Today is International Kissing Day and we thought it would be the perfect time to celebrate a classic makeup item… red lipstick.

Red lipstick is one of those items that so many of us have in our make up bags and yet somehow it’s never easy to find the perfect shade. Of course, there is a shade suitable for every skin tone it’s just a question of finding it as well as the ideal texture for you. Here is a selection of tried and tested options that we absolutely love.

 

Ciate Velvet Liquid Lipstick

Great colour in the form pure velvety pigment. Plus these are moisturising and matte at the same time which is rare to find in a liquid lip colour, they are usually either too moist and bleed over your lip line or they are too drying and you need to apply lip balm to make them wearable. These are enriched with hyaluronic acid which smooths the lips, helping them to appear supple and fuller, and its precision tip ensures perfect application.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

The tapered wand makes the lipstick very easy to apply and the colour payoff is flawless. This liquid lipstick is infused with vitamins A, C and E for added hydration making it very comfortable to wear, so it won’t completely dry your lips out plus you get a modern matte finish. It has a very lightweight texture and feels like you have (almost) nothing on the lips. Here’s a link to our full review.

Kosas

It has a silky, light texture that is imperceptible once you’ve applied it. Once it’s on your lips still look and feel like your lips: not waxy or sticky at all! The pigment is smooth and even when applied. They have a semi-matte finish that feels very moisturising. It features nourishing ingredients including Rosehip, Green Tea, Grapeseed oil and mango butter, with Orange Oil to give them an uplifting scent. Here’s our review of the brand’s lipsticks.

Fenty Beauty Stunna

This does take a little bit of work to build up 2-3 layers to get the expected colour. But once applied, it looks stunning and unique and really makes you take notice. Even when built up, it still feels weightless on the lips and has the most beautiful packaging – it would look gorgeous on any vanity. This classy liquid lip makes a statement!

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid

These liquid lips are bright and impactful with minimum effort. Love this because it gives good coverage with a comfortable matte finish PLUS once applied it’s long lasting and stays on your lips not on your glass.

Mary Kay Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick

It has a lightweight gel texture and feels soft on the lips, a classic red that’s easy to wear.

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro

This is smooth, rich and intense. It feels luxurious and expensive because it is. This is easy to apply, long lasting with a pure pigment and it feels really lush on the lips. A little goes a long way thanks to its thick formula. This was Giorgio Armani’s first truly matte lacquer. 

Ciate Liquid Velvet in ‘Diva’ for £17 from Look Fantastic
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid lipstick in ‘Santa Sangre’ for £17 from Debenhams
Kosas Lipstick for £24.95 from Trouva
Fenty Beauty Stunna lip paint for £19 from Harvey Nichols
Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick for £7.99 from Boots
Mary Kay® Gel Semi-Shine Lipstick in ‘Red Smolder’ for £14 from Mary Kay
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in ‘The Red’ for £30 from Armani Beauty

(*PR gift/sample)