10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

You know that feeling when you finally splurge on one of the Best Red Lipsticks, swipe it on for a night out, and then it quietly disappears into a drawer for months? Maybe it looked louder than you expected in real life, made your teeth seem a bit yellow, or just didn’t sit right with your undertone, so you retreated back to your “safe” nude and told yourself red just isn’t for you.

For this guide, we set out to fix exactly that problem. We tested classic reds, blue-reds, brick reds, and soft berry reds across fair, medium, olive, and deep skin tones. We paid attention to undertones (cool, warm, neutral), finishes (matte, satin, glossy), and how each formula behaved in real life—commutes, coffee runs, sweaty subway rides, and long dinners, not just under studio lights or in perfectly filtered selfies.

Below, you’ll find quick top picks if you’re in a hurry, a comparison table you can scan at a glance, and detailed reviews if you love knowing every little detail before you commit. There’s also a simple buying guide and a peek into how we tested, so you can see exactly why each shade made the cut. We stay independent too: some products were purchased, some sent as PR, but none are paid placements—your perfect red lip, not our sponsorships, is what decides who stays on this list.

If dark circles or uneven tone still make you hesitate before a bold lip, you might also love our in-depth guide to concealers that brighten under-eyes without creasing so your red lipstick has the smooth, even canvas it deserves.

1 Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

If the first lipstick in this guide was your “easy yes” red, this one is the bold, polished shade you reach for when you need the room to go quiet for a second.

One of our testers wore Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte in 168 Red Is Drama to a performance review she’d been dreading. She paired it with a clean base, tidy brows, and nothing more than mascara. Her manager opened with, “Wow, you look ready for anything today.”

This is a cool, blue-based red with an ultra-matte finish that still looks plush, not flat. It suits anyone who wants their lipstick to do some of the talking—think big meetings, important dates, or events where you want to look collected and in control.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Ultra-matte
• Undertone: Cool blue-red
• Coverage: Full, high-impact color in one to two swipes
• Best for: Medium to deep skin tones, but also one of the best red lipsticks for fair skin if you like drama
• Wear time: Around 7–8 hours with gentle fading to a stain

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

On fair or light skin, Red Is Drama reads like a true statement shade—think old Hollywood red carpet. It can look intense if you’re used to nudes, but with a bit of blush and soft liner, it brightens the whole face instead of washing it out.

On medium and olive skin, the blue-red balance feels very high-end and polished. It sharpens features in photos and pairs beautifully with bronzer, making it a strong candidate among the best red lipsticks for olive skin, especially for evening wear.

On deep skin tones, this shade really earns its name. Our deep-skin tester said it “felt like a classic movie star red that was finally deep enough for my complexion.” The color stays rich, not pink or washed out, and the cool undertone makes teeth look whiter on camera.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

The texture is a thin, velvety matte—not a heavy, waxy bullet and not a slippery cream. It goes on with a smooth glide, then sets down to a soft-touch finish that looks almost airbrushed around the lip line.

There is a light, elegant cosmetic scent when you first apply—slightly rosy, slightly powdery—but it fades within a few minutes and didn’t bother our fragrance-sensitive tester. There’s no tingle, sting, or plumping sensation.

After two to three hours, the formula still feels surprisingly comfortable for something this matte. The ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and rose extracts keep the lips from feeling tight, but if your lips are very chapped, it can highlight flaky spots. A quick scrub and a thin balm underneath made a big difference in our tests.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We started at 8:00 a.m., applying straight from the bullet and cleaning the edges with a small brush—two swipes per lip for full, opaque coverage. The color set within a minute, so there was no slipping into fine lines around the mouth.

By the mid-morning coffee break, there was a faint ring on the mug, but the color on the lips barely moved. It stayed bold through Zoom calls and hallway chats, even with a light mask on for a short commute. The matte finish meant zero sticking to the fabric.

After a late, slightly oily lunch (think fries and a burger), the center of the lips softened into a diffused stain while the outer edges stayed defined. A quick touch-up on the inner third of the lip brought it back to full intensity. By early evening, it had worn down to a flattering, even red stain rather than a patchy ring.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

This is for anyone who wants a serious, grown-up red that looks like you planned your day, not just your makeup. It’s especially flattering on medium to deep skin with cool or neutral undertones, and on fair skin that can handle a bit of drama with confidence.

Because of the long wear and polished finish, it’s ideal for presentations, weddings, and dressy dinners where you don’t want to fuss with constant reapplying. If you live in the best red lipsticks UK kind of climate—think rain, wind, and long commutes—this formula handles all of that with minimal smudging.

And if you like your statement lip to sit against an easy, everyday base outfit, our Best White T-Shirts for Women guide walks through clean, flattering tees that make a bold red lip feel even more effortless.

⚖️ Pros and cons:

✅ Final Verdict

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte in 168 Red Is Drama is the tube you reach for when you need impact and staying power in one step.

It’s not the most casual everyday red, but if you want something that carries you from first coffee to last photo without losing its edge, this one absolutely earns its place on a Best Red Lipsticks shortlist.

2 Clinique Pop Longwear Lipstick 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

If the Lancôme shade is your “power suit” red, Clinique Pop Longwear in BD Poppy Pop (Satin) is the one you throw on with a messy bun and still look put together.

One of our testers first tried it on a Sunday, wearing nothing but tinted moisturizer and a denim jacket. Her friend took one look and said, “You look so awake… what lipstick is that?”

Where the last red was bold and serious, this one feels friendlier.

It’s a bright, neutral-leaning poppy red that you can pat on for a soft stain or build into a full, polished lip. It’s the kind of shade that earns a spot on a real-world best red lipsticks 2025 list because people actually use it on busy days, not just special occasions.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Satin with a soft sheen
• Undertone: Neutral with a slight cool lean
• Coverage: Medium to full, buildable
• Best for: Fair to deep skin; great “starter red” for nervous beginners
• Wear time: Around 6–7 hours before a tidy-up

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

In the tube, BD Poppy Pop looks like a classic, cheerful red.

On fair or light skin, it brightens the whole face without looking harsh, especially if you apply one layer and blot. Our tester with freckles and copper hair said it was one of the best red lipsticks for redheads she had tried because it didn’t fight with her hair color.

On medium and olive tones, the neutral-cool balance keeps it from going too orange or too pink. It works with both bronzy eye looks and bare lids, which is why our olive-skin tester wore it three days in a row without getting bored. She said it felt “office appropriate, but still fun.”

On deep skin, it reads as a vivid, clean red that stays true to color and doesn’t turn fuchsia. If you usually gravitate toward the best dark red lipsticks, this will feel like a fresher, daytime option that still shows up clearly in photos and under indoor lighting.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

The texture is classic Clinique: creamy enough to glide on easily, but thin enough that it doesn’t feel waxy or heavy.

One swipe gives a soft veil of color, and two to three swipes build it into a smooth, even layer.

There’s only the faintest hint of a “lipstick” scent when you first open the bullet, but it disappears almost immediately.

No mint, no tingling, and no perfume cloud—our sensitive-skin tester appreciated that.

After a couple of hours, the lips still feel flexible and comfortable. It doesn’t feel like a balm, but it also doesn’t give that tight, chalky feeling some longwear formulas do.

On very dry lips, it can gently catch on flakes, but it doesn’t sink deep into lines if you prep with a light balm first.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We tested this shade on a regular workday, starting at 8:30 a.m.

One layer was applied straight from the bullet, then a second layer tapped in with a fingertip for extra smoothness. No lip liner was used, on purpose, to see if it would travel. It didn’t.

By mid-morning, after two cups of coffee and a quick snack, there was light transfer on mugs, but the lip color still looked even. The satin sheen softened a bit, settling into a more natural finish without going fully matte.

Lunch was a salad with vinaigrette and a slice of pizza—so, not exactly gentle. The color faded mostly from the center, but it left a soft stain that still looked neat.

A fast touch-up after lunch (one swipe and a blot) carried our tester through an afternoon of Zoom calls and a quick grocery stop without turning patchy or ring-like.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

This is a great choice if you like the idea of red lipstick but don’t want anything severe. It plays nicely with fair, medium, and deep skin, and it feels especially kind to neutral and cool undertones, which is why we’d happily put it on a best red lipsticks for cool undertones short list.

If you normally shop the best drugstore red lipsticks but want something that still feels low-fuss and easy, this is a smart step up.

It’s perfect for office days, coffee dates, weekend errands, and those moments when you want to look a bit more awake on camera without changing your whole makeup routine.

For an even smoother canvas under this shade, our Best Face Moisturizers for Women to Use guide is a handy companion if you want your red lip to sit beautifully on hydrated, even skin.

