If there’s one product, no beauty enthusiast can be caught dead without it’s a bold, time-honored red lipstick.
It’s not only the beauty equivalent to the iconic little black dress (LBD), but it’s both edgy and sexy –yet still refined – making it the perfect must-have product in anyone’s beauty arsenal.
And some of our favorite leading ladies agree. No wonder they continue to count it as one of their favorite red carpet looks.
So, as we usher in a new season and continue celebrating ‘World Lipstick Season’ (yes, I just made it up), here are some of the red lippies your favorite celebs can’t live without!
Lupita
Lupita dominates every space she enters – beauty, fashion, wellness, and Wakanda. And just like Nakia, Lupita’s signature red lipstick is the Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Color in Pirate ($40).
Its intense, long-lasting color offers a sexy, full coverage, satin finish, while its hydrating texture instantly comforts your puckers, leaving them luscious and supple.
If unapologetically bold and gorge is your go-to mantra, this is the perfect pick-me-up for you.
Beyoncé
Ms. Carter, Sasha Fierce, Yonce – Beyoncé is the queen of monikers, class, and everything beauty. From her high glam to flawless-of-the-jet looks, this ageless goddess nails every red carpet theme.
Now, as we continue downing Mai Tais and putting Renaissance on repeat this season, you might want to go full Queen Bey with her favorite go-to red lippie – the L’Oréal’s Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain ($11).
With a price tag that rings in at under $20, this lip stain is a definite steal. The gorgeous matte texture, intensely rich color, and super-precise tip solidify how Bey-incredible it is. Plus, with its ultra-lightweight, long-wearing formula, you’d be breaking your soul by not having it in your beauty arsenal.
Tinashe
If you never had an ‘All Hands on Deck’ or a ‘2-On’ obsession phase, guurrll, you missed out. Tinashe rocked the 2010-2019 era and continues to reign as the most phenomenal singer, songwriter, kick-ass dancer, and beauty queen of our time.
Her favorite red lip, which we must say, represents her vigor and style, is the Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 714 ($19). The number does not budge and is exceptionally comfy to wear. Plus, its super pigmented and long-wear vegan formula goes on so smoothly and evenly to give you a sensual, seductive touch.
You’ll find us applying it at work, in traffic, and as we go all hands on deck in Pasadena.
Lizzo
Name someone who does it better than Lizzo herself. We’ll wait. The award-winning singer and recent fashion mogul always serves us good vibes and has often been spotted rocking the Kosas Weightless Lip Color in Electra Lippie ($28).
Its super-creamy, moisturizing formula feels incredible on lips, thanks to its luxurious blend of all-natural jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and mango butter. The pure, weightless formula also delivers the smooth, enviable, lived-in finish you always want in a lipstick.
Is it giving the ‘100% that bitch’ vibes or what?
Zendaya
We love how Zendaya never fails to amaze us – be it as Ruby ‘Rue’ on Euphoria or even as the sexiest Lancôme Global Ambassador.
And so, if you’re looking for red lipstick inspiration, you should consider her every red carpet go-to, the Lancôme, L’Absolu Rouge Ruby in ‘Rubiez’ ($32) option. Intensely pigmented and designed for a one-swipe application, this lippie gives you a sensuous, luxurious, and satisfyingly satin-y finish.
Plus, its hydrating ingredients leave your lips feeling refreshed and luminous all day long. Now, can you blame Zendaya for having it as her handbag staple?
Chloe X Halle
Looking for the best surprise lippie to gift your BFF on her 25th birthday? Get the legendary Chloe & Halle Bailey-approved vibrant pick – Pat McGrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick in Elson ($39).
The oil-infused lipstick’s delightful powder-in-a-bullet matte formula layers lips with an intensely saturated, featherweight pop of color in a single swipe. It also hydrates your lips while giving you that lush, supple, siren-worthy effect.
It’s also the goddess of makeup’s (Pat McGrath) favorite red lipstick, so you have to add it to your collection.
Rihanna
When Rihanna says a lippie rocks, it rocks! And in true #Navy fashion, we just had to include her go-to, all-day favorite red lipstick – the Mac Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($21).
Seriously – this color-rich, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof lipstick can seamlessly last through cocktails, dinner, and make-out seshes. And, even though it’s matte, it doesn’t make your lips feel dry or flaky.
Is it the most incredible steal or what?
Psst…btw, some people say it gives the same flawless, fade-proof finish as Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint.
Cardi B
If you’re looking to channel the classic Cardi B ‘so poppin, don’t ever get introduced’ vibe, you should consider getting the L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Lipstick in Matte-ly in Love 102 ($6).
Its powdery-soft, moisturizing matte formula looks sooo gorge, lasts hours, and feels super-sexy. Also good: One swipe instantly delivers fabulous French-femme vibes without the expensive wine and plane ticket.
Michelle Obama
The former (and forever favorite) first lady has been known to rock a red lip here and then. Her favorite go-to? The Lip Bar Vegan Liquid Matte Lipstick in Bawse Lady ($13), And let’s just say, it’s fitting for a bawse queen like her.
Not only is this deep-garnet, gloss-to matte shade long-lasting, but its transformative texture goes on as a silky smooth formula and then stays on as a velvety, matte finish.
Fun fact: It’s not only one of the most flattering black woman-owned red lipstick but also consistently ranks as one of the best-selling lipsticks in the US. So, snag yourself one while stocks last!
