Red lipstick is a timeless choice, a beauty staple that transcends trends. The right red can elevate your entire bridal style and boost your confidence to its highest. But with endless options on the market, how do you find the one? We’ve asked top bridal makeup artists to share their go-to red lipsticks. Whether you’re after a matte, satin, gloss, or creamy finish, there’s a perfect red for every bride. Some lipsticks offer extreme longevity—up to 16 hours of wear—while others are ultra-hydrating, weightless, or intensely pigmented. And yes, a few of these expert-approved picks also happen to be Taylor Swift’s favorites. Discover the best red lipsticks to wear on your wedding day.
Left: Photo & Makeup: Patrick Ta Beauty
Right: Photo & Makeup: SandyNicha
First of all, we must say that Pat McGrath’s MatteTrance lipsticks are the undisputed favorite red lipsticks among wedding makeup artists, being mentioned more often than any other. They have been highlighted for their lightweight formula packed with intense pigment that covers the lips in just one swipe-a perfect and easy application. A diverse shade range was designed to complement all skin tones. Below, we highlight two more frequently chosen shades as go-to favorites.
“Love this highly pigmented lipstick with a beautiful matte finish that won’t dry out your lips,” says Beauty Livery, an Italy-based team of professional hair and makeup artists who work with brides and celebrities. Their experts have chosen the shade Vendetta, a dark red that stands out. The formula features unique oil-infused powders, ensuring a featherlight feel and ultra-comfortable wear while making the application effortless. Pat McGrath advises gently pulling a tissue apart into two thin sheets after applying the lipstick for longer-lasting results. After that, press one sheet against your lips and lightly dust it with finishing powder to lock in the color.
“Finding the perfect red isn’t easy, but I’ve discovered it in the Guinevere shade,” says Swiss-based makeup artist Divina Hunziker. “Pat McGrath lipsticks are long-wearing yet never sticky or prone to cracking, and the rich pigmentation is simply amazing.” And let’s not forget the statement packaging—its gorgeous tube, adorned with a golden pair of lips, adds an extra touch of luxury to the whole experience.
Nicole Samara Iyer, makeup artist and founder of Samara Beauty, is also poetic about the brand’s products. “Pat McGrath’s makeup line is exceptionally well-crafted,” she says. “Elson 4 is my go-to red lip stain. This legendary matte red lipstick is a viral sensation loved by many, including Taylor Swift. It lasts all day and night, won’t dry out your lips, and applies evenly.” No wonder the singer wore it on stage during “The Eras Tour.” As for this liquid lipstick shade, Elson 4 has cool undertones, giving more depth than a warm red and making teeth look whiter.
MAC Retro Matte is a long-wearing, non-feathering lipstick with an intense color payoff and a completely matte finish. With its blue undertone, Ruby Woo is a staple among makeup artists but has even been spotted as one more of Taylor Swift’s go-to red lipsticks. “This iconic matte lipstick is the perfect cherry red,” says bridal makeup artist Nicole Samara Iyer. “I love that it lasts up to 12 hours while still moisturizing. It’s a universally flattering shade that looks good on all skin tones. It has been a must-have in my kit for years!” The brand recommends applying it directly from the bullet or using a 316 lip brush for more precision.
“999 Forever Dior has a lightweight, long-lasting formula with a classic blue undertone that works for everyone,” says Paris-based makeup artist Alesia Solo. Rouge Dior Forever is the brand’s first transfer-proof lipstick, designed to resist contact—even with fabrics. It delivers intense color and all-day comfort, lasting up to 16 hours without budging. Let it dry for three minutes after application to set and activate its power fully.
Rouge Dior, the iconic Dior lipstick, delivers 24-hour comfort with its hydrating formula infused with floral lip care, leaving lips feeling soft and nourished. “Rouge Dior Satin is a long-wearing lipstick that’s neither sticky nor prone to cracking,” says makeup artist Divina Hunziker. “Shade 999 comes in two finishes—satin and velvet. The satin finish has a light, creamy texture for a luminous look, while the velvet finish offers a matte, soft feel, leaving lips visibly plumped and smoothed.”
Another favorite among bridal makeup artists is the award-winning Velvet Ribbon by Lisa Eldridge—a creamy matte lipstick that delivers a universally flattering, classic red. “My all-time favorite red lipstick is from Lisa Eldridge’s VELVET Collection. I’m obsessed with Velvet Ribbon for its perfect cool, blue undertone,” says Danish makeup artist Trine Juel. “The texture is amazing—super pigmented, soft on the lips, and incredibly long-lasting. Since discovering the VELVET collection, I hardly reach for any other red lipsticks!” Shoutout to Trine for wearing this beautiful shade and taking a photo to show how pretty it looks.
This ultra-slim, square couture lipstick provides a luxurious, full matte cover while feeling weightless and comfortable on the lips. “If you love highly pigmented matte lipsticks with extreme staying power, YSL Rouge Pur Couture Slim in Rouge Extravagant is the perfect choice,” says Italy-based makeup artist Alena Bezrodna.
“My go-to red lipstick is definitely YSL Rouge Pur Couture Le Rouge,” shares Alena Bezrodna. “It’s super pigmented with an incredibly lightweight texture and a satin finish that adheres perfectly to the lips, delivering full and even coverage in just one swipe. It gives long-lasting comfort, and you’ll forget you’re even wearing it!” The lipstick’s high-care formula is enriched with 80% smoothing lip care ingredients, including ceramides, tuberose, and prickly pear extracts, for softer, more hydrated, and healthier-feeling lips.