👍 Pros

• Bright, wearable red that suits many skin tones
• Comfortable, creamy texture with buildable coverage
• Low-scent formula is friendly to sensitive noses
• Fades to a soft, flattering stain rather than a harsh ring

👎 Cons

• Not as bulletproof as a liquid longwear formula
• Can cling slightly to very chapped areas without prep
• If you love the most dramatic best deep red lipstick, this will feel more casual

✅ Final Verdict

Clinique Pop Longwear in BD Poppy Pop is the red you can keep in your bag and actually use, not just admire.

It may not replace your boldest statement shade, but if you’re building a real-life lineup of the best red lipsticks for cool undertones and everyday wear, this one earns its spot—especially if you live somewhere like Canada and want something easier than the ultra-intense best matte red lipsticks Canada shoppers often see promoted.

Among all the best red lipsticks 2025 contenders, this is the one that quietly becomes a habit.

3 MAKI YIKA Ruby Red Liquid Lipstick 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

If the Clinique shade is the friendly “good mood” red you wear to brunch, MAKI YIKA Ruby Red is the one you reach for when you want drama that will not budge.

One of our testers wore it to a friend’s wedding, starting with the afternoon ceremony and ending on the dance floor past midnight. In every photo, her lips looked exactly the same: bold, sharp, and unapologetically red.

This is a full-impact liquid matte for people who hate touch-ups.

It’s a vivid ruby with a slightly cool, classic undertone, designed for nights when you want the best red lip that stays put through to the last selfie.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Matte liquid
• Undertone: Cool-leaning ruby
• Coverage: Full in one coat
• Best for: All skin tones who want strong, transfer-resistant color
• Wear time: ~10–12 hours with careful removal

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

Ruby Red looks like pure confidence in the tube.

On fair or light skin, it reads as a vivid, almost retro red that frames the face without looking costume-y if you keep the rest of your makeup soft. Our fair-skin tester called it the prettiest red lipstick she owned once she saw it in flash photos.

On medium and olive tones, it gives that classic ruby look you see in old movies, but with more depth. It doesn’t pull orange, so it doesn’t clash with olive undertones or golden bronzer. In group photos, it stands out without fighting with warm blush or bronzy eyes.

On deep skin, this shade really comes alive. The cool ruby pigment holds its own and doesn’t turn fuchsia or pink. One of our deeper-skin testers said it made her feel like she had found the best red color lipstick for bold party nights because it stayed rich and saturated even under dim club lighting.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

This is a thin liquid formula that goes on like ink. A little goes a long way; too many layers can feel heavy, so one careful coat is enough. It sets quickly, so you have a short window to perfect the edges before it dries down.

There’s a light sweet scent when you first pull the wand out of the tube—think faint vanilla candy—but it doesn’t linger once it sets. No mint, no tingling, and no strong perfume cloud.

After two to three hours, it feels very matte but not crumbly if your lips were well-prepped. Because it’s so long-wearing, it can highlight dry patches if you skip balm and exfoliation.

On smooth lips, it stays surprisingly flexible for a formula that aims to be one of the top rated red lipstick options in its price bracket.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We tested MAKI YIKA on a “leave at noon, home at midnight” kind of day.

Our tester applied one thin, careful coat at 12:30 p.m., starting from the center and using the tip of the wand as a liner around the edges. No separate lip liner.

By the time coffee and an iced drink happened mid-afternoon, there was almost no transfer on straws or cups. The color stayed locked in, and the finish remained fully matte, even in humid air and under a mask for short rides between venues. It didn’t feather or bleed into fine lines.

Dinner was oily—spicy noodles and fried appetizers. The very inner edge of the lips softened a bit, but from a normal talking distance it still looked even. A tiny touch-up in the center refreshed it for the rest of the night.

When it was finally time to remove it, our tester needed an oil-based remover and a little patience, which is exactly what you’d expect from a good red lipstick that promises all-day wear.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

This one is made for people who want commitment from their lipstick. It suits fair, medium, and deep skin, and works especially well if you like a strong, polished red that doesn’t move through meals, dancing, and travel days.

If you usually search for the brightest red lipstick or the most flattering red lipstick for party photos and big events, this formula fits that brief. It’s ideal for weddings, club nights, long work events, or anytime you need your lip to look exactly the same in hour ten as it did in hour one.

Pair it with a simple, softly blended eye from our Best Eyeshadow Palettes for Everyday Glam guide if you want your bold red lip to sit alongside eyes that look polished but not overdone.

👍 Pros

• Intense, ruby red color that shows up on every skin tone
• Very long-wearing and highly transfer-resistant
• Thin formula with full coverage in a single coat
• Great value compared with many high-end longwear reds

👎 Cons

• Can emphasize dryness if you skip exfoliating and balm
• Needs oil-based remover and a bit of effort to take off
• Quick set time means less room for mistakes if you’re new to liquid mattes

✅ Final Verdict

MAKI YIKA Ruby Red is for the person who never wants to babysit their lipstick.

It may not be your everyday office shade, but if you’re building a lineup of the best red lip color options for parties, weddings, or all-night events, this is the bulletproof liquid that earns a spot near the front of the drawer.

It easily competes with higher-end formulas while feeling like a smart, budget-friendly pick in the best red lip category.

4 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Love That Red (725) 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

After living in that bulletproof MAKI YIKA ruby, we wanted to go back to something a little softer around the edges—but just as attention-grabbing.

That’s where Revlon Super Lustrous in Love That Red (725) came in. One of our testers dug a tube out of her mom’s old makeup bag, tried it on for fun, and realized, “Oh… this is the red I’ve seen in family photos for years.”

Love That Red is a creamy, slightly warm, cherry red that feels like a movie star shade you can still wear to the office.

It’s for people who want a bold lip but prefer cream lipstick over full-on matte, and for anyone who secretly loves the look of vintage lipstick prints on coffee cups.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Cream
• Undertone: Warm-leaning classic red
• Coverage: Medium to full, buildable
• Best for: Fair to deep skin tones who like a comfortable, shiny red
• Wear time: ~4–6 hours before a fresh swipe

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

In the bullet, Love That Red looks like a true, lively red with just a hint of orange warmth.

On fair or light skin, it gives that “I just swiped on lipstick and now I look awake” effect. It brightens the face without looking neon and can easily compete with some of the best orange red lipsticks when you blot it down.

On medium and olive tones, the warmth in the shade harmonizes with golden undertones instead of fighting them.

It looks especially pretty with bronzer and a soft brown liner, which is why many pros still call this one of the best brick red lipsticks from the drugstore era, even though it’s more cherry than brown.

On deep skin, Love That Red becomes a glowing, juicy red that doesn’t wash out or look chalky.

One of our testers with deep, cool-toned skin said it reminded her of the “old Hollywood” looks she usually only gets from prestige brands—and that it felt close to what she looks for when hunting down the best cool red lipsticks for everyday wear.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

This formula is all about comfort. It glides on with almost zero tug, thanks to the vitamin E and avocado oil.

If you hate heavy lipsticks, this feels surprisingly lightweight for something with this much color payoff.

There’s a faint, classic lipstick scent when you twist up the bullet—nothing overwhelming, more like a nostalgic cosmetic smell.

It doesn’t stick around once it’s on your lips, and none of our testers reported irritation or tingling.

After a couple of hours, lips still feel soft, not tight. The cream finish means there’s some slip, so it’s not transfer-proof, but it also doesn’t sink aggressively into lip lines.

On very dry lips, it actually helps smooth the look a bit instead of catching on every flake, which is rare for a bold red.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We tested Love That Red on a “real life” weekday: school drop-off, desk work, coffee run, and a quick dinner out.

At 8:00 a.m., our tester applied one full swipe, pressed lips together, then added a second layer only to the center for extra depth. No liner, just to see how it behaved on its own.

By the time she finished her first coffee, there was visible transfer on the cup, but the color on her lips still looked fresh and smooth.

The shine softened into a satiny finish by late morning, which many people actually prefer for day wear.

After a pasta lunch with olive oil, the lipstick had faded evenly, leaving a soft red tint rather than a hard ring around the edges.

A quick reapplication—straight from the tube, no mirror tricks—brought it right back for the late-afternoon grocery stop and early evening catch-up with a friend. This isn’t a “lock and forget” formula; it’s more of a classic good red lipstick that you don’t mind reapplying because it feels nice going on.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

Love That Red is ideal if you want bold color but don’t like the commitment of long-wear mattes.

It flatters fair, medium, and deep skin, and the warm, cherry tone makes it an easy “default” red when you’re not sure what eye look you’re doing yet.

If you love the idea of the best mac red lipsticks but want something more affordable and forgiving, this is a great alternative.

It works for daytime meetings, casual dinners, and low-pressure parties where you want to look polished but still feel like you can wipe it off quickly if you change your mind.

On chilly days, pairing this lipstick with a favorite outer layer from your Best Winter Coats for Women lineup can make the whole look feel effortlessly put together, even if you’re just running errands.

