Top Red Lipstick Brands to Elevate Your Glam Game

Red lipstick has long been a classic staple in the world of cosmetics, symbolizing both elegance and audacity. Major brands have continuously put forth their best shades, making it a daunting task for beauty enthusiasts to select the perfect one. From luxurious designer labels to trusted drugstore favorites, the variety is as diverse as the textures and finishes such as matte, satin, or gloss. For those eager to enhance their red lipstick collection with the finest options available, explore the detailed list below.

Illustration of red lipstick

Best brands of red lipstick in 2025

MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics is renowned as one of the best producers of red lipstick, having gained massive recognition with its signature shade "Russian Red", which was popularized by Madonna in the late 1980s. This iconic shade contributed significantly to the brand's success, helping MAC become a top-ranked prestige makeup brand in the US. Available in 105 countries and with over 1,500 different locations, MAC retains the largest ecommerce market share in the cosmetics industry, especially in lip products. The brand's commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as evident from its tagline "All Races. All Ages. All Sexes," has further solidified its position in the market. With a net worth of $3 billion and annual revenue of $1 billion, MAC continues to be a leader in the beauty industry.

Chanel

Chanel is renowned as one of the premier producers of red lipstick, driven by its strong growth in the beauty sector. In 2023, Chanel reported nearly $20 billion in sales, with significant contributions from its Fragrance & Beauty division, which saw double-digit sales growth across all categories, including makeup. The launch of the 31 Le Rouge lipstick, housed in a refillable glass case, exemplifies Chanel's commitment to innovation and sustainability. Chanel's global presence, with 311 boutiques worldwide, and its long-term strategy focused on brand equity and high-quality natural ingredients, further solidify its position in the luxury beauty market. The brand's relentless focus on exceptional creations and its ability to adapt to local market preferences have been key factors in its success.

NARS

NARS Cosmetics is renowned as one of the best producers of red lipstick, offering a diverse range of shades and finishes, including satin, matte, and sheer. Their new Explicit Lipstick line, launched in 2024, features 60 vibrant shades, with a formula enriched by Moringa and Passion Fruit Seed Oils for enhanced color vibrancy and hydration. This line is notable for its refillable packaging, with refills available at 60% less than the initial product price. The lipsticks are designed to be long-lasting and resistant to bleeding and feathering, making them a favorite among beauty enthusiasts. With a history spanning over three decades since its founding in 1994 by Francois Nars, NARS continues to set standards in the luxury beauty industry. Discover more about their popular Inappropriate Red Lipstick on their website.

Dior

Dior, a renowned French luxury goods company, stands out as one of the best producers of red lipstick, known for its high-quality and luxurious cosmetic products. In 2022, Dior's perfumes and cosmetics revenue reached EUR7.72 billion, highlighting the brand's strong presence in the beauty industry. With a market capitalization of $151.88 billion in 2023, Dior continues to dominate the luxury market, including the lipstick segment. The brand's lipsticks, such as those in the 'J'adore' and 'Miss Dior' lines, are popular among consumers, with 808,000 users of Dior lipsticks and lip glosses reported in 2020. Dior's global reach, with 390 stores in 51 countries, further solidifies its position as a leading luxury cosmetics brand.

Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty, founded by Rihanna in 2017, has revolutionized the beauty industry with its inclusive and diverse product range, including a vibrant array of red lipsticks. The brand's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its extensive shade range, such as the 50 shades of Pro Filt'r Longwear Foundation, which has set a new standard in the industry. Fenty Beauty's strong social media presence, with over 12 million followers on Instagram, has helped in showcasing its products, including the popular red lipsticks, to a wide audience. The brand's annual revenue of $582 million and its ranking as the top-selling prestige makeup brand in the US in 2018 underscore its success. Fenty Beauty's impact has been so significant that it has inspired other brands to expand their shade ranges, creating a more inclusive beauty market. For more information about their revolutionary products, visit Fenty Beauty's official website.

YSL Beauty

YSL Beauty, a renowned luxury cosmetics brand owned by L'Oreal, is a leading producer of high-quality red lipsticks, contributing significantly to the global lipstick market valued at USD 17.49 billion in 2024. The brand saw a 79% surge in Earned Media Value (EMV) from 2022 to 2023, and a 155% YoY increase in the U.S. during the same period, highlighting its strong market presence. YSL Beauty's products, including its iconic red lipsticks, are sold globally through boutiques, department stores, and online platforms. The brand's focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and exclusivity ensures its products remain in high demand. With YSL Beauty being a key component of Yves Saint Laurent's overall revenue, the brand continues to set trends in the beauty and cosmetics sector.

Revlon

Revlon is a renowned brand in the cosmetics industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality red lipsticks. The company's flagship Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick, which includes a wide variety of shades, is a favorite among consumers for its moisturizing LiquiSilk technology. Revlon's lip makeup products, including lipsticks, lip gloss, and lip liners, are part of the company's extensive array of cosmetics sold worldwide. With a strong global brand name recognition and a history of innovation, Revlon has maintained its position as a leading mass-market cosmetics brand. The lipstick market, which includes Revlon's offerings, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2019 to 2024, with the red category holding a significant revenue share.

Maybelline

Maybelline New York is a leading brand in the cosmetics industry, particularly renowned for its high-performance and diverse range of lip products, including red lipsticks. With a brand awareness of 79% among U.S. cosmetics and make-up users, Maybelline is a favorite, as 25% of these users opt for the brand, and 84% of its users show loyalty to it. The brand's commitment to safety, innovation, and trendsetting is evident in its rigorous testing and evaluation processes. However, it's worth noting that Maybelline, along with other overseas brands, has faced challenges in the Chinese market, leading to its withdrawal from this region. Despite this, Maybelline remains a top choice globally for its quality and variety of lipstick products.

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury is renowned for its exceptional beauty products, particularly the best-selling Pillow Talk Matte Revolution lipstick, which has become a staple in the beauty industry. This lipstick, launched in 2017, has sold one unit every two minutes globally, according to 2019 data, and is praised for its universally flattering nude-pink hue that complements various skin tones. The brand's success is also attributed to its strong social media presence, with over 8 million followers across platforms and a high engagement rate, especially on TikTok. Charlotte Tilbury's influencer marketing strategy, which includes collaborations with celebrities and a robust affiliate program, has further solidified its position as a leading cosmetics brand. With over 390 awards and a significant charitable pledge to Women for Women International, Charlotte Tilbury continues to innovate and empower through beauty.

Lancôme

Lancome, a renowned luxury beauty brand, stands out as a top producer of red lipsticks, boasting a significant market share of 21.3% in the U.S. premium beauty market as of 2022. Known for its high-quality products and innovative formulations, Lancome's red lipsticks are favored by consumers seeking luxury and elegance. The brand's strong online presence, with a 412,000 increase in website visits from December 2021 to May 2022, underscores its ability to engage and attract customers. Lancome's products are available in over 140 countries, enhancing its global reach and market penetration. With its commitment to research and development, Lancome continues to thrive in the competitive beauty industry.