There’s nothing more classic than a good red lip (just look at the goddess Liz Taylor here).

It honestly elevates any look, any occasion, and any outfit. You can be in jeans in a sweater, but add a red lip and immediately go from casual to chic.

With that said, there are way more than 50 shades of red to sift through out there. Which shade of red is the perfect one? Here are 3 of my favorite red lipsticks in the world. I hope they bring you as many glamourous moments as they have for me, and just in time for New Year’s!

1. MAC Matte Lipstick- Russian Red

I’ve been using the MAC Russian Red Lipstick for a good 10 years now. It’s the best red lipstick I’ve ever come across. As you can see in the color comparison chart below, the Russian Red shade (labeled #3) is a true red that’s highly pigmented. It’s as bold of a red as it gets, without swaying orange or maroon at all.

I also love that it’s matte; the color stays on for a long time without the need to reapply.

While I have used this lipstick during the day, I more frequently use it in the evenings for dinners and special occasions. This lipstick is definitely something I can’t live without.

NARS Velvet Lip Liner - Nihiwatu

Don’t forget the lip liner! No red lip would be complete without the very necessary step of lining one’s lips!

Especially when it comes to the strong red shades, you simply can’t get away with not lip-lining without looking semi-jagged.

To match the MAC Russian Red Lipstick above, I recommend using the NARS Nihiwatu Velvet Lip Liner. Unlike a regular pencil liner, the velvet lip liner has a more luxurious finish, complimenting the rich shade of the red lipstick seamlessly.

NARS Velvet Lip Liner, $16.80 (currently on sale from $24.00)

2. NARS Lipstick - Jungle Red

As mentioned, I frequently use the MAC Russian Red Lipstick in the evenings. During the day, no matter if it’s brunch with girlfriends (oh, how I’m looking forward to brunch again), a business meeting, or if I just need a little pick-me-up, I always reach for the NARS Jungle Red Lipstick. As you can see in the color comparison chart below, the Jungle Red shade is a bright red without being too orange (for example, the Heat Wave shade is a bit too orange for me). I haven’t been able to find a more vibrant and energizing red as this shade here.

And of course, being a NARS product and all (one of the best cosmetic companies in my opinion), my lips always stay hydrated and never cracks when using this lipstick.

Don’t you just love a good quality lipstick?

NARS Precision Lip Liner - Jungle Red

The great thing about the NARS Lipsticks is that they sell Lip Liners in the same exact shade. You don’t have to wreck your brain figuring out which lipstick goes with what liner (something MAC can do better about!).

So here’s the NARS Jungle Red Precision Lip Liner. Man, is it a pretty shade or what!

3. Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick - 400 “The Red”

Now. Finally. The GOAT of red lipsticks, the Armani 400 Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick. The Holy Grail of all red lips! My GO-TO red lip product. Red lips aside, the Armani Liquid Lipsticks are one of the best makeup creations of all time. The colors are intense, it’s loooong lasting, non-drying, and deliciously velvety.

If you’re reading this and you haven’t tried this product from Armani Beauty before, do me a favor, and please go add to cart right now. I promise you will adore it!

The liquid nature of this lipstick allows the pigment to take on your lips as I’ve never experienced before. And just look at this 400 “The Red” shade of red! Is it not the prettiest red in the world?

While “The Red” has extraordinary pigmentation, the liquid lipstick can be a bit “thin” for me sometimes. I’ve never been into the “thick” lip gloss look, but I do want my lips to look lush and full, especially if it’s a special occasion. So, occasionally, I use this liquid lipstick as a base, then top it off with the MAC Russian Red Lipstick for some extra opulence. Boom. The perfect red lips delivered.

NARS Precision Lip Liner - Mariachi

If you’re using the Armani 400 Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick alone, the NARS Mariachi Precision Lip Liner goes great with it. If you’re layering on the MAC Russian Red Lipstick, you can also go with the NARS Nihiwatu Velvet Lip Liner mentioned above.

Get The Perfect Red Lips for New Year’s Eve