The 9 Best Dark Red Lipsticks for a Bold Lip Look

A classic cherry red lipstick is a foolproof go-to when you're looking to add a pop of color to your makeup look, but if you're feeling inspired to change it up a bit, consider opting for a rich red instead. Just like bright red shades, dark reds are nuanced—they vary in finish, undertone, and depth, too.

So to help you find the best dark red lipstick for you, we've combined extensive research and our editor's favorites to compile a comprehensive list. From wine and berry shades to matte finishes and shiny options, there are plenty to choose from. We evaluated each lipstick based on its formula, shade, application, comfort, and wear, and ahead, we're sharing our findings with you.

From drugstore gems to luxury picks worth your pennies, keep scrolling for the best dark red lipsticks to add to your collection.

Best Overall: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in McMenamy

What We Like

• Richly pigmented
• Lightweight
• Ultra-rich color

What We Don't Like

• Can feel drying on the lips

Pat McGrath knows a thing or two about creating unique makeup shades that look incredible on a wide range of skin tones. This incredibly rich burgundy lipstick creates a ton of contrast against fair to medium skin tones and looks bold and sophisticated on deep and dark skin. The matte formula offers a one-swipe color payoff, and we appreciate that it doesn't migrate or bleed into fine lines on the lip borders. If you're looking for the perfect vampy shade that doesn't lean too purple, this is a fantastic option.

Shades: 36 | Size: 4 grams | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color

What We Like

• Lasts up to 16 hours
• Easy to apply
• No transfer formula
• Rich color payoff

What We Don't Like

• Slightly sticky in feel

This drugstore gem of a lipstick is loved by celebrity makeup artists for a reason: it works. The deep mahogany shade gives us winter vibes, but when the look calls for it, this lip can be rocked year-round. It provides 16-hour wear but is easily removed when need be. The best part of it all? It's affordable and available right at the drugstore.

Shades: 30 | Size: 0.17 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge: Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick in Myra Crimson

What We Like

• Luxurious feel
• Neutral red shade
• Comfortable matte finish

What We Don't Like

• Strong fragrance

If you're looking to splurge on a little piece of luxury and invest in a great lipstick, this one is for you. Aside from the gilded gold tube that looks beautiful when displayed on your vanity, the formula and color are worth raving about too. Though it looks truly matte on the lips, the velvety texture isn't as drying and uncomfortable as many matte formulas are. One or two swipes deliver full pigmentation, and we love that this crimson shade leans pretty neutral, meaning it's easy to pair with a variety of makeup looks.

Shades: 25 | Size: 3.5 grams | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Long-Wearing: Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in Disorderly

Sephora

What We Like

• Waterproof
• Weightless
• Long-wearing

What We Don't Like

• Can feel drying on the lips

If a formula with serious staying power is what you're looking for, this matte liquid lipstick from Smashbox fits the bill. The deep brick red shade pops against all skin tones and just one layer delivers even coverage. Though it can feel drying (most liquid lipsticks do), we believe the long-wear performance makes it worth investing in. Pop on a light layer of lip balm before applying this one and your lip look will be comfortable and locked in place for hours on end.

Shades: 16 | Size: 0.13 oz. | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Matte: CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Rosso

What We Like

• Rich pigmentation
• Lightweight texture
• Comfortable matte formula
• Carmine-free

What We Don't Like

• Some online reviewers have noted their lipstick bullet breaking off from the base of the tube

When wearing a dark lipstick color, opting for a matte formula that won't migrate around your mouth is always a good idea. This one from CTZN Cosmetics is fantastic because it's lightweight and looks completely matte on the lips, but doesn't feel dry or cakey while you're wearing it. It wears beautifully for several hours, and we love that the shade has just subtle cool undertones which can help to make your teeth appear a bit whiter.

Shades: 6 | Size: 3.4 grams | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Satin: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Night Crimson

What We Like

• Moisturizing formula
• Rich pigmentation
• Buildable
• Deep plum red color is unique

What We Don't Like

• Nothing

Leave it to Charlotte Tilbury to create a lipstick color we're totally obsessed with. This deep plumy red looks stunning on a wide range of skin tones, and if you're intimidated by wearing vampy shades, it's great that this formula can easily be built up or blotted for a more subtle look. The formula is semi-shiny on the lips and feels comfortable and hydrating, though we appreciate that it doesn't feather the way many moisturizing formulas do.

