An Ode to Dark-Red Lipstick—These 10 Shades Are Undeniably Cool, Classy, and Elegant

Merit's Signature Lip Lightweight Lipsticks are incredibly comfortable to wear for hours on end. It contains plant-derived squalane and sunflower seed oil for long-lasting moisture, as well as vitamin C and papain enzymes for smoothness.

The shade Tiger is a stunning brick red that's beloved by multiple Who What Wear beauty editors across a range of skin tones. Apply one layer for a smooth, sheer effect, or build it up for full color saturation. Either way, the satin finish is so flattering.

This lipstick is a favorite of former Who What Wear beauty editor Shawna Hudson. It comes in so many shades, but Voyageur, an expensive-looking oxblood color that has a brown-purple undertone, is her top pick. "This liquid lipstick is so easy to apply thanks to its applicator and smooth formula," she says. "The super-saturated lip color lasts for 16 hours, so you don't have to worry about smudging or having to touch it up throughout the day."

Are Hermès lipsticks expensive? Yes, absolutely, but I'm convinced there is no better formula on the market if we're talking about full-coverage, velvety formulas. Both the texture and the color scream luxury. This shade, Rouge H, is a rich merlot. Honestly, it's one of my most treasured lipsticks ever.

Who What Wear's senior beauty editor, Jamie Schneider, is enthralled by this Chanel lipstick: "This liquid lipstick never fails to make me feel fabulously witchy. It's named Spell, after all. It's a deep, blue-based red I typically gravitate toward during fall and winter. I have neutral-warm undertones, but in the frosty months I don't mind playing up the cooler tones in my skin."

"I love how comfortable this formula is—I even named it the best everyday lipstick because of how easy it is to wear with any lip liner and on top of any balm," says Who What Wear's associate beauty editor, Alyssa Brascia. "It's just so comfortable! The color payoff is incredible, in true Mario fashion. … I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the mulled wine hue, Forest Hills."

The color of this lipstick calls to me like a siren song. It was formulated to look like a crimson rose petal, so it's deep and dark and pretty much perfect. Sometimes, I'll apply one swipe and blend it out with my fingers for a light wash of color. Other times, I'll layer it until it's bold and opaque. Either way, it creates the prettiest effect. It does dry out my lips if I wear it long enough, but the color is well worth it in my opinion.

"It's no secret that I've been a longtime fan of Rose Inc's incredible line of products, including its ultra-hydrating lipsticks," says Who What Wear associate beauty editor Maya Thomas. "The shade Poised stands out to me the most. It's a deep brick red that I can imagine myself wearing all fall long. The lipsticks are incredibly hydrating and long-wearing and have a unique formula powered by a medley of swertia chirata extract, hyaluronic acid, and, most surprisingly, mustard sprouts to keep the lips looking full."

Aniyah Morinia, editor of branded content, recommends this lipstick from Maed. It's meant to be a "universal" red, so it's a little brighter and more cherry-hued than other shades on this list, yet when it's on, it has a deep, rich, and saturated quality to it. The hydrating formula is flexible and hydrating, so you won't have to deal with dryness or visible cracking.

"I was obsessed at first swipe," says Schneider, when talking about Gucci's Velvet Matte Lipstick in Rosso Ancora. "The velvety matte finish! The rich, cranberry scarlet hue! The embossed bullet! I mean, I can't think of a lipstick more luxe. I also adore how buildable it is; just one layer will give my lips more of a subtle berry flush, while two or more deepens the intensity for a stunning, dark red."

I've been a fan of Milani lipsticks for years. They're super creamy and blendable, they deposit bold color, and they never dry out my lips. Plus, they're super budget-friendly. Basically, I think they're incredibly underrated, especially for a drugstore product.