👍 Pros

• Classic cherry-red shade that suits many undertones
• Creamy, moisturizing feel with no heavy waxiness
• Easy to touch up without patchiness
• Accessible price for a lipstick with iconic status

👎 Cons

• Transfers easily due to the creamy finish
• Not as long-wearing as liquid or matte formulas
• May feather slightly on very lined lips without liner

✅ Final Verdict

Revlon Super Lustrous in Love That Red earns its cult status for a reason.

It’s the shade you can picture on your mom in old photos and still want to wear today. If you’re building a small, smart collection and want the most flattering red lipstick that feels soft, shiny, and nostalgic, this one deserves a permanent spot next to your more modern, high-impact favorites.

Among classic bullets, it’s quietly one of the best cool toned red lipstick alternatives for people who like a hint of warmth.

5 L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in British Red 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in British Red

After testing the nostalgic Revlon cream, we wanted to see if a modern drugstore icon could hold the same space in a makeup bag.

That’s when British Red from L’Oreal’s Colour Riche line kept popping up in our testers’ stories. One tester called it her “meeting and movies” shade because she wears it to client calls and Friday-night cinema without thinking twice.

British Red is a smooth, satin red with a gentle shine and a subtle blue-leaning undertone.

It’s the kind of color you swipe on when you want to look like you tried, but not like you tried too hard—clean skin, simple mascara, and suddenly you’re the pulled-together one in the room.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Satin
• Undertone: Neutral with a cool, classic twist
• Coverage: Medium to full, buildable
• Best for: Fair–deep skin, normal to dry lips, office to evening
• Wear time: ~4–6 hours before a refresh

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

In the tube, British Red looks like a sophisticated cherry red, not too orange and not too dark.

On fair or light skin, it reads as a bright, clean red that wakes up the face without looking neon. Our fair-skin tester said it was the first time a bold lip didn’t make her feel like she was wearing a costume.

On medium and olive tones, the balance of warmth and subtle coolness keeps it from clashing with golden undertones.

It pairs easily with bronzer and brown eyeliner, which is why one tester said it became her “just in case” lipstick for days when plans might stretch from desk to dinner.

On deep skin, the color stays vivid and true, never chalky.

The slight cool edge behaves like a red lipstick with blue undertones, helping teeth look brighter in photos and under indoor lighting. Our deep-skin tester described it as “grown-up but still fun,” and reached for it more than some pricier tubes.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

Colour Riche has a creamy satin formula that feels more skincare than paint.

It glides on easily without dragging, thanks to argan oil and vitamin E in the mix, and feels cushioned rather than slippery. One pass delivers a soft veil; two passes give that full, polished lip look.

There is a light classic lipstick scent when you open the bullet—faintly powdery, slightly sweet.

It doesn’t hang around once applied, and none of our testers reported headaches or irritation from fragrance. If you prefer completely unscented products, you’ll notice it, but it fades fast.

After two to three hours, lips still feel moisturized.

The satin finish slowly softens into something closer to a creamy stain, but it never gets crackly or tight. On very chapped lips, it can sit on top of flakes a little, but it doesn’t dig into fine lines the way drier formulas can.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We took British Red through an ordinary “9 to after 6” workday.

At 8:30 a.m., our tester applied two smooth coats straight from the bullet, then blotted gently with tissue for staying power. No lip liner, just to see how well the formula behaved along the edges.

By late-morning coffee and a couple of glasses of water, there was noticeable transfer on cups, but the color on her lips still looked even and rich.

The shine calmed down into a softer satin, which actually made it feel even more work-appropriate on Zoom calls.

Lunch was a soup-and-sandwich combo with a bit of oil.

The center of the lips faded first, but not in a harsh ring. A quick, mirror-free touch-up after lunch—one swipe and a press of the lips—was enough to restore that “freshly done” look for the rest of the afternoon and early evening errands. This behaves exactly like a classic bullet: easy to reapply, comfortable, and forgiving.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

British Red is ideal if you want the best red lip colour that feels grown-up yet still low-stress.

It flatters fair, medium, and deep skin tones, and the neutral-cool balance makes it versatile across different eye looks and outfits.

If you already own intense mattes for big nights but need something softer for everyday wear, this is that bridge shade.

It works for office days, date nights, family gatherings, and any moment when you want to look effortlessly polished without committing to a high-maintenance lip.

Pairing this easy red with a soft, blendable cheek from your favorite cream blushes that melt into skin can make the whole face look cohesive and fresh with minimal effort.

👍 Pros

• Classic, wearable shade that suits a wide range of undertones
• Comfortable satin formula with hydrating ingredients
• Easy to touch up and forgiving if applied in a hurry
• Affordable option that feels and looks more expensive

👎 Cons

• Transfers onto cups and cutlery due to the creamy texture
• Not the longest-wearing option if you need all-day, no-move color
• Light traditional lipstick scent may bother those who want totally fragrance-free products

✅ Final Verdict

L’Oreal British Red is the tube you keep in your handbag because it never lets you down.

It may not be the loudest or most dramatic shade, but it quietly behaves like the best red colour lipstick for real life—polished, comfortable, and easy to reapply between meetings or movie trailers.

If you’re building a small lineup of great red lipsticks and need that one reliable, classic bullet, this is a strong contender for your personal best red red lipstick spot.

6 HANLADY A48 Tea Time 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

HANLADY A48 Tea Time

If British Red is the classic bullet you twist up before a meeting, HANLADY A48 Tea Time is the one you paint on when you know you’ll be out from brunch to last train home.

One tester wore it to a Saturday that started with errands, moved into a late lunch, and somehow turned into karaoke. She texted us a bathroom selfie at midnight: the lip still looked intentional.

Tea Time is a deep, modern red with a soft blue-leaning undertone in a matte cream-stick formula.

It’s for people who want that “done” feeling without babysitting their lipstick, and who secretly love when strangers ask, “How is it still on?”

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Soft matte
• Undertone: Neutral-cool, slight blue lean
• Coverage: Full in one to two swipes
• Best for: All skin tones; normal to slightly dry lips
• Wear time: ~8 hours, with only small touch-ups after oily meals

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

In the tube, Tea Time looks like a rich tea-rose red—darker than a classic cherry, softer than a vampy wine.

On fair or light skin, it reads as a sophisticated, grown-up red rather than something loud. Our fair-skin tester said it might be the best red lipstick for fair skin if you like a little depth instead of a fire-engine shade.

On medium and olive complexions, it strikes that sweet spot between everyday and special.

It doesn’t skew orange, so it plays nicely with golden undertones and bronzer. One olive-toned tester said it made even a plain T-shirt and jeans feel intentional, which is not something every matte can do.

On deep skin, Tea Time turns into a plush, romantic red that still looks clearly red—not brown, not berry.

A deep-skin tester told us it felt like something she’d wear to dinner with friends and a formal event, which is rare. Because it stays flattering across our testers, we’d happily put it on a shortlist for the best red lipstick for all skin tones in its price range.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

This is a creamy matte in a stick, not a liquid.

The texture feels weightless going on—almost like a mousse that settles into a velvet finish. One pass gives plenty of color, and a second pass in the center adds intensity without feeling chunky.

There’s a faint, sweet cosmetic scent when you first apply, but it disappears quickly.

No mint, no tingling, and no heavy perfume cloud. None of our testers reported irritation or burning, even the ones with reactive lips.

After two to three hours, lips still felt comfortable.

The formula is enriched with hydrating ingredients, so it doesn’t lock down like cement. If your lips are very flaky, it can cling a bit, but on exfoliated lips it smooths over lines instead of sinking into them. In our wear tests, it behaved like a true best red lipstick long lasting option without giving that “lip mask” feeling.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We put Tea Time through a busy work-from-café day.

At 9:00 a.m., our tester applied one full swipe, then cleaned the edges with a fingertip. No liner. The color set down to a velvet finish within a minute, but the lips still moved comfortably.

By late-morning coffee and a pastry, there was the usual faint mark on the mug, yet the lip still looked crisp in daylight.

The matte finish stayed intact, and there was no feathering around the edges—even after lots of talking on back-to-back video calls.

Lunch was spicy noodles with chili oil.

The very center softened, but the fade was soft and even, like a stain. One quick touch-up down the middle of the lip brought it right back. By the time she got home early evening, the color had mellowed into a flattering wash rather than a harsh outline, which is exactly what you want from one of the best red lipsticks for long days.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

Tea Time is ideal if you want a serious, matte red that doesn’t feel high-maintenance.

It suits fair, medium, olive, and deep skin, and its neutral-cool balance flatters most undertones. The subtle cool edge makes it a contender for the best red lipstick with blue undertones if you like your red to brighten teeth.

If you’re tired of choosing between comfort and wear time, this sits nicely in the middle.

It’s a strong pick for long office days, first dates, weddings, or any “on your feet all day” event where you don’t want to constantly reapply.

