The best red lipsticks for Valentine's Day: Tried, tested & reviewed

MAC's iconic 'Lady Danger' requires no introduction. The energising orange-red shade is infinitely pretty and has recently been reformulated with shea butter and coconut oil to make it more hydrating. This is the shade I reach for in the warmer months, for a real statement. 

This is a staple red lipstick in my collection. 'Haze' is a universal shade but works particularly well for those with deeper skin tones. It's a deep plum red shade that still gives off a romantic red but in a slightly darker hue for a more subtle look. 

The best part of this product is the glossy finish. When you apply it, the creamy texture hydrates your lips and you're left with a 3D, high-gloss finish that boosts a fuller-looking pucker. Divine.

Bold and cushiony, this liquid matte lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury is almost featherlight, a total joy to wear. I can't bear how many matte formulas cling to textural imperfections, but this velvety formula is extremely forgiving. This is a great choice for red lipstick novices – if you don't want a super crisp outline, you can simply blur the edges for a slightly softer effect.

For an unexpectedly affordable, luxe-looking raspberry red, & Other Stories' 'Maquis de Nuit' has me hooked. The formula is infused with cold-pressed Mirabelle plum seed oil for a gorgeous, nourishing feel – rich and balmy rather than slippery. The colour is lovely if you're going blue-based but be aware that the satin formula will likely need touching up later on in the evening so don't leave the bullet at home.

For the naturally red-averse, let Victoria Beckham's Bitten Lip Tint tempt you. First of all, it won't budge – like at all – which is very reassuring if you've previously avoided red lips pertaining to practical reasons. The initial hit of colour is flush-like, and buildable should you so desire. 'Je T'Aime' is a lovely, muted raspberry – I have to say, I do prefer it on others, particularly those with deep olive complexions as it can look a bit blue on me. But it's idyllic for those wanting to ease themselves in gently. 

Rich pigment combines with an endurance-focused matte formula to deliver a liquid lipstick that is categorically high impact. Nars' Powermatte Lip Pigment in the shade 'Vain' is both vampy and elegant, sitting comfortably in the deeper, more burgundy-esque region of reds. The tapered doe-foot applicator allows for the utmost precision but know that you're not afforded loads of playtime (the time taken before it sets in place), so you'll need a steady hand. 

If I were going on a first date, this would 100% be my red lipstick of choice. Rare Beauty's 'Inspire' Lip Soufflé is creamy, weightless and unbelievably flattering. The gentle, coral-adjacent shade is a guaranteed complexion perker-upper, and yet, the effect is assured, never try-hard, and certainly more laid-back than other more richly pigmented formulas, making it perfect for an easy-breezy first impression.

This is another stunning red matte lipstick that doesn't include that often painful drying matte finish so many matte lipsticks have. This little stick is in a brick red hue that is packed with pigment.

The selected shade 'Rouge Safran' has a hint of orange in it so if you have warmer undertones or a deeper skin tone, this will be a great addition to your collection. 

If you want the colour payoff of a lipstick but the hydration and skin benefits of a lip balm, look no further than Naturium's Phyto-Glow Lip Balm in 'Lychee.'  

These intensely nourishing lip balms are is formulated with Shea, Cupuaçu butter & Plant Squalane leaving lips soft and smooth. It adds a glowy finish and a sheer wash of red hues with long-lasting moisture.

When it comes to lip products, look no further than Rihanna's Fenty Beauty. Ever since the brand released these Gloss Bomb Stix, they have taken the beauty world by storm. 

This product pairs perfectly with their viral lipglosses. I would personally layer the Gloss Bomb overtop to create this explosive shine in a colour-packed stick. Grab the shade 'MVP' for a classic blue-red that suits all skin tones for Valentine's Day.

This lipstick has one of the most comfortable, classic, creamy satin finishes with a soft sheen. Its unique formula glides on with ultra comfort & grips lips for the perfect pout. Select the shade, 'Chelsea' for a perfect reddish orange shade that will elevate your Valentine's Day glam.