The best red lipstick shades aren't just beautiful—they're political. They're classic and yet entirely fresh. Red lips are one of Taylor Swift's favorite things to write about. Some red lipstick shades are so iconic you know them by name—999, Ruby Woo, Dragon Girl (the latter two are rumored to be Swift's go-tos, by the way). Hardcore red lipstick fans can spot the difference between scarlet, brick-red, and true red, and know that the ones that have stood the test of time deserve to be swiped on again and again to wear alone, or complement a glittery eyeshadow or liner.

CELEBRITY-FAVORITE

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

$22 AT ULTA BEAUTY

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Customer Review:

"Love the color. Mac products stay on longer and the lipstick is creamy and keeps lips moist longer!" —Cheryl

BEST ICONIC SHADE

Dior Beauty Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999

$38 AT SEPHORA

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Customer Review:

"I love everything about this lipstick. Wears wonderfully all day. Creamy, smooth, luxurious." —MickellsMom

BEST SATIN FINISH RED

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Le Rouge Libre

$38 AT SEPHORA

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Customer Review:

"Very pigmented and stays on all day. Doesn't transfer to your teeth, which I have a problem with sometimes. I have the matte version too, but this one stays on longer and feels better to wear. Most pigmented lipstick I've had." —clarrisse

TAYLOR SWIFT'S GO-TO
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl
$27 AT NARS COSMETICS

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Customer Review:

"The Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are a STAPLE in my pro artist kit. I've had them for years. They are quite literally one of my ride or die products. They are ALWAYS the first product I reach for when doing lips and they are perfect for sanitizing and having in the set bag without mess."-—Crazypretty

BEST DRUGSTORE RED

Maybelline Color Sensational The Creams in Red Revival

Now 27% Off

$5 AT WALMART

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Customer Review:

"It lasts all night, it's the best red I've tried before, I love its application, I love how it looks on my skin." —Liloa

LIGHWEIGHT FORMULA

Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick in Ginza Red

$26 AT SEPHORA

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Customer Review:

"What else is there to say :) I love it. It’s just right for my fair skin tone.. I can wear it every day and it’s so comfortable!!! Holy grail status!" —Bearypretty

BEST COOL-TONED RED

Chanel Luminous Intense Lip Colour

$45 AT CHANEL

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Customer Review:

"I have long been a fan of red lipsticks so when Chanel introduced this new formula and I saw the gorgeous array of reds, I just had to give some a try! Passion is truly a drop dead beautiful red and good for any time of the day. Pirate is a bit darker and for some might be more of a evening color. Coromandel is a warmer bright red and very wearable. Palpitante is a delicious creamy feeling red with a fuschia cast - quite flattering and ladylike! If you are looking for a high quality lipstick, this formula and color variety will not disappoint!" —Tropical Traveler

LONG-LASTING

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uncensored

$25 AT SEPHORA

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Customer Review:

"I love this! I only have to apply it once and it NEVER budges! Wear it all day, eat, drink and never have to reapply. I always get compliments when I wear it. Color is beautiful, my favorite!" —ErwinK

SUPER MATTE
The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick in Hot Mama
$13 AT WALMART

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Customer Review:

"Great lipstick and the perfect red." —Lady T

BEST PIGMENTED COVERAGE
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick in Goldie Red
$42 AT SEPHORA

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Customer Review:

"Love this lipstick. The formula feels soft and doesn’t dry out your lips but looks matte. The Goldie red has such a beautiful payoff. The packaging is also very beautiful. I never right reviews but was very impressed. Can’t wait to wear this out!" —TheyCallMeStacC