7 red lipsticks that are well worth the effort

“I can honestly say I have a favourite red lipstick for every occasion. But the one I’ve been pulling out most often lately is the Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon Lipstick in ‘Laugh Louder’. It’s an incredibly wearable red for my skin tone and the summer season. It toes the line between a brick red and orangey-red, which can be worn both muted or bold depending on how richly you apply it. The skinny and pointed bullet-shape is also a bonus as you can be really precise and make sure your colour is crisp.” — Samantha McMeekin, BEAUTYcrew's Editor

$17.99 at Chemist Warehouse

“It’s pretty rare for me to commit to a red lip (Christmas, and er, Christmas), but when I do, there’s really only one formula I’m happy with every time, and it’s this. A cherry red with a hint of orange in my favoured finish (a richly pigmented velvety matte), it passes the ‘Chrissy lunch and multiple mimosa’ test every time, and for that I will be forever grateful. But that’s not even the best bit - it’s the kind of rare unicorn-esque red lippy that you’ll actually forget you’re wearing (it’s that soft, hydrating and comfy) until you spy a glam red-lipped vixen in the mirror and realise it’s you.” — Delaney Loane, BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor

$53 at David Jones

“I’m rarely comfortable in a red lip. I always feel like the bold colour washes me out and draws attention to my dry lips. With the exception of one. Chanel’s lipstick in the shade ‘Pirate’. A cooler-toned red, this lipstick glides on and leaves you with a finish that is more hydrating, glossy and light than lipsticks typically deliver. Unless I’ve just eaten, I generally don’t have to reapply this lipstick throughout the day. Which, if you’re like me, is a major win because putting a red lipstick on is no easy feat. It’s the one beauty step that I’d never trust myself to do without a quiet room, adequate lighting and a big mirror. And yes, because I know you’re wondering, I do find it more complicated than a winged liner.” — Ruby Cotton, BEAUTYcrew's Content Producer

$62 at Myer

“I’ve pretty much steered clear of red lipstick since my dance eisteddfod days (the girls that get it get it). And when it comes to lips, I’m more of a clear or pink gloss kinda girl. But if the occasion calls for it (read: the festive season or Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’), I’ll be whipping out Pat McGrath’s infamous LiquiLUST Matte Lipstick. Approved by Ms Swift herself, the shade is simply stunning with the most gorgeous velvety finish that doesn’t dry out your lips. Pair it with winged liner and a splash of glitter and your NYE look is sorted.” — Georgia Nelson, BEAUTYcrew’s Social & Beauty Editor

$57 at Pat McGrath Labs

“I can’t say I’m really a red lipstick girl, but I do love the look for certain occasions. And in my opinion, you can’t go past the classic MAC lippy. With a gorgeous matte texture that lasts all day long and doesn’t transfer to food or drinks, this little beauty has never let me down. The application is super smooth and doesn’t dry out my lips, which I’ve found a lot of other lipsticks do. In fact, it’s so comfortable that most of the time I completely forget I’m wearing it! It’s not sticky or heavy and doesn’t settle into creases — an absolute winner in my books.” — Tiarne Blackwell, BEAUTYDIRECTORY's Listings Producer

$32 at MECCA

“I don't reach for a red lip too often, but when I do I want something that's full coverage, comfortable to wear and has a matte finish for extra staying power – AKA I have to be able to eat and drink without colour rubbing all over my face. Can you tell I'm the one at the party hovering over the food, not in the bathroom touching up their lippy? It may sound like a lot to ask for, but this icon in the NARS lineup ticks all my needy prerequisites. It glides on like butter and once applied, I can't even tell I'm wearing a bold lip, which is key in my books.” — Aja Walter, BEAUTYDIRECTORY's Editor 

$40 at MECCA

“Hate me if you like, but I’m vehemently opposed to that dated, crisply-lined apple red lip look. I prefer buildable formulas that can be softened and blurred for a ‘just kissed’ kind of pout. This lipstick contains ingredients you’d typically expect to see on a lip balm inkey list, which makes blending and layering a breeze. The combination of hyaluronic acid, konjac glucomannans, padina pavonica extract, camellia and jojoba oil helps to smooth, soften, plump and hydrate my lips. The poppy pink-red shade sheers out into a beetroot-hued lip stain and can be buffed onto cheeks as a beautiful cream blush too. We love a multitasker.” — Briar Clark, BEAUTYcrew’s Content Producer

$70 at Sisley Paris