25 Red Lipsticks That Actually Look Amazing on Everyone

There's no denying it: A classic red lip might be the most iconic beauty look of all time. Throughout history, strong women—from Cleopatra to Elizabeth Arden (who handed out red lipsticks to suffragettes marching in 1912) to Lucille Ball, Coco Chanel, Rihanna and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—have all believed in the statement-making power of a bright, bold red lipstick.

And, yet, it can also be the most intimidating, in part because there's no shortage of options—from striking scarlets to chic crimsons to rich rubies to bewitching blood-reds—out there. Which is exactly why we asked the pros for their advice. "In natural light, give your wrist a glance," says makeup artist Lisa Aharon. "If your veins look blue or purple, you have a cooler complexion, so you'll look best with a red that has a blue undertone. If your veins look green, you have a warmer complexion, so your skin will be most flattered by reds that skew slightly orange. And if your veins appear to be both colors, you have a neutral complexion, meaning true reds are your best bet."

But there's another, equally important factor you may want to consider when it comes to red lipstick: "When you find the perfect shade for you, you will feel it and you will know it," says makeup artist Carola Gonzalez. "It's going to uplift you, and you're going to be like, oh my god, this looks amazing on me. If you try a lipstick and there's any doubt, it's not the right red for you."

Ahead, the best red lipsticks on the market for fair and dark skin tones, including some of the most iconic shades of all time (think: Ruby Woo and #999), splurge-worthy buys from brands like Dior and Chanel, budget-friendly drugstore picks (hello, $6!), and a deep red liquid lipstick that is universally flattering.