8 Ways to Wear a Red Lip, As Seen on Byrdie Editors

Everyone on Team Byrdie has their thing, a beauty hallmark they're closely associated with—graphic eyeliner looks, perfect braid-outs, glowy skin. Mine is, without a doubt, a red lip. Blue-based or orange, matte or satin, crimson or burgundy, I love (and own) them all and wear one probably every week.

Despite my affinity for the shade, however, I am well aware that red lipstick is arguably the most polarizing makeup staple. And I get it: It can be an intimidating color to incorporate into your makeup routine. So, as the ultimate red lipstick evangelist, I set out to prove that there are countless ways to wear the shade—and surveyed my colleagues to do so. Keep reading to discover the many ways the editors of Team Byrdie like to wear a red lip; maybe you'll find a new preferred take on the classic hue.

Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

"I don't wear a red lip often, but when I do, it's usually more of a deep burgundy hue; my current favorite is Clinique's Pop Plush Creamy Lip in Black Honey Pop ($22). As for the rest of my makeup, I tend to keep things natural and glowy—mascara, brows, and a skin tint. For brows, I always grab my tried and true NYX Micro Brow Pencil ($11). Key's Soulcare It's Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint ($28) has been a staple in my routine, as well as Huda Beauty's 1 Coat Wow Mascara ($23) for a falsie look."

Ali Webb, associate editor

"I've gravitated toward classic glam makeup forever, and a red lip is one of my most consistent go-to's. Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet line is my all-time favorite (so much that I literally wrote a 2000-word essay about it back in college), and I usually opt for a dark shade similar to 72 Mystérieuse ($45). While I often pair it with a classic winged liner look that I create with the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner ($35), I recently tried letting my red lip take center stage of a more easygoing, glowy look alongside Sala's Nostalgic Nineties Mascara ($26) and Glossier's Futuredew ($26) used as highlight."

Star Donaldson, associate social media director

"I'm not a huge red-lip person year-round, but I bring out my go-to's in the fall/winter. When I think of a red lip, I automatically think of Chanel, and I truly cherish all of my red shades from the brand. I can oscillate between deeper reds and orangey hues, but my tried and true is Rouge Allure Velvet in the shade Extreme 56 Rouge Charnel ($45). It's a rich matte formula that doesn't dehydrate my lips. The shade is a dusty berry red, so I pair it with my favorite line of lip pencils, Make Up Forever's Artist Color Pencil ($22), in Boundless Berry for a little dimension."

Hallie Gould, editor in chief

"Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave ($26) has been my ride-or-die shadefor an entire decade. The finish is velvety, and the pigment is supersaturated, so it offers up that elusive siren effect—full-bodied and classic—and allows for an almost entirely undetectable fade. Plus, the creamy, hydrating finish (Nars lipsticks are enriched with vitamin E to keep dryness at bay all day, and night, long) is absolutely flawless." 

Eden Stuart, beauty editor

"I'm a big fan of a red lip—at this point, I practically consider myself a red lipstick collector. When wearing one of my many (many, many) tubes, I usually keep the rest of my face pretty minimal; just my go-to winged eyeliner, a neutral eyeshadow, and a subdued, rosy blush. I always seem to gravitate back to Lisa Eldridge's True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Ribbon ($36), and while my preferred eyeliner changes constantly, lately, I've been loving W3ll People's Fresh Lines Liquid Eyeliner ($17)."

Holly Rhue, associate editorial director

"A red lip speaks for itself, so I love to pair a deep blue-red with nearly-naked skin and a few swipes of mascara. There are so many gorgeous reds to choose from, but my personal favorite is the Sephora Collection Matte Velvet Lipstick in the shade Break the Rules ($15). It's long-lasting and transfer resistant (no random lipstick marks on my forehead, here) without feeling like it's sucking all the moisture from my lips. It's my go-to when I want to feel sophisticated and effortless."

Bella Cacciatore, news editor

"I love a classic red lip for occasions, but it can feel a little much for day-to-day. Recently, I've been on the hunt for a darker '90s brick shade, and I think I found the one. The Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Matte Lipstick in Brun Acajou ($42) is the perfect color to channel my inner Uma Therman, and the blurry, slightly sheer finish feels so comfortable and looks a little softer than a traditional matte. I like to pair it with my usual light coverage foundation and a ton of mascara for a little edge that doesn't feel like a costume."

Olivia Hancock, beauty editor

"If I'm wearing lipstick, it's almost always a red. Since high school, it's remained the one lip color that makes me feel so confident and bold whenever I swipe it on. I have tried and collected dozens of red lipsticks over the years and learned I prefer liquid red lipstick over any other format. For over a year, I've consistently used Haus Labs' Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer in Ruby Shine ($26) (Lady Gaga's favorite shade). It's the perfect blue-red hue, and I love the glossy vinyl finish. The best part? Once it's applied, it doesn't move whatsoever. 

I usually keep the rest of my makeup pretty neutral to allow my statement lip to be the star of the show. Think a light wash of bronze eyeshadow (Hourglass' Voyeur Eyeshadow Sticks are perfect) and a touch of Keys Soulcare's Sheer Flush Cheek Tint ($22) on the apples of my cheeks. However, if I'm feeling extra fancy, I'll apply silver eyeshadow (red and silver are a stunning color combo IMO) and create a dramatic wing using Lancôme's Idôle Ultra-Precise Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner ($23)."