Red lipstick is an iconic pinup symbol but it’s not easy finding the perfect shade of red when there are so many brands to choose from. Although I have tried countless shades of red, I have a few which I keep going back to. I’ve decided to share them with you to make your red lipstick shopping a little easier. Mwah!

Kat Von D – Everlasting Lipstick – Outlaw

This lipstick lives in my handbag and is one of my most reached-for lipsticks. The red is more on the yellow side but it applies like a dream, doesn’t bleed or smudge, and lasts all day even whilst eating. The brand is vegan and cruelty-free, however, a lot of people have been upset by the founder’s recent actions so many have boycotted the brand. Despite this, I do still love this lipstick and have gone through countless tubes over the years. Purchase here.

Lola Von Rose – Retro Red

Retro Red from Lola Von Rose is an amazing shade of red that seems to compliment a lot of skin tones. The formula is easy to apply, the packaging is stunning and is inspired by vintage lipsticks. The formula doesn’t last through a heavy meal but will hold up whilst drinking and a quick smooch. The company is vegan and cruelty-free and absolutely lovely to deal with. Purchase here.

Read my full review on Lola Von Rose Lipsticks here.

Besame – Red Velvet

My favourite bullet red lipstick. Besame’s formulas and colours are all true vintage colours that were worn many years ago; Red Velvet is inspired by 1946. The packaging of all their products is simply stunning and it a great piece to any vintage lovers collection. Red Velvet is a smooth deep red colour that really works for the perfect pinup pout. Their brand is vegan and cruelty-free and their customer service is beyond excellent. Purchase here.

Fenty Beauty – Uncensored

I recently tried Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored and I absolutely loved the colour. The formula promised 12-hour wear and although it held up, it did smudge a fair bit. I also found that it bled a lot and I felt really self-conscious throughout the day. I’d recommend wearing this with a good lip liner and really shaking the bottle before applying to the lips. The colour is stunning, however! Purchase here.

Mac – Ruby Woo

MAC has always had some fabulous red shades including collaborations with Dita Von Teese. When I did wear MAC products, I loved ‘Ruby Woo’ which was a blue-red toned lipstick that had a smooth matte finish. Because MAC is not cruelty-free, I no longer wear or support their brand but thought I’d still include it in the list.

Jeffree Star – Redrum

This was the first liquid lipstick I truly fell in love with. I bought it when Jeffree Star Cosmetics just launched and I have continued to repurchase it ever since. I generally go through one or two tubes a year. Redrum is a matte cool toned red lipstick that lasts for several hours. The brand is also vegan and cruelty-free. Purchase here.

Which of these have you tried or are wanting to try? Have I missed out on your absolute favourite red lipstick? Let me know in the comments below!