How-Tos

Find Your Perfect Red Lipstick for Fall 2025

6 min read
By Glam Grid Beauty Experts

The Power of Red Lipstick in Fall 2025

As the leaves turn crimson and burgundy, so do our lips! we're witnessing a dramatic shift toward bold, statement-making reds this fall.

Red lipstick has been a beauty staple for forever, but fall 2025 brings a revolution: from Dior's groundbreaking double-phase technology to sustainable refillable systems, finding YOUR red now means choosing between hydrating mattes, glass-like glosses, and creamy satins that actually care for your lips.


Understanding Your Skin Undertone

Before diving into our Glam Grid, let's decode the mystery of undertones. This really is your ticket to finding that holy grail red.

Which Undertone are you?

Cool Undertones

  • Characteristics: Pink, red, or bluish hues beneath the skin
  • Vein Test: Blue or purple veins on wrist
  • Jewelry Test: Silver looks best

Warm Undertones

  • Characteristics: Yellow, golden, or peachy hues
  • Vein Test: Green veins on wrist
  • Jewelry Test: Gold looks best

Neutral Undertones

  • Characteristics: Mix of warm and cool
  • Vein Test: Blue-green veins
  • Jewelry Test: Both metals look equally good

Best Red Shades by Undertone

For Cool Undertones

  • Best Shades: Blue-based reds, black cherry, near-black berries
  • Trending Now: Deep wine with darker lip liner (the "blurred lip" effect)
  • Fall 2025 Focus: Vampy shades

For Warm Undertones

  • Best Shades: Espresso reds, orange-toned satins, cherry wine, true reds
  • Trending Now: Brown-based reds inspired by '90s revival
  • Fall 2025 Focus: Hydrating matte finish

For Neutral Undertones

  • Best Shades: Universal power reds, night crimson, true cherry, Pink-reds
  • Trending Now: High gloss finishes
  • Fall 2025 Focus: Glass Lips

Your Fall 2025 Red Lipstick Grid

Expert-curated red lipstick recommendations organized by skin tone and finish

Celebrity Choice
Tom Ford Hydrating Matte lipstick in Scarlet Rouge
Great for Neutral and Warm
Undertones. Taylor Swift's go-to red
Sephora

Tom Ford Hydrating Matte: Scarlet Rouge

$62.00

Shop at Sephora →
Trend Setter
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Lip Blur in Ruby Red
Best for Cool Undertones. Try
with new Blur Technique
Sephora

Charlotte Tillsbury Airbrush: Ruby Red

$35.00

Shop at Sephora →
Best Value
Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink in Lippy
Glassy Look, Great
for neutral undertones
Amazon

Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink: Lippy

$10.99

Shop on Amazon →
Cult Classic
MAC Retro lipstick in Ruby Woo
A classic red, Great
for all tones
Amazon

Mac Retro: Ruby Woo

$25.99

Shop on Amazon →
Cult Favorite
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
A staple for
cool undertones
Amazon

Clinique Almost Lipstick: Black Honey

$25.00

Shop on Amazon →
Long-Wear Champion
Estée Lauder Long Lasting lipstick in Off The Record
This shade works
with all undertones
Amazon

Estée Lauder Long Lasting: Off The Record

$44.00

Shop on Amazon →

Prices and availability subject to change. We may earn commission from qualifying purchases.


How to Apply Red Lipstick Like a Pro

The Perfect Red Lip Routine

  1. Prep those lips

    Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub, then apply lip balm and let it absorb while you do your other makeup.

  2. Create the canvas

    Apply concealer or foundation around lip edges to clean up any discoloration and create a sharp border.

  3. Line for definition

    Use a matching lip liner to outline lips and prevent feathering. Pro tip: slightly overdraw for fuller-looking lips.

  4. First application

    Apply lipstick from center outward. For liquid formulas, use the applicator; for bullets, use a lip brush for precision.

  5. Blot and set

    Blot with tissue, dust translucent powder through the tissue, then apply a second coat.

  6. Perfect the edges

    Use a small concealer brush around lips for that Instagram-worthy crisp edge.


Expert Tips for Wearing Red Lipstick

The Do's

  • Balance your look – Let lips be the star with neutral eyes
  • Check your teeth – The dreaded lipstick teeth are real
  • Embrace the boldness – Confidence is the best accessory
  • Match your mood – Bright reds for energy, deep reds for sophistication

The Don'ts

  • Don't skip prep – Dry, flaky lips + red lipstick = disaster
  • Don't forget to blot – Unless you want it on everything
  • Don't mix undertones – Cool blush + warm lipstick = clash
  • Don't apologize – Red lipstick is a statement, own it!

Our Take

After testing 20+ red lipsticks for fall 2025, we're blown away by the innovation happening in the industry. The game-changer? Formulas that deliver marathon wear WITHOUT sacrificing lip health…Tom Ford's whipped mattes are setting new standards.

This fall's biggest revelation is the "blurred lip" trend. Super forgiving, modern, and surprisingly wearable for everyone. We're obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury's Air Brush line for achieving this look, while Maybelline's Vinyl Ink gives us that glossy runway moment at a fraction of the price.

Remember, Fall 2025's red lipstick philosophy is about artistic expression over perfection. Whether you're team hydrating matte or glass-like gloss, this season celebrates YOUR interpretation of the classic red lip. May the season and all it's trends empower you!

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and isn't medical advice. Everyone's skin is different—consider a patch test and consult a licensed professional for personalized guidance; see our Disclaimer for details.

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