Here are the ten most iconic French red lipsticks of all time! If a red lip is synonymous with the French aesthetic, picking the right shade of red is not an easy task. That’s because all red lipsticks are not the same. From blue-based reds to bright orange-toned shades, there are many different shades of red that are more or less flattering according to your skin tone. So, to help you find your time-tested signature shade, I’ve compiled a list of the best French red lipsticks that have stood the test of time. From Dior’s 999 to Chanel’s Rouge Coco Gabrielle to Guerlain’s Rouge G, those red lipsticks listed below have become iconic. Read on to see my pick of the best red lipsticks below.
This post is not sponsored. I only share what I truly love. Some links are affiliate, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
- Guerlain KissKiss Shine Bloom Lipstick Balm
- Guerlain Rouge G (shade Ruby Red)
- Rouge Dior (shade 999)
- Chanel Rouge Coco Baume (shade 920 In Love)
- Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick (shade 85 Rouge H)
- Sisley Phyto-Rouge Shine
- Violette_fr Petal Bouche Matte (shade Amour Fou)
Find the Right Shade for Your Skin Tone
To find the best red lipstick for you, you need to consider your skin’s undertone and decide whether it’s warm or cool. Also, the color red is split into three tone categories: true red, blue tone, and orange tone. So, as a general rule, you should opt for a red that has the same undertone as your skin. If you’re cooler with pink, red, or blue undertones, blue-based reds work better on you. Think deep cranberry, cherry, or burgundy shades like Chanel Rouge Allure 104 Passion, Rouge Coco 494 Attraction, or Roge Coco 466 Carmen.
On the contrary, yellow-based tones are more flattering for warmer skin with yellow or golden undertones. Opt for reds in the orange spectrum like salmon, coral, burnt sienna, or auburn like Rouge Dior 080 Red Smile, 844 Trafalgar, or Rouge Hermès 75 Rouge Amazone. I recommend experimenting with as many different shades as you can to find your signature red that’ll bring your complexion to life. To do so, just hold the lipstick shade next to your lips or ask the vendor to try the color before buying it. If you’re still hesitating between two shades, opt for a red shade that is right in the middle of warm and cool tones, making it the perfect red lipstick for every skin tone, like Rouge Dior 999, Rouge Allure 99 Pirate, or Rouge G 214 Flame Red.
Which Lipstick Finish & Formula to Choose
The perfect lipstick finish will always be the finish that you’re most comfortable with. You can choose between matte, glossy, sheer, cream, and liquid lipstick. A glossy texture makes lips look full and luscious, whereas a matte is a pigment-rich texture with intense color. A creamy lipstick is a soft satin, semi-matte finish, and color-rich. In general, I recommend choosing the lipstick finish and formula based on its color. For example, for bright red lipstick, opt for a matte or satin texture, according to your preferences. However, for a darker shade like cherry or burgundy, opt for a creamy, rich lipstick formula, as it’ll bring light and soften your features.
Et voilà! I hope this guide helped you find your signature red ;). Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.
I was in Paris last week during Fashion week & read your article on red lipstick. I JUST HAD TO BUY ONE! I ended up with Chanel 122 Play. It isn’t a true red, but for someone who doesn’t wear lipstick often (usually only when I go out), it’s perfect. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction
I absolutely loved the article and am eager to try the recipes. I looked forward to rereading it the first chance I had to do so. I really enjoy your insightfulness!
That was so helpful thank you.