If there’s any day to rock a bold, sexy red lip it’s gotta be Valentine’s Day. But let’s face it, hunting down the perfect red lipstick can be difficult. So luckily for you, we’ve tested out tons of lippies — so you don’t have to — and narrowed down the best ones. Whether you’ve got a hot steamy date coming up or just planning to get drinks with the girls, here are the best long-wearing red lipsticks that’ll last through smooches and cocktails.
29Secrets Pick: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips in Screen Siren, $40
Contour your lips with ease with Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Lips in Screen Siren, a classic ruby red that looks great on a variety of different skin tones. The weightless matte liquid formula glides onto lips like a second skin, while the doe-foot applicator coats lips in a single swipe and features a thin tip to help you precisely line lips (and cheat your lip line if you want!).
29Secrets Pick: NYX Powder Puff Lippie Powder Lip Cream in Group Love, $12
For that just-kissed look, you’ll love the mousse-to-powder finish of NYX’s Powder Puff Lippie. As its name suggests, this soft-matte lipstick features a puffy cushion applicator to cover your lips in a stain-like flush of colour. Group Love is the perfect true red and looks great on all skin shades.
29Secrets Pick: Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Liquid Lip Crayon in How Rouge, $34
This satin lipstick by Marc Jacobs Beauty comes in the form of a crayon. And believe us, it’s a triple threat! Le Marc Liquid Crayon provides shimmering powerful pigments — with just one swipe — that can last for up to 16 hours. Best of all, the crayon offers total control for effortless application. You’re going to want to keep this bad boy in your purse even after V-day.
29Secrets Pick: Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Un-Nudes Lipstick in Ruler, $12
For those wary of super-bright shades, you’ll love the SuperStay Matte Ink Un-Nudes shade in Ruler (a very wearable deep berry red). Budge-proof, this liquid lipstick offers long-lasting wear and comfort. Even for a super matte lipstick, its lightweight formula feels and glides on like a gloss without leaving lips dry and cakey.
29Secrets Pick: L’Oréal Paris Shine Lipstick by Color Riche in Enamel Red, $13
For a high-shine laminated effect, the Shine Lipstick by Color Riche will deliver that plus long-lasting clear colour and wear. The Enamel Red shade is a perfect strawberry red and can be worn on its own for a cool tinted lip or layered on top of any red lippie for maximum shine.
29Secrets Pick: Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Vino Noir, $28
For a super sexy evening, we dare you to try this liquid matte in Vino Noir (a metallic burgundy shade). This super-pigmented lipstick features polymer technologies that make it last for up to eight hours without bleeding or feathering, while a built-in primer oil conditions so lips never dry out.
29Secrets Pick: Sephora Collection #Lipstories Lipstick in First Class, $10
To complete any fun and flirty outfit, coat your lips with a bright matte orange-red lipstick. We’re loving #Lipstories Lipstick in the shade First Class from Sephora’s latest collection. Although it claims to be a matte lipstick, it comes off softer than typical mattes. But we’re not complaining: this way, you can control your desired finish.
Selena Gomez image via Hung Vanngo/Instagram