For base makeup that can keep up with this kind of long-wear lip in sticky, sweaty conditions, pairing it with one of the picks from your best long-wear foundations for humid weather guide can help everything look as fresh at 10 p.m. as it did at 10 a.m.

👍 Pros

• Rich, flattering shade that works across many skin tones
• Lightweight matte that feels comfortable for hours
• Impressive longevity for a cream-stick format
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula

👎 Cons

• Can cling to very dry patches without prep
• Not completely transfer-proof, especially with oily food
• Light sweet scent may bother those who prefer totally fragrance-free products

✅ Final Verdict

HANLADY A48 Tea Time feels like the quiet overachiever of this lineup.

It doesn’t shout in the tube, but on the mouth it reads as a polished, long-wearing red that can easily stand beside higher-end picks for the best red lipstick long lasting category.

If you like a matte that looks chic in real life and in photos, this might become your new everyday “serious red.”

7 evpct 6-Piece Deep Reds Lip Stain & Liner Set 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

evpct 6-Piece Deep Reds Lip Stain & Liner Set

By this point in the lineup, we’d already met a few strong one-shade heroes.

But one tester kept saying, “I wish I had a little wardrobe of reds in one place.” That’s exactly what the evpct 6-piece lip stain and liner set (Set-B01) turned into for her.

She wore the deep burgundy red to a rooftop party, then switched to the brighter red for brunch the next morning—without packing half her makeup drawer.

This double-ended design gives you a matching lip liner and liquid lipstick on each stick.

The reds in the set lean rich and bold, with a true deep red that feels dramatic but still wearable. It’s for people who love options and want a small, travel-ready kit instead of juggling separate liners and tubes.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Matte liquid
• Undertone: Mix of cool and warm reds; hero deep red is neutral-cool
• Coverage: Full, high-impact color
• Best for: Medium–deep tones, but fair skin can sheer it out
• Wear time: ~8–10 hours with minimal touch-up

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

The standout red in this set is a deep wine-cherry shade—bold, but not goth.

On fair or light skin, a thin layer gives that blurred, bitten-lip look if you tap it in with a fingertip. Our fair tester said it turned into a soft “evening lip” when applied that way, rather than overwhelming her face.

On medium and olive tones, the deeper red looks plush and chic, especially when paired with bronze or taupe eyes.

Because you have liner and liquid together, you can contour your lips a little and make them look fuller without harsh lines.

On deep skin, the intense burgundy red looks expensive and intentional.

One deep-skin tester told us it gave her “full drama in one step” and said it could sit comfortably next to any of her high-end matte best red lipsticks for nights out.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

The lip liner side is a slim, creamy pencil that glides without dragging.

It’s pigmented enough to outline and softly fill in the lip before you add the liquid.

The liquid lipstick side has a lightweight, fluid texture.

It spreads easily and dries down to a flat matte that doesn’t feel crunchy if you don’t over-layer. There’s a faint, sweet cosmetic scent when you first apply, but it fades quickly and didn’t cause irritation in our tests.

After a couple of hours, the lips feel dry-but-not-desert, like most serious longwear formulas.

Prep is important: a thin layer of balm blotted off will help the color sit more smoothly and keep the finish flattering through the day.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We tested the hero deep red on a long “city day”: subway rides, café stops, and an evening event.

At 11:00 a.m., our tester lined and lightly filled in her lips with the pencil, then applied a thin coat of the liquid right on top. One layer was enough for full coverage.

By late-afternoon coffee and snacks, there was practically no transfer on cups.

The color stayed locked in, and the edges stayed crisp thanks to the liner underlayer. During a greasy dinner, the very center of the lower lip softened a bit, but it faded like a stain instead of flaking off.

A tiny touch-up in the center after dinner took seconds.

By the time she got home, the red had softened slightly but still looked photo-ready—exactly what you want from one of the long wearing best red lipsticks in a budget-friendly kit.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

This set is ideal if you like having more than one red option and enjoy sketching in your lip shape precisely.

Medium and deep skin tones will love how bold the deeper reds look, while fair complexions can dab and blend for softer impact.

If you gravitate toward liquid best red lipsticks that stay put through full days or late nights, but also want liner included, this is a clever all-in-one choice.

It’s great for travel, weddings, and any “leave the house at noon, come back after midnight” schedules.

And if you want your outfits to match the confidence of a bold red lip, pairing this set with pieces from your best stretch jeans for women guide is an easy way to build a wardrobe that feels as versatile as this mini red kit.

👍 Pros

• Six coordinated shades with matching liners and liquids
• Deep reds that flatter a range of undertones
• Long-wearing, waterproof formula once set
• Great value if you like to switch between multiple reds

👎 Cons

• Can feel dry on un-prepped or very chapped lips
• Quick-dry formula leaves little time to fix mistakes
• Oil-heavy meals will break it down in the center faster

✅ Final Verdict

The evpct 6-piece red and plum set is less “one perfect tube” and more like a mini red wardrobe in your makeup bag.

If you’re building a small collection of long wearing best red lipsticks and want liner plus liquid in one stick, this set earns a place on that list—especially if you love bold, matte finishes and don’t mind committing to a proper removal routine at the end of the night.

8 Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Red-Hot 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Red-Hot

After the bold matte kit from evpct, our testers were curious to switch gears and try something with shine—something that felt almost electric.

That’s how Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Red-Hot landed on our desks. One tester wore it to a coworker’s birthday lunch, and complete strangers kept asking what was on her lips. “It looks like lacquer,” one person said, and honestly… they weren’t wrong.

Red-Hot is a fire-engine, high-impact red with a vinyl finish.

It’s for people who love glossy bold lips but hate the slip and mess that usually come with shine. If you’ve avoided gloss because it disappears in an hour, this formula might change your mind.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Glossy vinyl
• Undertone: Neutral-bright true red
• Coverage: Full, dramatic color
• Best for: All tones who prefer shine and bold, statement lips
• Wear time: ~10–12 hours with very little transfer

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

Red-Hot is a bright, clean red—zero muddiness, zero brown.

On fair or light skin, it wakes up the face instantly. The shine makes it look youthful rather than harsh, and our fair-skin tester said it might compete with the pink best red lipsticks trend because of how lively it feels on lighter complexions.

On medium and olive skin, this shade becomes a perfect “going out” red.

The neutral undertone doesn’t pull orange or fuchsia, so it harmonizes with olive tones while still popping in photos. Paired with winged liner or bronzy lids, it looks editorial.

On deep skin, Red-Hot transforms into a glossy, dramatic red that photographs beautifully.

One deep-skin tester called it “rich and loud in the best way,” and said it held up better than many pricier brand best red lipsticks she owned. The vinyl shine adds dimension, so it never looks flat or muted.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

Vinyl Ink is like a hybrid formula: part liquid lipstick, part gloss, part stain.

It goes on creamy and wet, then locks into a flexible, glossy finish. The shake-before-use step really matters—it keeps the color smooth and prevents patchy lines.

The scent is soft and slightly sweet but not overly perfumed.

It fades after application, and none of our testers experienced burning or tingling.

After two to three hours, the lips still feel lightweight, similar to a thin balm topped with gloss.

Unlike many gloss-mattes, it doesn’t go sticky or stringy. It also avoids sinking into lip lines, which is rare for this level of shine. Its comfortable wear and subtle hydration make it one of the moisturizing best red lipsticks in a liquid format.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We took Red-Hot through a “desk to dinner” day.

At 11:00 a.m., our tester shook the tube, swiped a full coat onto clean, dry lips, and gave it a few seconds to settle.

By the time she reached her 1 p.m. meeting—and after a latte—the gloss remained glossy.

Not as glassy as the first minute, but still shiny enough to look fresh. The color didn’t budge onto cups or smudge around the corners.

Dinner involved tacos and a fair amount of salsa.

The very inner lip faded slightly, but the outer shape and shine stayed impressively intact. After a small center touch-up, the lip looked brand-new for the entire evening out. This staying power puts it high among the long wearing best red lipsticks for people who love shine rather than matte.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

Red-Hot is for anyone who wants drama and longevity in one swipe.

It suits fair, medium, olive, and deep skin tones, and the neutral red makes it easy to pair with minimal makeup or full glam. If you’re tired of mattes but still want longwear, this is a great bridge formula.

If you love trying best red lipsticks under $30, this product offers luxe performance at an affordable price.

And if you’re looking for cruelty-free best red lipsticks, the vegan formula is an added plus.

For a full-face routine that matches this glossy, high-impact lip, pairing Red-Hot with glow-boosting skincare from your best Korean serums for glowing skin guide can help your base look as fresh and luminous as your lipstick.

👍 Pros

• Bold shine with longwear staying power
• Highly pigmented true red that suits all skin tones
• Minimal transfer once set
• Vegan formula and comfortable all-day wear

👎 Cons

• Must be shaken before use or it may apply unevenly
• Glossy finish may not appeal to strictly matte lovers
• Slight fade at the center after oily food

✅ Final Verdict

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Red-Hot is the glossy answer for people who love bold red lips but want the same reliability as matte formulas.

