Bobbi Brown Luxe Hydrating Lipstick – Parisian Red is a standout pick. Made with chamomile oil and jasmine flower wax, this lipstick is easy to apply and feels gentle on the lips. I found this lipstick to hydrate my lips throughout the duration of wear. Compared to some other lipsticks, this one offers more product in the tube, which is a bonus.
BEST RED LIPSTICKS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2026
Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick in Heatwave
Best for Those on a Budget
Despite its more affordable $16 price point, Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick in Heatwave delivers on pigment and moisture. Ingredients-wise, you can look forward to a smooth and hydrating finish thanks to its Murumuru butter and orchid extract. I am also a fan of this Revlon lipstick’s sparkly tube packaging, which adds to the overall wearing experience.