An Indian bridal trousseau is incomplete without the color ‘Red’. Its boldness and charm along with a traditional lineage are unbeatable. Generally deemed as a preferred color for a bridal lehenga, it might have taken a backseat with pastel lehenga hue trending: nonetheless, does manage to sneak its way into the bride’s trousseau some way or the other, like embodying a chooda, bindi, heels, sindoor or a classic red lip.
Red lipstick is to a bride’s makeup kit as a saree is to her wardrobe. If you’re a red lip fanatic and looking to invest in a good red lipstick for your wedding, this list can help. Although if you prefer a nude lip and venturing into the world of red lipsticks for the first time, this listicle can be your true savior. You can thank us later.
Best Red Lipsticks For Indian Bride
#1 MAC Retro Matte Lipstick In Ruby Woo, MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, So Chaud
MAC’s Ruby Woo is the OG of red lipsticks. It became a sensation the minute it was launched – among makeup connoisseurs and the common public alike. “Ruby Woo is the little black dress of makeup,” said Gregory Arlt, Director of Makeup Artistry at MAC and we couldn’t agree more. The versatile shade can be anything you want it to be – chic, graceful, playful, or timeless.
Besides Ruby Woo, Russian Red and So Chaud are two more popular red lipstick shades from the Canada-based cosmetic brand. You can find the swatches for all of them in the embedded video, so you can decide which one’s your ideal pick. The lipsticks are long-wearing, transfer-proof, and glides on easily. Although if you are prone to chapped lips, make sure they are moisturized before application. Since they are all cream lipsticks, the formula is prone to crack on extremely dry lips.
(Russian Red: 1:00, Ruby Woo: 1:09, So Chaud: 1:17)
Buy here for Rs.1700/-.
#2 Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick Cheerleader or Heartbreaker
The best red shades from Huda Kattan’s cosmetic line are Cheerleader and Heartbreaker. Both of them are swatched below by popular US-based Indian vlogger Arshia Moorjani. While Cheerleader is a warm red, Heartbreaker has a pinkish touch to it. Also, the former comes closer to MAC’s Ruby Woo, in case you’re looking for a liquid alternative of the formula.
The one thing that all Huda beauty products promise is ‘lasting power’. Knowing fairly well how long some wedding rituals last, you want a lipstick that stays put for hours and this one can deliver the same. The lipsticks are also hydrating, comfortable to wear, and transfer/ smudge-proof.
(Cheerleader: 3:37, Heartbreaker: 3:55)
Buy these shades here for Rs.1825/-
#3 Smashbox Bawse Liquid Lipstick
Smashbox’s Bawse shade is a unique deep red lipstick shade: the formula and appearance are incomparable to any other lipstick on this list. The product lends a beautiful, insanely pigmented color to your lips and compliments both fair and dusky skin tones. Further, it comes blended with moisturizing oils, so it hydrates the lips, sealing the dryness while lending a sheer matte finish. And adding to its list of upsides, are the packaging and applicator. All you need is one swipe to claim an envy-worthy pout. Although, it’s the costliest on the list, but worth every penny.
Via Smashbox.com
(Bawse: 4:31)
#4 Estee Lauder Pure Color Love Lipstick – Bar Red or Burning Love!
If you like luminous red shades, these two colors by Estee Lauder will be your next favorite. The gorgeous formula sets in like a regular matter shade but isn’t overly drying or uncomfortable to wear. They are both medium deep-red shades which makes them perfect for Indian skin tones. Check out the swatches for both of them below.
Bar Red
Burning Love
Images Via The Makeup Affair
Purchase here for Rs.1950/-.
#5 SEPHORA Collection Cream Lip Stain – 01 Always Red!
A lipstick that does its job quite well and is also a budget buy. This is the kind of product that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket yet offers certain quality assurance. What more does a girl want? It’s a very bold yet warm shade so you don’t have to worry about it sneaking all the attention on your face. As the name suggests, the formula will leave your lips with a satiny finish. We highly recommend it for brides looking for a medium-budget lipstick.
(Always Red: 7:30)
Purchase here from Sephora India for Rs.1220/-
#6 L’oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick, 115 I am Worth It
Another budget finds that does all that it claims and lends a wonderful hue with a soft matte finish. The lasting power is around 5-6 hours and a quick touch-up is all it needs to get back its initial glam. ‘I am Worth It’ is a perfect choice for brides on their big day or any other function for that matter. A small con of this red lipstick is it does take a minute or two to dry down and isn’t completely transfer-proof.
(I am Worth It: 1:17)
Buy this shade here for Rs.486/-
#7 SUGAR Cosmetics Nothing Else Matter Longwear Lipstick – 26 Tomato Red
SUGAR Cosmetics Tomato Red Lip Shade is one of a kind hue and goes amazingly with dusky skin tones. Designed to last, it has a soft, satin finish that looks sensual in every which way. Do note that it can feel a little drying, if not applied on moisturized lips. Put on some lip balm around 15 minutes before applying this lipstick, pat it with a tissue and glide the lipstick on for a perfect finish.
Purchase it here for Rs.599/-.
#8 Lakme 9 To 5 Primer With Matte Lip Color – Crimson Catch
Lakme has been like THE cosmetic brand in India forever. The one that our mothers love to the core and remains a favorite of each generation alike. We bet you’ve used at least one ‘Lakme’ product in your life, and here’s another one to add to the list. Lakme 9 to 5 Primer lipsticks come with an inbuilt base so the lip color glides on easily and stays for a while. The amazing red hue is one you can sport any day – from your wedding to a normal event. A versatile pick that’s a must-have in any makeup kit.
Get it here for Rs.400/-
#9 Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Liquid, Dancer
Flaunt this beautiful red color at your wedding ceremonies. It’s bright, bold, and perks up your look instantly. The shade is tomato reddish toned, so it looks natural when put on and is well-suited for a day event. Moreover, the buttery, moisturizing texture will prevent any embarrassing lip cracks and add an oomph factor to your overall look.
(Dancer: 7:13)
Buy here for Rs.487/-
#10 Wet N Wild Mega Last Matte Lipstick – Missy and Fierce
Often cited as the perfect dupe for MAC’s Ruby Woo lipstick, Wet N Wild’s Missy and Fierce Lipstick is an intensely pigmented formula that gives a flawless matte finish. The intense warm red finish comes alive in just one swipe. You can see that in the video. Wear this sultry lipstick to grab everyone’s attention.
(Miss and Fierce: 3:50)
Purchase it here for Rs.464/-
Here are some brides of different Indian skin tones who carried red lipstick like a boss at their wedding!
Via @jasmeetkapanyofficial
Via @dollyyouupbys, @jasmeetkapanyofficial
Via @dramaeinbaaz, @biancalouzado_79
Via @makeoversbyindu, @sabyasachiofficial
Via @estasbella_makeupstudio, @simran.takkar
Trying to find the right lipstick of any shade is a mind-boggling process. We did our research and listed out the pros and cons of the most popular red shades for Indian skin tone. And these were the 10 best ones among all of them. We hope this blog makes your buying decision easier.
Which lipstick shade would you like to have recommendations on next?
