The best red lipsticks to take you effortlessly from day-to-night

Women can be put off by the bold statement that is made by wearing a dramatic red lipstick. Yes, you are going big with such a shade, but it does do something that few beauty tools can do; instantly elevates. When everything else is going wrong, a red lipstick can take the sting away. The beauty of such a bold shade is that everyone can wear it, there is an undertone to suit no matter your skin tone. Taking it from day to night is simple enough; if you want to wear the red but not make it the focal point in the office, I always wear a lip balm under the lipstick to soften the pigment – and I don’t use a lip linter. I’m aiming for more of a stain, than a polished pout. In the evening, I opt for a matte, something that will stay put and I use a light liner (avoiding the harsh lines that scream 1990) to refine the look.

Below is a selection of our favourites (and just in time for Christmas season too):

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour in Pirate, €32

A rich, blue-toned red, Chanel’s classic Pirate is universally flattering, working on both pale and darker skin tones.

2. Rouge Dior in Trafalgar, €36

This is bright and brilliant. Containing a hint of orange, it’s ideal for a night on the town.

3. Bobbi Brown Art Stick In Harlow Red, €26

This one acts as both a liner and lipstick in one, which means precision application and gorgeous red hues in one swoop – ideal if you’re dashing from the office to the pub.

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick, €20

The MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick is a matte cherry red I’ve been truly impressed with. It falls somewhere between a cream and a matte and despite the name, doesn’t feel powder-like in the slightest. Shade choice as ever is excellent with 16 to choose from and the colour didn’t budge once I applied, yet it combines the pigment of a lipstick with the softness of a balm. In other words, it makes your lips happy.

 Tom Ford In Cherry Lush, €48

This is dramatic, highly-pigmented, long-lasting lip colour. Its pinkish-red tones are divine and softer if you’re still hesitating over a dramatic hue. Wear this one sans heavy additional make-up for maximum impact at night.

Rimmel Kate Lipstick In #1, €6.99

Kate Moss’s Rimmel Lipstick range is one of the best budget-friendly options on the market, and this rich red hue is a classic, and easy to keep easily topping up during the day or at an evening do.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet No5 Lipstick, €28

Yes, two Chanel choices in one post because the release of this gem marks an important moment for the iconic brand; the expansion of their iconic No. 5 range, beyond fragrance. This divine bullet glides on like velvet, but looks like a matte on application – altogether it makes for a thing of true beauty. It’s a part of the Maximalisme De Chanel collection, which includes 10 limited additional products. Perfect for Christmas – and as a ‘you deserve it’ pick-me-up for your personal wish list.