Shades: 10 | Size: 3.4 grams | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Versatile: Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Night Thoughts

What We Like

• Buildable pigmentation
• Unique black cherry color
• Moisturizing formula

What We Don't Like

• Nothing

If you feel intimidated about wearing a rich, bold lip color, opting for a formula that's buildable rather than super pigmented right off the bat is a great place to start. This luxurious lipstick from Lisa Eldridge is perfect for you because the formula is creamy, buildable, and easy to customize to your liking. One layer will deliver semi-sheer color payoff, while a few layers will provide full opacity. In addition to the versatility and high-quality formula, we adore the shade. The brand describes it as a black cherry color and we agree; it has a stunning plumy-brown base with just the right amount of red in it to make it really wearable.

Shades: 14 | Size: 3.4 grams | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Warm-Toned: Hourglass Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick in Lynx

What We Like

• Brick red shade
• Moisturizing formula
• Magnetic packaging

What We Don't Like

• A bit pricey compared to similar formulas

If you have warm undertones in your skin or you're looking for a dark red lipstick to pair with a warm-toned makeup look, we recommend checking out this rich brick color from Hourglass. The formula is creamy, hydrating, and comfortable to wear all day. Because it's lightweight and moisturizing, it's easy to re-apply without it getting cakey or drying out your lips. The shade looks beautiful when paired with minimal makeup or gold and bronze shades on the face, and we also adore the luxe, magnetic packaging.

Shades: 20 | Size: 4 grams | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Cool-Toned: Kosas Weightless Lip Color Nourishing Satin Lipstick in Star Power

What We Like

• Lightweight
• Hydrating formula
• Plum red color

What We Don't Like

• Not the most long-wearing

If you have cool undertones in your skin or you want to create a cool-toned makeup look, this plum red color is the perfect choice. It has the perfect balance of red and purple, making it a berry shade that looks beautiful on tons of different skin tones, and the formula is equally as beautiful as the color. Lightweight and creamy, it glides on smoothly to deliver bold pigment. Though it's not the most long-lasting formula, the thin consistency makes it easy to re-apply throughout the day.

Shades: 10 | Size: 4 grams | Finish: Satin | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Our favorite dark red lipstick is the Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in McMenamy. The matte formula is richly pigmented, comfortable to wear, and very long-lasting. But if you're in the market for a more affordable pick, we highly recommend trying the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color in Composer.

What to Look for When Buying Dark Red Lipstick

Undertones

There are no rules when it comes to makeup; just choose a shade that makes you feel confident. However, if you're struggling to pick a dark red color, understanding your undertones might help. For those with cool undertones, lipstick with purple or blue hues, like the Kosas Weightless Lip Color Nourishing Satin Lipstick in Star Power, will suit your skin best. If you have warm undertones, lipstick with red or orange hues, like the Hourglass Unlocked Satin Crème Lipstick in Lynx, is foolproof. And for those with neutral undertones, lucky you—a wide spectrum of colors will suit you perfectly.

Formula

Understanding what formula wears best on your lips is another piece of the puzzle in finding the perfect lipstick. If you tend to have dry or dehydrated lips, finding a creamy moisturizing formula will help keep your lips looking supple and luscious. The Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Night Thoughts is a great option with a moisturizing formula. If you're going for a matte look or you require longevity out of your lipstick, a matte velvet lip, like the CTZN Cosmetics Code Red Lipstick in Rosso, is the way to go.

Ingredients

Just like any makeup or skincare product, understanding what ingredients work for you is important. For starters, if you have certain restrictions and want to wear only vegan and/or cruelty-free products, knowing what ingredients to avoid is important (in this case, carmine, beeswax, and lanolin would be the top three to flag). Beeswax in particular can also be a skin irritant to some with sensitive skin, so all that is to say, read and understand the ingredient lists before purchasing.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.