When only red will do

I’m a sucker for a red lip. There’s something timeless and classic about a bold red lip, a shade which always stands out from the crowd – a shade that instantly makes me feel more confident.

Lip liner is a must for me when going for a red lip, something to keep that colour in place, making it last as long as possible. MAC Cherry Lip Pencil, £12.50, is a classic and cult red lip liner, a red liner which can be teamed with any tone of red lipstick for a perfect long-lasting lip. A gorgeous cherry red, it’s my go-to lip liner for those red lipped days. If you want something a little brighter, Illamasqua Feisty ColouringPencil, £15, is perfect for adding a pop of vivid red. The perfect in-between of Cherry and Feisty is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics NSFW Cosmetic Colour Pencil, £14.85,; not as deep as Cherry or as bright as Feisty, but the perfect shade to team with more everyday wearable reds.

For those who want a red lip but aren’t brave enough to go for bold, opaque shades, I have a couple in my picks that are perfect! Revlon Cherry Tart Lip Butter, £7.99, is the easiest way to achieve a subtle red lip, a light cherry red with a sheer finish that can be built up for more intensity, whilst still feeling comfortable and moisturising. Sephora Collection 10 Red Essence Rouge Infusion, $14/£9.62 is another great option, a warmer red with berry undertones that can be worn sheer or built up for a bolder look, with a stunning demi-gloss finish and amazing longevity.

If like me you’ve completely jumped on the liquid lacquer bang-wagon over the past couple of years, then Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Lime Crime and Sephora have some amazing reds which will make your lips stand out. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Psycho Matte Lip Tar, £16.50, is one of my favourites and most-reached for reds when I’m opting for a liquid lipstick; a truly bold red that has slight orange undertones and gives a look some real oomph. A touch less bold but just as beautiful is the Sephora Collection 03 Strawberry Kissed Cream Lip Stain, $13/£8.93.  A true red, it has a lovely matte finish and some of the best lasting power for a lip product you could ever find! Lime Crime Red Velvet Velvetines, £13.50, is a great in-between red; imagine a red velvet cupcake and that’s what this beauty is like. With lasting power that’s just as good as Sephora’s offering, the Lime Crime Velvetines are a must-have in my beauty stash.

When nothing but a classic lipstick will do, there are some great offerings from MAC, Lime Crime, Manic Panic and Illamasqua. A true cult shade and possibly the most perfect true red out there, is MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick, £15.50. With a Matte finish I find this one is best with a good lip liner and a touch of gloss to finish, but if you’re looking for that perfect classic red, this is it.  For those who can pull of a really bright red, Lime Crime Retrofuturist Lipstick, £12.50, is one of the boldest reds I own. A super bright cool toned red, it’s gorgeous with a touch of bronze come the warmer months. A new favourite red of mine is a deep, berry red in the form of Manic Panic Kiss of Death Matte Lipstick, £8.99; it has a very subtle but totally gorgeous metallic touch, and is my current go-to for winter. Illamasqua Maneater Lipstick, £18.50, is another super popular red for those who want a really bold true red, and with its soft matte finish, it’s one of my favourites.

Last but not least, how could I cover my favourite reds without two of my most-reached for NARS offerings? NARS Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, £18, is bright and bold with orange undertones and works amazingly well with Illamasqua Feisty – one of my most used summer shades. Deeper in tone, NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, £18, is the perfect in-between of Sephora Red Essence and Manic Panic Kiss of Death – teamed with MAC Cherry and we are talking a killer red lip combo that’ll have heads turning.

What’s your go-to for a red lip

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