5 Red Shades to Buy for Valentine’s Day & Beyond

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It’s easy to pile up on lipsticks when shopping for new makeup — but with Valentine’s Day on Wednesday (Feb. 14), it’s time to edit your collection. One easy way to get started: stick with specific colors.

In the world of lipsticks, certain colors are considered more iconic than others. Standing the test of time essentially means that no matter what year we happen to be in, that lipstick shade never goes out of style. And red lipstick definitely fits the bill.

Taylor Swift loves a red lip (courtesy of Pat McGrath Labs) and she’s definitely not alone. Red is known as the first lipstick color ever invented, which is probably why it’s become a staple in any lipstick collection. To help you make pick the perfect lipstick, we rounded up a handful of beloved red lipsticks that you need to buy for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Whether you are new to makeup or are adding to an already-robust collection, check below for a list of classic red lipsticks that range in price from $4 and up.

If you’re looking for an affordable option that will last on your lips, NYX’s Butter Gloss in red velvet is a solid choice. The butter gloss has great coverage and comes in a range of fiery reds, show-stopping pinks and other gorgeous shades.

A bright, matte lipstick that pops! NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment is available in 18 different colors but we’re especially fond of the “Don’t Stop” — a show-stopping, fire engine red shade that will turn heads wherever you go.

If you’re looking for a something similar to NARS, but slightly cheaper, Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick is a good choice. The $20 liquid lipstick features a matte finish and it’s “super long lasting,” as the customer reviews note.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick boasts a deliciously, rich color with a hydrating formula. Customers are in love with the shade, “Hollywood Vixen” and the lipstick’s easy application. “I adore this red lipstick!! The color is beautiful and it goes on so smoothly! The blue-red color is so flattering and I think it would look perfect on anyone,” reads one customer review.

Amazon shoppers might be obsessed with Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick. The No.1 bestseller has earned over 147,000 customer ratings and 4.4 stars. Most of the customer reviews rave about the long lasting, matte color (the liquid lipstick comes in a bunch of different shades beyond red).