It delivers lacquer-like shine, strong staying power, and a universally flattering true red that earns its place among the shine best red lipsticks and overall best red lipsticks for people who want impact without fuss.

9 HOOMUSS M13 True Red 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

HOOMUSS M13 True Red

After playing with the glossy drama of Red-Hot, our testers wanted to swing back to something more minimal-looking—but just as tough.

That’s where HOOMUSS M13 True Red came in. One tester wore it on a day that started with a morning commute, included a surprise rain shower, and ended with late-night street food. Her recap was simple: “It did. Not. Move.”

M13 True Red is a classic, strong matte liquid red with a modern formula.

It’s made for people who like their lipstick to be the last thing they worry about—students, office workers, and anyone who loves a simple eye and a bold mouth.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Matte liquid
• Undertone: Neutral-true red
• Coverage: Full, opaque in one coat
• Best for: All skin tones; normal to slightly dry lips with good prep
• Wear time: Up to 10–12 hours with light touch-up after oily meals

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

True Red is exactly what it sounds like: a clean, straight-down-the-middle red.

On fair or light skin, it gives that classic “lipstick and mascara” look that instantly dresses up a T-shirt. Our fair-skin tester said it made her feel like the main character without looking harsh.

On medium and olive skin, the neutral tone behaves nicely with warmth in the complexion.

It doesn’t lean too orange or too blue, which makes it easy to match to bronzer and soft brown eyeshadow. It looks polished enough for a presentation and bold enough for Friday night.

On deep skin, M13 holds its own as a clear red that doesn’t slip into berry or fuchsia territory.

One deep-skin tester said it made her feel like she’d found the “grown-up version” of the bold reds she loved in college—bold, but very wearable in daylight.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

This is a true liquid matte, but the texture is thinner and smoother than some older formulas.

It applies like a lightweight cream, then sets down within a minute or so. A single coat is usually plenty; layering too much can feel tight, so less is more here.

There’s a soft, sweet cosmetic scent when you first open the tube, but it fades after the color sets.

No burning, no minty tingle, and no heavy perfume. Even our sensitive-lip tester managed a full day in it without irritation.

Thanks to the triple hyaluronic acid and plant-based ingredients, it feels slightly more flexible than many “cement” mattes.

It’s still matte—prep with balm and a gentle scrub helps—but it didn’t crack or crumble in our tests. For a budget-friendly tube, it behaves like it belongs in a set best red lipsticks from a more expensive line.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We tested M13 on a run-around town day.

At 8:15 a.m., our tester applied one careful coat to dry lips, using the pointed applicator to outline first and then fill in. She let it dry completely before talking or drinking.

By the time she finished a coffee and a bottle of water mid-morning, there was barely any transfer.

The color looked just as intense, with edges still sharp. A sudden light rain shower on the walk to lunch didn’t affect the finish at all, which puts it firmly in the waterproof best red lipsticks camp.

Lunch included oily noodles and fried snacks.

The very inner rim softened slightly, but instead of flaking, it faded like a stain. A small center touch-up after lunch carried her through the rest of the afternoon, a crowded train ride home, and an evening video call. At removal time, she needed a proper oil-based remover, which is exactly what you expect from a serious long-wear matte.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

HOOMUSS M13 True Red is ideal if you want a no-nonsense matte red you can trust.

It works across fair, medium, olive, and deep skin, and suits anyone whose day doesn’t leave room for constant mirror checks.

If you’re shopping girl best red lipsticks for someone who loves bold color and doesn’t mind a proper makeup-remover routine, this is a strong candidate.

It’s great for busy students, shift workers, and anyone who wants a dependable “one and done” red for photos, events, or long city days.

To balance such a statement lip with a comfortable, natural-looking base and outfit, pairing this shade with wardrobe and lingerie picks from your best bras for small boobs that truly fit guide can help your whole look feel supported and intentional from morning to night.

👍 Pros

• True red shade that flatters many undertones
• Impressive longevity with minimal transfer
• Vegan, cruelty-free formula with hydrating components
• Precise applicator makes it easy to skip liner

👎 Cons

• Can feel dry if you don’t exfoliate and prep with balm
• Needs an oil-based remover and a bit of patience to take off
• Quick-drying formula leaves little room for error during application

✅ Final Verdict

M13 True Red from HOOMUSS feels like that reliable friend who shows up on time and stays until the last photo is taken.

It’s not glossy or soft-focus—just a clean, confident red that holds up through real-life mess. If you’re building a small lineup of stick best red lipsticks and liquids you can count on, this one earns a spot, especially if you care about more organic best red lipsticks and cruelty-free formulas at a price that often pops up in the best red lipsticks sale section.

10 Depuplum DM29 Flamingo 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Depuplum DM29 Flamingo

After the zero-nonsense HOOMUSS true red, our testers wanted to finish this lineup with something a little more playful.

Depuplum DM29 Flamingo is the shade that came out when someone asked, “What if my red lipstick looked a tiny bit flirty, not just serious?” One tester wore it to a rooftop bar with a simple black dress and hoops; her friend immediately said, “That lip is doing all the work—in a good way.”

Flamingo sits right on that line between vibrant red and bold pink, in a matte liquid formula that still catches the light a bit.

It’s the color you reach for when you want to feel party-ready, even if you’re just heading to dinner and a movie.

📌 At a Glance 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

• Finish: Matte liquid with a soft sheen
• Undertone: Warm red-pink
• Coverage: Full, opaque in one coat
• Best for: Fair–deep skin tones who like bold, fun color
• Wear time: Up to ~10–16 hours with proper removal

🎨 Shade & How It Looks on Different Skin Tones

In the tube, DM29 Flamingo looks like a vivid red with a pink edge.

On fair or light skin, that pink note really shows up, giving a bright, “doll lip” effect that instantly livens up the face. Our fair-skin tester said it felt like something from a girl best red lipsticks TikTok roundup—strong but playful.

On medium and olive skin, the red comes forward a bit more.

The color harmonizes well with golden undertones and looks especially striking with bronzer and a soft brown eye. It reads as a fun going-out shade rather than a strict corporate red.

On deep skin, Flamingo turns into a bold, punchy red that still hints at fuchsia in bright light.

One deep-skin tester mentioned that it photographed beautifully under colorful club lights and said it looked like a shade that could easily be part of any set best red lipsticks marketed for party nights.

💧 Formula, Scent & Feel on the Lips

Depuplum’s formula is a classic long-wear liquid: thin enough to spread easily, but pigmented enough that one swipe really is enough.

It dries down to a matte finish that doesn’t look chalky—there’s a touch of dimension when light hits it.

There’s a delicate rosy scent when you first apply, likely from the rose essential oil in the ingredient list.

It’s soft and disappears after a few minutes, and none of our testers reported tingling or burning.

After a couple of hours, lids still felt lightweight rather than heavily coated.

Because it’s designed for longevity, you do need hydrated lips underneath. On well-prepped lips, we didn’t see cracking or major flaking; on very dry lips, it could emphasize rough spots, so balm and a quick scrub are worth the extra minute.

⏱️ Wear Test – A Day in This Red

We ran Flamingo through an “afternoon to midnight” test.

At 3 p.m., our tester applied a single, careful coat on dry lips, using the pointed wand tip to sharpen the cupid’s bow. She let it dry completely before sipping anything.

By cocktail hour, after iced coffee and water, the color was still intense and hadn’t migrated outside the lip line.

There was almost no transfer on glasses, which puts it in the conversation for waterproof best red lipsticks in its price range.

Dinner was messy—saucy pasta and garlic bread.

The very inner part of the lip softened but didn’t crumble. A light touch-up in the center revived the look for late-night photos and dancing. At removal time, she needed a dedicated makeup remover; a quick micellar swipe wasn’t enough. That’s a trade-off many long-wear fans will accept.

🌟 Who It’s Best For (Skin Tone + Lifestyle)

DM29 Flamingo is perfect if you want a bold red that leans a little pink and feels unapologetically fun.

It works across fair, medium, and deep skin, and suits anyone who likes statement lips for dinners, parties, and special events.

If you usually watch for the best red lipsticks sale section before trying new shades, this is an easy one to experiment with—especially if your makeup style is simple eyes, strong lip.

It’s also a good choice for people who don’t want to fuss with reapplying every hour.

To balance the bold, flirty lip with a smooth, sculpted silhouette under dresses and going-out outfits, pairing Flamingo with support pieces from your best shapewear for women guide can help your whole look feel as intentional as your lipstick choice.

