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. I actually love it for a pared-down makeup moment – think loose beachy waves and gentle wash of bronzer for supper on holiday – but the warmth of the shade also works really beautifully alongside navy. MAC is renowned for its creamy mattes, and you'd be hard pressed to find a comfier no-shine finish. 

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 its 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.