You can’t beat a classic! These are the 7 red lipsticks you need in your collection

In our minds Ancient History has more to do with erupting volcanoes and giant pyramids than anything beauty related. But, it’s time to broaden our minds and realise that some of our all-time classic, must-have beauty buys, are rooted in history. 

And, we’re not talking the kind of history your nan likes to drone on about over Christmas lunch, we’re talking thousands of years BC kind of stuff. Yep. The classic red lip has been around that long, with women all over the globe in awe of the feelings of power and seduction it can give us. 

It’s a universally accepted hue that genuinely will never go out of style, with every generation having their all time fave formulas (and favourite ‘hacks’ for application). Because like Audrey Hepburn once said, "There is a shade of red for every woman" so it’s time to find the best red lipstick for you…

2024's Top 3 Red Lipstick

1. M.A.C Cosmetics Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in ‘Ruby Woo’, $40, Myer
2. Giorgio Armani Lip Power Lipstick in ‘Four Hundred’, $73, Myer
3. Dior Addict Shine Lipstick in ‘Re(d)volution’, $69, Myer

M.A.C Cosmetics Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in ‘Ruby Woo’

From $40 at Myer

Best for: Matte

M.A.C’s Ruby Woo is probably the most iconic lipstick we own. We can vividly remember buying our first tube of the ultra-matte lipstick and thinking we were the coolest people out there. Thankfully M.A.C have reformulated the matte lipsticks to keep the same steadfast wear but have now added in a hydrating trio of coconut oil, organic shea butter and organic cocoa butter.

Key features:

• Non-feathering/bleeding formula 
• Pigment-rich colour 
• Now infused with skin-nourishing ingredients

Available at:

• $40 from Myer
• $40 from Adore Beauty
• $40 from M.A.C Cosmetics

Giorgio Armani Lip Power Lipstick in ‘400’

From $73 at Myer

Best for: Satin

This buildable formula promises (and delivers) on a long eight hours of wear with no touch ups required. Which, if you’ve worn a red lip anytime lately know, is a huge call. Thankfully this ultra-hydrating, oil-infused formula can live up to the task and remain the same elegant hue for the whole time. Extra added bonus: the lipstick features a unique ‘drop-shaped’ design for precise application – because we know applying red lipstick is a serious skill. 

Key features:

• Oil-infused formula 
• 8 hour wearing
• Drop-shaped bullet for precision application 

Available at:

• $73 from Myer
• $73 from Adore Beauty
• $73 from The Iconic

Dior Addict Shine Lipstick in ‘Re(d)volution’

From $69 at Myer

Best for: Gloss

When it comes to Dior, they just know how to make a product that’s going to get us to hand over the cash. Do we have plenty of lip products already? Yes, but that’s not going to stop us from adding this seriously shiny, glossy pick to the mix. Cased in a refillable tube, the 90 per cent natural origin formula is enriched with amazingly hydrating oils that help the lipstick to melt and glide across your lips on application and leave your pout perfectly hydrated.

Key features:

• Refillable design
• Melt onto your lips formula 
• Made from 90 per cent natural origins 

Available at:

• $69 from Myer
• $69 from Adore Beauty
• $69 from Dior

NYX Professional Makeup Duck Plump Lip Plumping Lip Gloss in ‘Hall Of Flame’

From $22 at ASOS

Best for: Plumping

Okay, we are well aware that this isn’t a ‘lipstick’ but it’s tinted glossy formula that works to plump your lips is one we couldn’t go past. Because if you’re anything like us, applying a red lipstick always leaves you wanting a little bit more lip. And sure, we could head to that salon for a quick top up, but why would we when we could just apply this instead? The inclusion of all natural ginger root and chilli extract work to plump up your lips leaving them looking fuller for longer. Can anyone say, WINNER. 

Key features:

• Naturally leaves lips plumper 
• Infused with ginger root and chilli extract
• Glossy, high-shine finish

Available at:

• $22 from ASOS
• $23.99 from Adore Beauty
• $14.39 (usually $23.99) from Priceline

Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipstick in ‘Wicked’

From $26.99 at Priceline

Best for: Longwearing 

ICYMI: Gigi Hadid graced the 2024 Met Gala red carpet wearing none other than this very lipstick. Yep, the star stunned as we wondered just what it would look like on us. So, we thought we’d put it through its paces. Coming fresh off a wear, we know this lipstick is genuinely not about to budge. Not even when you take a sip from your water bottle. It's a true miracle level formulation. But what really got us, was how easy it was to apply no red lip psych up (or lip liner) needed!

Key features:

• Colour Lock formula defies transfer
• 16 hour wear 
• Comfortable hydrating formula 

Available at:

• $13.49 (usually $26.99) from Priceline
• $13.50 (usually $26.99) from Amazon Australia 
• $27 from Big W

Charlotte Tilbury Rock Lips In ‘Ready For Lust’

From $58 at Charlotte Tilbury

Best for: Glamour

Look, we’d say if there was one thing Charlotte Tilbury knows best, it’s lips. But really, is there anything Charlotte Tilbury can’t do? Well they’re expanding their horizons with the Elton John collab range that sees a gorgeous star studded case protecting and equally as gorgeous berry-toned lipstick. Best of all, the vitamin E infused formula works to help support The Rocket Fund, Elton John's very own AIDS foundation. 

Key features:

• Inspired by Elton John
• 3D glowing pigments 
• Infused with nurturing vitamin E

Available at:

• $58 from Charlotte Tilbury

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in 'Forbidden Love' 

From $68 at Pat McGrath

Best for: Taylor Swift-Approved Colour

It’s been fifteen long years since our girl Taylor Swift graced the covers of Allure wearing an unmissable red lipstick and we’ve thought about it every day since. Are we slightly too invested in finding out each and every shade of red T-Swift has ever worn? Yes, definitely. But we’re here to accept that fact and bring you all the info. Like, this little morsel. Remember that Taylor/Travis NFL kiss? And how they weren’t both covered in a wash of red post-peck? Yep, Pat McGrath put their hand up and laid claim to the lipstick being their very own MatteTrance formula. And while you can shop the rest of the range in Sephora, you’ll need to special order this one from the States. Swifties, we swear it's worth it. 

Key features:

• Tay & Travis ‘kiss-proof’ seal of approval 
• One swipe coverage 
• Polymer infused for flexibility 

Available at:

• $68 from Pat McGrath

How do you match your red lipstick to your skin tone?

Wanna hear the most exciting news? Anyone and everyone (yep, everyone) can look fantastic in a tantalising red lip. But just because we can all wear the gorgeous tones doesn’t mean it’s a Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants kind of situation. One colour does not fit all (unfortunately). But with the help of your very own undertones, you can pick your perfect shade of red. For those with cool undertones and fairer skin, sticking to a blue-based red will complement your complexion. With orange-based reds suiting warmer tones the best. And brown-based lipsticks being the pick if you’ve got warm undertones and a deeper complexion. 

Main Image Credit: @taylorswift

Committed to the cause? Why not copy Olivia Rodrigo and match your lipstick to your nails…