👍 Pros

• Vivid red-pink shade that flatters a wide range of complexions
• Strong, long-lasting color with minimal transfer once set
• Lightweight liquid texture that doesn’t feel heavy on the mouth
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula with conditioning ingredients

👎 Cons

• Can emphasize dryness if you skip balm and exfoliation
• Needs an oil-based remover and a little patience at the end of the day
• Bright tone may feel too bold for very minimal-makeup days

✅ Final Verdict

Depuplum DM29 Flamingo closes this list on a fun, high-energy note.

It’s not the quiet, office-friendly tube—you choose this when you want to be noticed and have your lipstick last through the entire night. For fans of bold, liquid, stick best red lipsticks with a vegan twist, it feels like the colorful cousin in the organic best red lipsticks family that you save for your best memories.

★ Comparison Table – 10 Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

📊 At-a-Glance Shade & Wear Map Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

💄 Power red bullets 💧 Longwear liquids & vinyl 🧳 Kits & multi-shade wardrobes

Scroll horizontally on smaller screens to view all EEAT notes and “best for” context in this comparison table.

Smart Companion Reads for Bold Red Lip Days Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Context History & symbolism of red lipstick • General overview of lipstick formulas

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Context How red lipstick became a beauty icon • What goes into modern lipstick formulas

🚉 Real-Life Wear Tests (Not Just Swatches) Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

We didn’t line these up on a white arm, take one pretty picture, and call it a day. Each lipstick in this guide was actually worn on real faces, on real days, with all the mess that comes with normal life.

Our testers took these reds to offices, weddings, crowded trains, grocery runs, and late dinners. They wore them through coffee, iced drinks, oily lunches, video calls, and humid weather. Some days we told them, “No lip liner, no filters—just the lipstick and your normal routine.” On other days, we asked them to pair each shade with liner and a more “done” face to see how flexible it really was.

We also checked these reds under different lighting—bathroom lights, office fluorescents, daylight by a window, and phone flash at night. A red that looks incredible in studio lighting but strange in a bathroom mirror didn’t earn an automatic yes from us.

🧾 What We Looked At: Comfort, Pigment, Fade, Transfer Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone testing criteria

For every lipstick, we asked the same questions: How does it feel going on? How does it look after 30 minutes? How about after lunch?

We looked at comfort first. A matte red can be beautiful, but if it feels like a mask and cracks around your smile, we marked it down. Our testers rated each lipstick at the two- to three-hour mark, when many formulas begin to dry out or sink into lines.

Next came pigment and coverage. We paid attention to how many swipes it took to reach full color, whether the shade went on streaky, and if the undertone stayed true on different skin tones. A lipstick that looked rich in the tube but thin or patchy on the lips didn’t make the final cut.

Fade and transfer were the last big tests. We checked cups, straws, masks, and napkins. Some formulas promised no transfer and lived up to it. Others transferred a little but faded in a soft, flattering way that we considered “real-life friendly.” What we didn’t accept were lipsticks that disappeared in the center while clinging harshly to the outer edges.

🌈 Who Tested Them (Skin Tones & Ages) Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone panel diversity

To make this guide useful for more than one kind of face, we tested across a mix of skin tones and ages. Our core group included fair, light, medium, olive, and deep skin tones, with undertones that ranged from cool to warm to neutral.

We also included different ages and lifestyles. One tester is in her early 20s, working long shifts and commuting on public transport. Another is in her 30s, juggling office meetings and school pick-ups. We also had testers in their 40s and 50s, who were very honest about how reds behave on lips with more natural lines and dryness.

Yes, we glanced at ingredient lists and Amazon reviews when shortlisting, but the final opinions came from wear tests on real days, not just from product pages. If a lipstick survived coffee, conversation, and an oily meal and the person wearing it still liked how it looked at the end of the day, it had a good chance of making it into this guide.

Coverage: United States, United Kingdom, Canada — November 18, 2025 (UTC) Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone, best red lipsticks for fair skin, best red lipsticks for olive skin, best red lipsticks for brown skin, best red lipsticks UK, best red lipsticks for blondes, best red lipsticks for cool undertones, best red lipsticks 2025, best red lipsticks for redheads, best red lipsticks with blue undertones, best dark red lipsticks, best blue red lipsticks, best drugstore red lipsticks, best matte red lipsticks Canada, best deep red lipstick, best orange red lipsticks, best cool toned red lipstick, best cool red lipsticks, best mac red lipsticks, best brick red lipsticks, best red lip, good red lipstick, brightest red lipstick, top rated red lipstick, best red lip color, most flattering red lipstick, best red color lipstick, prettiest red lipstick, best red colour lipstick, best red lip colour, best red red lipstick, great red lipsticks, red lipstick with blue undertones, blue based red lipstick, blue toned red lipstick, matte red lipstick long lasting, blue tones red lipstick, best red lipsticks, best red lipstick for fair skin, best red lipstick long lasting, best red lipstick for all skin tones, best red lipstick with blue undertones, long wearing best red lipsticks, matte best red lipsticks, liquid best red lipsticks, moisturizing best red lipsticks, satin best red lipsticks, pink best red lipsticks, best red lipsticks under $30, shine best red lipsticks, brand best red lipsticks, cruelty-free best red lipsticks, girl best red lipsticks, set best red lipsticks, waterproof best red lipsticks, best red lipsticks sale, stick best red lipsticks, organic best red lipsticks

Context How skin tone and undertone are described in color science • Why warm and cool reds look different on each face

✨ Best Reds for Fair & Light Skin Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

If you’re fair or light, you probably know the “clown mouth” fear well. One of our testers—with very pale skin and freckles—said most reds either made her look washed out or like she’d raided a costume drawer. The trick for her wasn’t avoiding red; it was choosing the right red.

On fair skin, softer blue-reds, rose reds, and slightly muted cherry tones tend to sit more naturally. Think of reds that look like they’ve been mixed with a touch of berry or rose, not neon orange or fire-engine bright. If your foundation is usually the lightest or one of the first few shades in a range, and silver jewelry looks cleaner on you than gold, a cool or neutral red will usually feel more “expensive” than loud.

Blotted reds also work beautifully on fair complexions. Our lightest tester often applied her favorite blue-red, then tapped it in with a fingertip for that soft, stained look—like you’ve just had a cherry popsicle, but chic.

🌞 Best Reds for Medium & Olive Skin Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Medium and olive skin tones often get along with reds in a way that looks effortless—but the undertone still matters. One of our olive-toned testers said she used to avoid red entirely because they all turned weirdly pink on her. When we steered her toward warm tomato reds and brick reds, everything clicked.

If your skin tans easily, your veins look more green than blue, or your foundation often oxidizes a bit warm during the day, you’re probably in the medium/olive zone. Warm tomato reds (with a hint of orange) and brick reds (with a little brown or rust) tend to blend into your natural warmth instead of fighting it. They look amazing with bronzer, soft brown eyeshadow, and gold jewelry.

That doesn’t mean cool reds are off-limits. A balanced blue-red can look incredibly polished on olive skin, especially for evening—just avoid anything labeled “neon” or “fluorescent” if you don’t want the lip to shout louder than your whole outfit.

👑 Best Reds for Deep Skin Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Deep skin is where red lipstick can look truly regal. Our deep-skin testers often said they’d been handed bright, light reds that went chalky or oddly pink. When we brought in richer tones—berry reds, wine shades, and deep blue-reds—the reaction shifted to: “Oh… this is what red was supposed to look like on me.”

If your foundation shades are usually labeled “deep,” “espresso,” or “mocha,” and gold jewelry glows on your skin, reach for reds with depth: think black cherry, merlot, cranberry, or rich ruby. Deep blue-reds make teeth look whiter and stand out beautifully in flash photos.

Don’t be afraid of boldness here. A rich berry red with a satin or matte finish can look soft for daytime and dramatic for night, just depending on how much you apply and whether you pair it with a strong eye or bare lids.

🌈 Neutral & “Universal” Reds That Work on Many Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Some reds just seem to get along with everyone in the room. These are the shades that sit between warm and cool—not too orange, not too pink, not too dark, not too bright. In our tests, these “universal” reds were the ones multiple testers kept borrowing from each other’s bags.

If silver and gold jewelry both look fine on you, or you can’t quite tell if your veins are blue or green, you might lean neutral and do well with these in-between reds. Look for words like “true red,” “classic red,” or “universal red” in the shade description.

And if your foundation tends to look a bit warm by the end of the day, but you like cooler eyeshadow tones (taupes, soft grays), a neutral or slightly blue-leaning classic red can bridge everything together. These are the shades that often show up on “best red lipsticks for every skin tone” lists—because in real life, they’re the ones friends of different skin tones share and all end up loving.

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Context How lipstick formulas evolved from waxy bullets to modern liquids • Why gentle lip exfoliation improves color payoff

Red lipstick gets its scary reputation mostly from one fear: “What if it ends up everywhere except my lips?” The good news is, once you break it down into small steps, it stops feeling like an art project and starts feeling like a routine. Here’s exactly how we prepped and wore these reds during real workdays—with coffee, snacks, and late lunches included.

