The 10 Best French Red Lipsticks of All Time

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.

The 10 Most Iconic Shades of Red Lipstick

Here are ten iconic shades of red that are universally flattering, regardless of your skin tone.

• Guerlain KissKiss Shine Bloom Lipstick – Petal Red
• Guerlain Rouge G – No. 214 Satin
• Rouge Dior – 999 Velvet
• Chanel Rouge Coco Baume – In Love
• Chanel Rouge Coco – 444 Gabrielle
• Rouge Hermès Satin lipstick – 64 Rouge Casaque
• Sisley Paris Phyto-Rouge Shine – 31 Sheer Chili
• Violette FR Petal Bouche Matte – Amour Fou
• La Bouche Rouge – Selfservice Satin
• Chanel Rouge Allure – 176 Independante

How to 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 in the sade 104 Passion, 169 Rouge Tentation, or Chanel Rouge 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 just 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 Velvet, Guerlain Rouge G – No. 214 Satin, Rouge Hermès Satin lipstick – 64 Rouge Casaque.

Which lipstick finish and 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.

Disclaimer: I independently select all products featured on Leonce Chenal. If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love.