The holidays are here, and a classic red lip is always in style. There are so many formulas and finishes for lipsticks, so I’m here to share some of my favorite red lipsticks to help you create the perfect holiday red lip. Most of these options are available at local retailers like Ulta and Sephora, so they should be available to snag before Christmas and New Years, and everything in between!

I have quite a few red lipsticks in my collection, in different tones and finishes. Some have a creamy formula, some are glossy, and some are very long lasting. I’ve pulled my favorites to share, and I can’t wait to rock red lips over the next few months.

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Lipstick descriptions provided by the brands via the link websites.

High End Lipsticks

Mac Cosmetics

Mac has been around for a while, and they’ve definitely mastered the red lip. They have a few formulas that I love, and multiple shade options, which is great.

My favorites:

Red Russian – matte bluish-red

Ruby Woo – matte blue-red (nervous to try this one? Pick up this mini version!)

Ruby Boo – a “powder kiss” blue-red, with “a whipped, mousse-like texture that moisturizes lips for 10 hours”

Lady Bug – tomato red sheer-shine

E for Effortless – satin burnt deep red

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NARS

Nars has two formulas that I really love: the Velvet Lip Glides, and the Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencils.

My favorites:

Cruella – matte passionate scarlet red (also available as a mini set, along with the shade Dolce Vita, a dusty rose)

No. 54 – long lasting poppy red

Le Palace – long lasting blood red

Buxom

Buxom has some of my favorite glosses. Their lip creams are a little more pigmented than the glosses, and they give some beautiful shine. I love the lip creams for a comfortable, glossy formula that still has a plumping effect.

My favorite:

Sangria – bold red

Urban Decay

Urban Decay recently repackaged their Vice lipsticks. I love that formula, so I wanted to pick up a shade in the new formula. As a Swiftie, the shade “Bad Blood” really stuck out to me. Taylor is known for her classic red lip styles, so this one caught my attention. It’s what I wore the day of her “Red (Taylor’s Version)” release day to celebrate.

My favorite:

Bad Blood – matte deep blood red

Too Faced

This one just looked stunning to me. I love that the bullet is in the shape of a heart (I know, I know, I’m a sucker for packaging).

Lady Bold – cream true red

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Drugstore / Affordable Lipsticks

NYX Cosmetics

The liquid lipsticks released earlier this year are dupes for LipSense, and the quality is just as good. They’re a true liquid lipstick, so they do last quite a while, but I love the glossy finish. It’s not sticky, and feels comfortable on the lips.

My favorites:

On a Mission – high shine blue red liquid lipstick

Apple Crisp Butter Gloss – modern red gloss

Colourpop Cosmetics

Colourpop is one of my favorite brands. They’re affordable but the quality doesn’t reflect that. Their products work as well as (and quite often better than) most high end makeup.

My favorites:

Trust Me Lippie Stick – matte vivid true red

Jack Skellington – classic satin red

Wet N Wild

This one is a liquid lipstick, so it’s long lasting. This is one of my favorite liquid lipstick formulas, especially at the low price point.

My favorites:

Missy and Fierce Liquid Catsuit – matte red liquid lipstick

E.L.F. Cosmetics

E.L.F. is such a great brand. They’re so affordable, and this lipstick is only $3. The formula is so nice, and you really can’t tell a difference between this one and some high end lipsticks.

My favorites:

Cherry – satin red