🫧 Prep: Smooth, Comfortable Lips Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Red shows everything, so the smoother the canvas, the better. On test days, we asked everyone to start the same way: a quick, gentle exfoliation.

You don’t need anything fancy. A soft, damp washcloth or a mild sugar scrub works. Rub in tiny circles for 10–20 seconds—enough to loosen flakes, not scrub your lips raw.

Next comes balm, but here’s the key: keep it thin. Apply a light layer, then wait a few minutes while you do brows or mascara. Before you go in with lipstick, blot off any excess with a tissue so your lips feel comfortable but not slippery. That balance makes matte formulas sit better and creamy ones less likely to slide.

✏️ Liner Tricks That Stop Feathering Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Liner is your quiet little insurance policy. When we skipped liner on long, chatty days, reds were more likely to creep into fine lines—especially around mature lips.

You can use two simple strategies:

* Classic line: Trace your natural lip line with a pencil that matches your lipstick or is slightly deeper. Start at the cupid’s bow and work toward the corners in short strokes, rather than trying to draw one long line.
* Soft overline: If you want a fuller look, go just barely outside the natural edge on the top and bottom center, then connect back to your real lip line at the corners.

For more mature lips or anyone prone to feathering, a clear/wax liner is magic. We had one tester in her 50s who simply traced a clear liner around her mouth—like a little invisible fence—then applied lipstick as normal. She saw far less bleeding by late afternoon.

🧻 Blotting & Layering for All-Day Wear Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

During testing, the most long-lasting results didn’t always come from the strongest formula—they came from smart layering.

Here’s the simple routine that worked again and again:

1. Apply your first layer of lipstick—either from the bullet or with a brush/wand.
2. Take a plain tissue, press it gently between your lips, and let it lift the excess.
3. Add a second thin layer, focusing on the center of your lips and blending outward.

We used this technique on a full workday with two coffees, a walk outside, and a late lunch. The lip didn’t look freshly painted by 5 p.m., but it still looked intentional—and more importantly, it faded evenly instead of leaving a harsh ring.

🩹 Quick Fixes When Red Starts to Fade Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

The panic moment usually comes after lunch: you catch your reflection and see the center fading. Instead of wiping everything off and starting over, think “repair, not repaint.”

If the edges are still neat, dab a tiny amount of lipstick just in the center, then press your lips together. This blends new color into the base without building a thick, cakey layer. For liquid lipstick, use the smallest amount possible—just a dot—and tap it in with a fingertip.

On very long days, some testers turned their evening red into a stain on purpose. They gently pressed a tissue over the lips to remove most of the product, then patted a little balm on top. The result looked like a soft, lived-in red that still felt polished enough for the commute home or a last-minute drink.

Once you’ve done this a few times, the “red lipstick is high-maintenance” story starts to feel less true. With prep, liner, smart layering, and a calm touch-up plan, it becomes just another part of getting ready—only a lot more fun.

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Context How lipstick shades sit on different skin tones • Why undertones matter in color harmony

Choosing a red lipstick feels a little like picking a signature scent—personal, emotional, and a tiny bit intimidating. Most people worry they’ll buy the wrong shade and end up with something that sits untouched in a drawer. But once you understand a few simple ideas—your skin tone, your undertone, and what kind of red fits your style—the whole process becomes surprisingly fun. This guide walks you through it in a calm, friendly, real-life way, using the same steps our testers followed while trying dozens of reds across different skin tones.

🎨 Understand Your Skin Tone (Fair, Light, Medium, Olive, Deep) Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Your skin tone is the general depth of your skin: how light or deep it appears. This is the first piece of the puzzle, because certain reds naturally look more balanced on certain tones.

Fair & Light Skin
Fair and light skin often look brightest with softer reds—blue-reds, rose reds, and mid-tone cherry shades. These don’t overwhelm the complexion and give a polished, classic look.
Quick Rule: If you burn easily and your skin looks more pink than golden, choose cooler or neutral reds.
Example: A soft blue-red looks expensive and elegant on fair skin, especially for everyday wear.

Medium Skin
Medium tones handle both warm and cool reds beautifully. It’s the most flexible category.
Quick Rule: Start with “true red” shades—if they look right, you can branch into tomato reds or ruby tones.
Example: A classic, balanced red will always work on medium skin, from office meetings to dinners.

Olive Skin
Olive skin has natural warmth and a subtle green undertone.
Quick Rule: Warm reds—brick, tomato, and fiery reds—tend to blend beautifully instead of fighting with your undertone.
Example: A tomato red makes olive skin glow the moment you swipe it on.

Deep Skin
Deep skin tones look stunning in bold reds: berry reds, wine reds, and deep ruby shades.
Quick Rule: The deeper your skin, the more dramatic the red can be without looking overpowering.
Example: A rich cranberry or merlot shade looks timeless and glamorous on deep skin.

🌈 Cool vs Warm vs Neutral Undertones Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Your undertone is the quiet color beneath your skin’s surface—it doesn’t change with tanning or weather. Once you know it, choosing reds becomes much easier.

How to tell your undertone:

• If silver jewelry looks better on you → you might be cool.
• If gold jewelry looks better → you might be warm.
• If both look fine → you’re likely neutral.
• If your foundation often turns slightly yellow by afternoon → warm or olive.
• If your veins look blue → cool; if they look green → warm; both → neutral.

Cool Undertones
Look great in blue-reds, cranberry reds, and ruby shades.

Warm Undertones
Glow in tomato reds, brick reds, and warm scarlet shades.

Neutral Undertones
Can wear almost any red, especially classic “true” reds.

📏 Matching Red Undertones to Your Skin (Simple Rules) Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Here are the simplest, most practical guidelines our testers relied on:

• If you’re cool → pick cool reds.
Think blue-reds, berry reds, ruby tones.
Example: A ruby red instantly brightens cool skin and makes teeth look whiter.
• If you’re warm → pick warm reds.
Tomato, brick, and warm scarlet shades blend with warm undertones instead of clashing.
Example: A warm brick red looks naturally vibrant on warm or golden skin.
• If you’re neutral → you’re lucky.
Try “universal reds,” “true reds,” or anything labeled neutral.
Example: A true red bullet is the easiest no-guessing option for neutral tones.
• If you’re olive → avoid neon cool reds.
They tend to look pink on olive skin.
Example: Tomato reds and rust-leaning reds look incredible and natural.
• If you’re deep → go richer, not lighter.
Lighter reds may look chalky or flat.
Example: A wine red with a blue base looks luxurious on deep skin.

✨ Finish Matters – Matte vs Satin vs Glossy Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Finish changes how the same shade looks and how wearable it feels.

Matte
Bold, sophisticated, long-lasting. Great for nights out or days you don’t want to touch up often.
Example: A matte blue-red looks like a runway lip on almost any skin tone.

Satin
Soft, polished, and comfortable. The most forgiving finish for beginners.
Example: A satin cherry red works in offices without looking too intense.

Glossy
Fun, youthful, and eye-catching. Best for lips that need a little plumping effect.
Example: A glossy true red makes medium and deep skin glow under evening lights.

Soft-Matte / Velvet
This is the “modern matte”—smooth, non-drying, slightly blurred. Very flattering.
Example: A velvet tomato red looks effortless on olive skin.

🕶️ Everyday Reds vs Statement Reds Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Not all reds are meant for the same moments. Some become your “daily confidence swipe,” while others are meant for celebrations and nights out.

Everyday Reds

• Softer blue-reds, muted cherries, rose reds
• Satin or soft-matte finishes
• Easy to blot into a natural stain

Real-Life Example: One tester wore a muted cherry red to school pickup, coffee meetings, and errands without it feeling “too much.”

Statement Reds

• Bright scarlet, deep wine, vivid ruby
• Bold matte or glossy vinyl finishes
• Perfect for nights when you want the lip to be the star

Real-Life Example: Our deep-skin tester said her wine-red liquid lipstick “looked like I tried, even though I only did lips.”

💕 Final Reassurance Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone

Choosing a red shouldn’t feel like a test you can fail. Start with your undertone, pick your finish based on comfort, and decide whether you want something soft or something bold. The right red should make you feel like yourself, just a little stronger, a little more expressive—and a lot more confident the moment you see it in the mirror.

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Context Lipstick basics and history • How skin tone and undertone interact with color

🔍 Q1: How do I know if a red lipstick will suit my skin tone?

Start by matching undertones: cool skin loves blue-reds, warm skin loves tomato and brick reds, neutral skin can wear almost anything. If silver jewelry flatters you, try cooler reds; if gold looks better, reach for warmer reds.

😁 Q2: Which red lipstick makes teeth look whiter?

Blue-red lipsticks are best for making teeth look whiter. They cancel out yellow tones slightly, especially in photos and bright lighting.

💧 Q3: Is matte or satin better for dry lips?

