The Best Red Lipsticks of 2019 (drugstore)

The red lipstick has been an iconic beauty staple since Ancient Egyptians were using precious stones to Queen Elizabeth I to Marilyn Monroe. Women (and, on occasions, men) have worn the crimson lip shade since make-up began, so why is it so hard to find that perfect red?!

Finding the perfect shade of red lipstick can be a very frustrating task. Not all reds are universally flattering and the range of finishes can be overwhelming. Matte or glossy, deep or bright, a bolt of red lipstick can update your look instantly - and everyone has their own opinion on which is the ultimate hue. There’s no denying it: Red lipstick is a power move.

On the even brighter side, you don’t have to spend a fortune since drugstores have some of the best red lipsticks on the market. We found the best drugstore red lipsticks that are just as good as their high-end counterparts.

1. Black Opal Color Splurge Liquid Matte Lipstick (BERRY RED)

This formula is EVERYTHING. It goes on smooth and lasts all day. I went out for the night, went to sleep, and woke up with this lipstick STILL ON. I have notoriously dry lips and while it's a matte lipstick and shows some lines in my lips, it doesn’t make them peel or crack.

Price = R165. Dischem.

2. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte (Retro Red)

I've never found a red that I've really loved before, so I just stuck with nudes. But my friend let me try this, and good god it was a game changer. It looks really dark in the tube, but it's actually insanely wearable. With my dark skin it not only compliments my tone incredibly well but make me teeth look white and stand out. I never write reviews for makeup, so this is definitely a special lipstick. It's soft and moisturizing but holds for a long time, so I'd say overall 10/10 for this.

Price = R180. Clicks.

3. Revlon Ultra HD 875 HD Gladiolus Lipstick

I have, over the time since these came out, ended up buying every color that appeals to me. It was one of the first lipsticks I started wearing casually (not just for special occasions), and I love it. Applies more easily than many liquid/ gel lipsticks because it's a fairly thick, non-sticky formula. Most colors go on opaque and any streakiness can be fixed with a little more attention with the doe-foot. If your lips are moisturized and exfoliated, this wears really nicely. Not matte until later in wear (at least 30 minutes in, varies by shade), but shine is subtle and you can tap the surface with your fingers or blot lightly to reduce it. Comfortable, doesn't dry out the lips much, and when it does fade, it does so in a pretty graceful way. Definitely not going to look flawless forever or last through eating a burger, but I feel confident when I wear it that I don't look like a doofus. It reapplies fairly well over previous layers. One mistake I made was wearing it on sunburned lips. It looked pretty bad by the end of the night, but I think anything would have. The price point also means I can buy colors that are out of my comfort zone, so it's really helped me explore lipstick wear.

Price= R185 Clicks

4. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Lipstick Perfect Red

It is a very nice product. Goes on smooth, I like applying it with a lip brush for a more even application. It looks matte, just like a matte lipstick would with absolutely no gloss at all. The color looks great and you can wear as an everyday color or build it up for a more trendy look or a pop of color.I will definitely be trying more colors.

Price = R129 Clicks