“My all-time favorite red lip color is Cruella Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil by NARS Cosmetics. I can’t think of a bolder way to wear red than with an unapologetic matte texture. It’s meant to be seen with a serious reaction,” says SoCal makeup artist Tanya Bures, founder of Page Beauty. As it’s not a classic opaque liquid lipstick, it’s easier to apply and feels lighter on the lips. It has a creamy texture that seals in a bold, matte finish. Just let it fully dry down for transfer-proof results and up to 12 hours of staying power.
This award-winning lip pencil is a true favorite among beauty artists, so don’t be surprised to see another shade in this roundup and one more cool name: Kiss Me Deadly. Wedding makeup and hair artist Stacey Triplow describes it best: “A foolproof orangey-red, perfect for making a statement. So much pigment with the ease of a pencil!”
Gucci Beauty’s Rouge à Lèvres Mat offers a collection of intensely pigmented lip colors with a long-lasting matte finish. Much like Pat McGrath’s MatteTrance Lipstick, this line features several stunning shades, but the standout is Myra Crimson. “Known for its velvety texture and moisturizing formula, this lipstick delivers a luxurious feel without drying out the lips, all while leaving a classic red hue,” says bridal makeup and hair artist Adriana Cardoso of the Jenny Makeup Land team.
Armani Lip Maestro is a full-coverage matte liquid lipstick that delivers vibrant color, long-lasting hydration, and a luxurious, comfortable feel. “It’s not a classic matte lipstick so that it won’t last as long as Dior Forever 999, but the texture is absolutely gorgeous. Shade 400 is a true red with a velvety, buildable finish that looks very beautiful on the lips,” says Alesia Solo.
Legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brown launched Jones Road in 2020, four years after stepping away from her namesake brand, to explore new directions in the beauty industry. “Jones Road is a clean beauty brand, and The Lip Tint is infused with clean moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil for comfortable wear,” says Nicole Samara Iyer, founder of Samara Beauty. “Valencia Orange is a perfect orangey-red shade. It’s great when you’re looking for a pop of color but still want to keep your overall look natural. This creamy lip balm offers a buildable color in a more wearable everyday formula.”
Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipsticks are the brand’s ode to the classic Hollywood pout, encased in a red metallic tube. This line offers an impressive range of shades, with an AI shade match tool to simplify the selection process. However, one shade stands out for its better versatility—Cinematic Red, a bright cherry red in a modern moisturizing matte formula that delivers a bold, cinematic look. The formula is praised by makeup artists and beauty bloggers, some of whom call it their favorite formula. Formulated for up to 10 hours of wear. The contoured square tip was designed for precise, effortless application and best defining.
Styled as a slim cylinder, Le Rouge Parfum Liquid Ultra Matte is a liquid ultra-matte lipstick that seamlessly fuses with the lips for smooth, comfortable wear. Rouge Immortel is a bold red with a neutral undertone. “This liquid lipstick has the ultimate long-lasting effect—up to 8 hours— making it a great choice for bridal makeup,” says the makeup team at Beauty Livery. Indeed, it’s formulated to last all day without feathering, caking, or bleeding, staying waterproof and color-true. To make the Liquid Ultra Matte last longer, let it dry for 20 to 30 seconds with your lips slightly open. Kilian calls this lipstick multi-sensorial scented it with the brand’s iconic Love, Don’t Be Shy perfume, featuring notes of vanilla, orange blossom, and marshmallow.
This list is packed with matte lipsticks, making each satin formula is so curious. Thanks to a mix of nourishing oils and waxes, this lipstick has a distinctive gelée texture, glides on like a lip balm, and enhances your natural lip tone with a sheer flush of color. “Bitten Lip Tint in Je T’aime is a great cherry red in a modern lip tint formula. Perfect for those who want the color without it feeling opaque or heavy on the lips,” says Stacey Triplow, a SoCal beauty artist and founder of Triplow Beauty.
Rosso Valentino is a highly pigmented, refillable lipstick that delivers vibrant color in a single stroke. The matte lipstick is infused with nourishing ingredients and a special light complex of color-boosting pearls that enhances dimension and intensity. “Valentino Rosso 22A is my favorite red lipstick,” shares makeup artist Anastasia Eisenberg Enriquez. “It’s the label’s signature red and stays beautifully on the lips. The formula is fantastic, offering a luminous matte finish without drying, just as seen in my photo.”
Meet the Experts
A professional makeup artist and hairstylist, and the founder of a Paris-based boutique mobile beauty team.
A talented Danish hair & makeup artist known for her sophisticated works in fashion, weddings, and beauty.
A Santa Barbara-based bridal hair and makeup artist with 15 years of experience and the founder of Samara Beauty.
A makeup and hair artist at Jenny Makeup Land, a bridal beauty company with a highly personalized approach.
A renowned, award-winning wedding makeup and hair artist based in Southern California and the founder of Triplow Beauty.
A hair and makeup artist with 12 years of experience on the beauty team of the leading Swiss broadcasting company.
A makeup and hair artist and the founder of Page Beauty, an award-winning beauty company based in Southern California.
A professional team of hair and makeup artists based in Capri and the Amalfi Coast, specializing in bridal and celebrity beauty.
A Florence-based professional fashion & bridal makeup and hair artist known for her fresh, glam looks.
A fashion & bridal makeup and hair artist and a beauty educator serving NYC and Miami.