Satin is usually kinder to dry lips than full matte. If you love matte, prep with a scrub and thin balm, then choose a soft-matte or velvet formula instead of a very flat, drying one.

🌞 Q4: Can I wear red lipstick every day or is it too much?

You absolutely can wear red every day. Choose softer finishes (satin, blurred matte) and sheer or rose-leaning reds for daytime, then save the super-bright or ultra-matte shades for nights out.

🖊️ Q5: How can I stop red lipstick from bleeding into fine lines?

Use a lip liner or clear/wax liner to create a barrier around your mouth. Apply in short strokes, then lightly blend inward so the lipstick has something to grip.

🎞️ Q6: Are blue-red lipsticks only for cool undertones?

No, blue-reds can look amazing on many skin tones. They’re especially flattering if you want a classic, “old Hollywood” look and love the teeth-whitening effect.

🍽️ Q7: How do I make red lipstick last through eating?

Apply, blot with tissue, then apply a second thin layer for better grip. For long meals or oily food, stick to long-wear liquids or stains and keep a tiny amount in your bag for a quick center touch-up.

🎨 Q8: What’s the difference between warm red and cool red?

Warm reds have hints of orange, coral, or brick; cool reds lean cherry, berry, or ruby. Warm reds suit golden or olive skin beautifully, while cool reds flatter pink or neutral undertones and make teeth pop.

💸 Q9: Are expensive reds actually better than drugstore ones?

Not always—many drugstore reds perform just as well as high-end formulas. Higher price often means fancier packaging or more skincare ingredients, but wear time and comfort can be great at any price point.

🧑🏾‍🎤 Q10: Can darker skin tones wear bright reds?

Yes, bright reds can look incredible on deep skin. Just choose vivid reds with enough pigment and depth so they don’t turn chalky—think bold cherry, ruby, or rich tomato rather than pale or pastel reds.

🌱 Q11: How do I pick a “first red” if I’ve never worn one before?

Start with a softer, sheer or satin formula in a rose-red or muted cherry shade. You can build it up slowly or blot it down to a stain until you feel more confident.

🧴 Q12: What’s the best way to remove long-wear red lipstick?

Use an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm and let it sit on the lips for a few seconds before gently wiping. Avoid scrubbing hard—repeat a second gentle pass instead to protect your lip barrier.

🎭 Q13: Why does my red lipstick look pink or orange on me?

Your natural lip color and undertone can shift how a shade appears. If reds turn pink, try warmer or deeper brick tones; if they turn orange, move toward cooler or “true red” shades.

✏️ Q14: Is lip liner really necessary with red lipstick?

It’s not mandatory, but it makes a big difference in shape and staying power. Liner helps prevent feathering, sharpens the edges, and lets you slightly adjust your lip shape if you want more fullness.

🍒 Q15: How can I make red lipstick look softer and less intense?

Apply a small amount to the center of your lips and blend out with your finger for a blurred, popsicle-stain effect. You can also put a bit on a brush, tap it on like a tint, and finish with a clear balm on top.

Coverage: United States, United Kingdom, Canada — November 18, 2025 (UTC) Best Red Lipsticks for Every Skin Tone, long wearing best red lipsticks, matte red lipstick long lasting, liquid best red lipsticks, moisturizing best red lipsticks, satin best red lipsticks, shine best red lipsticks, cruelty-free best red lipsticks, waterproof best red lipsticks, stick best red lipsticks, organic best red lipsticks

👩‍🔬 Who We Are

Behind this guide is a small team of people who actually wear red lipstick, not just swatch it once for a photo. Our editor is the kind of person who owns way too many reds and still somehow finds a new one “for that specific event.” She’s worn them to weddings, work presentations, first dates, and long-haul flights, and she has strong opinions about what feels chic versus what feels like “too much.”

Then there’s our tester with chronically dry lips—the person who can tell in 20 minutes if a formula is going to crack, crumble, or turn into a tight mask. She’s the reason so many of the picks in this guide balance pigment with comfort; if a lipstick survives on her lips for half a day without flaking, that’s a real achievement.

We also rely heavily on feedback from a tester with a deeper skin tone who has heard “this shade is universal” more times than she can count. Her job is to call that bluff. If a red disappears, turns oddly pink, or looks chalky on her, we don’t call it universal. When she says a red looks like it was actually made with deeper skin in mind, we listen.

📋 How We Choose What to Feature

We didn’t just open Amazon, sort by “most popular,” and copy the top ten. We started with a pool of around 25–30 red lipsticks, ranging from drugstore staples to higher-end names. From there, every shade had to earn its place.

First came comfort and formula quality. If a red felt gritty, dried lips into a desert, or turned patchy within a couple of hours, it moved to the back of the drawer. Our dry-lip tester was especially strict here—if she wouldn’t wear it again, it wasn’t going on this list.

Next, we checked pigment and consistency. We looked for reds that went on smoothly in one or two swipes, didn’t streak, and stayed true to the color you see in the tube. Shade range and suitability across skin tones mattered just as much. A lipstick that looked incredible on one person but strange on everyone else didn’t rank as highly as a red that consistently looked flattering across fair, medium, olive, and deep skin.

Finally, we weighed value for money. A more expensive lipstick had to justify its price with better wear, a standout shade, or a noticeably more comfortable formula. Poor performers—patchy liquids, crumbly mattes, heavy fragrance that lingered, or formulas that caused irritation—were cut, even if they were from big-name brands.

🧾 Independence & Affiliate Disclosure

We’re not paid by any brand to include their products or say nice things. No one sends us scripts, and no company can buy a “best” slot in this guide. Our recommendations are based on real testing and honest feedback from different faces and lifestyles.

Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy through them—at no extra cost to you. That commission helps us buy more products, test new shades, and update our recommendations as formulas change or new reds appear. But whether a brand has an affiliate program or not has no impact on whether we recommend it. If a lipstick doesn’t perform, it doesn’t make the cut—no matter who makes it.

📌 What These 10 Reds Really Cover

Taken together, these ten reds form a small but hard-working wardrobe. You’ve got ultra-polished, statement tubes like Lancôme Red Is Drama for big days when you want your lipstick to walk into the room first. You have soft-spoken, “I did my lips but I’m still myself” options like Clinique BD Poppy Pop and Revlon Love That Red that can live in your everyday makeup bag without feeling dramatic.

Long-shift warriors and late-night commuters are covered by power formulas like MAKI YIKA Ruby Red, HOOMUSS M13 True Red, and the all-in-one evpct Deep Reds Kit, which turns one purchase into an entire red capsule wardrobe. If you crave shine but not chaos, Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Red-Hot behaves like a hybrid gloss-stain that doesn’t bail after your first latte.

And for days when you want your lipstick to feel like a little party all by itself, Depuplum DM29 Flamingo leans flirty red-pink, while HANLADY Tea Time gives that quietly confident, all-day velvet red you can wear from morning emails to last train home.

🧭 How to Use This Guide Over Time

You don’t have to pick one “forever red” on the first scroll. Many readers end up building a tiny rotation: a soft everyday red from Clinique or L’Oréal British Red, a serious long-wear liquid from MAKI YIKA or HOOMUSS, and one playful wild card like Depuplum Flamingo for nights when nothing about your look is supposed to be quiet.

As formulas change or your skin and style evolve, you can always come back to How We Tested and FAQs to sanity-check new launches against what you already know works for you. Our goal isn’t to crown one lipstick forever, but to give you a toolkit so that every new red you try feels a little less like a gamble and a lot more like a treat.

❤️ A Final Word from the Editor

At the end of all this testing, debates, and coffee-stained mugs, one thing stood out: the “best” red is the one that makes you feel a little braver in your own face. For some, that was the power-red drama of Lancôme’s bullet; for others, it was the lived-in comfort of HANLADY Tea Time or the glossy confidence of Maybelline Red-Hot.

If this guide helps you go from “I could never pull off red lipstick” to catching your reflection and thinking, “Oh—that’s me,” then these ten tubes have already done their job. Start where you are, pick the formula that fits your real life, and let your red do a little of the talking for you.

✍️ About the Author — Maya Rejwan

Maya Rejwan is a senior beauty editor at AhemBeauty with a decade of hands-on experience testing lipsticks, complexion products, and wearable color cosmetics across dozens of brands. Known for her calm, human-forward writing style and her ability to explain complex undertones in simple language, Maya blends real-world testing with professional editorial standards.

Her work focuses heavily on shade inclusivity, long-wear comfort, and real-life usability—qualities she considers essential after years of seeing makeup look different on different faces, undertones, and lifestyles. When Maya calls a lipstick “universal,” she means it survived the scrutiny of real testers, long workdays, early flights, late dinners, and every undertone in the room.

Outside the editorial desk, Maya is known for her signature red lip, her obsession with organized makeup drawers, and her friendly belief that the right shade can genuinely shift a person’s confidence.

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