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Universally-flattering hues in matte formulas and satin finishes that stand the test of time.

As far as makeup bag staples go, there is perhaps no product more iconic than red lipstick. Classic and timeless, the statement-making hue has stuck around for decades, gracing the pouts of several influential beauty figures of the past, including Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor. To this day, rouge continues to be a go-to for many—and for good reason. It exudes confidence and elegance, it's striking but never too overpowering to the rest of your features, and it can instantly take a look from zero to 100 in one single stroke. But most importantly, red lipstick is universally flattering—it just all comes down to picking the right shade, which can range from stunning scarlets to beautiful burgundies.

"Red lipstick is very versatile," says celebrity makeup artist Mali Thomas. "Many people are intimidated by it but there’s no need to be. Treat it like your favorite accessory that will add elevation and flare to your look!"

For a flush of color that will never go out of style, here are the best red lipsticks you'll want to swipe on your lips again and again.

Name a more classic red color than MAC's Ruby Woo—go ahead, we'll wait. If you know a thing or two about lipstick, odds are you're familiar with this cult-classic matte formula that always delivers the perfect kiss of color. If not, consider this your new tried-and-true pick.

As Coco Chanel once wisely put it, "If you’re sad, if you are disappointed in love... put on lipstick, and attack." She wasn't wrong. This crimson pick will do just the trick to perk you up.

Just in time for the new season, Hermès has added three limited edition reds to their ultra-luxurious lipstick lineup. Catch us puckering up in this fiery red hue for fall.

When it's a matte red finish you're after, you turn to celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath's eponymous brand for that. The MatteTrance lipstick feels weightless upon application but still delivers maximum impact in just a swipe. Even better: It's anything but drying.

Satiny-smooth doesn't even begin to cover it with Valentino's take on a red lipstick. One slick to your pout, and you can expect a highly-saturated color that stays put wherever the day takes you.

For an affordable, drugstore staple that can't be beat, L'Oréal's Colour Riche Reds of Worth collection won't disappoint. Coming in at under $15, the formulas are infused with argan oil and vitamin E for lip-loving benefits and have great color payoff. It's practically elegance in a tube.

This standout option from Dior ticks off all the lipstick boxes. Lusciously velvety and seriously pigmented, this matte pick feels so utterly weightless on your pout that you'll almost forget you swiped it on in the first place. But it's the transfer-proof formula that does it the most for us: the lipstick impressively lives up to its claim that it won't budge for 16 hours. Try it in 999 Forever Dior to add a va-va-voom factor to any glam.

According to Thomas, "red lipstick with blue undertones are the crème de la crème of all red color options!" Among her favorites include this hydrating and long-wearing lipstick that is the epitome of Parisian chic and is a winner on all skin tones.

Bright pops of red and bold cranberry-like hues are, without a doubt, the most flattering against pale skin tones. Tom Ford makes some of the most gorgeous, mood-boosting shades in the lipstick game, including this Ruby Rush color that's incredibly comfortable to wear and provides a saturated, velvety finish that really goes the distance.

In addition to red-blue colors, orange-infused reds also look flattering on those with olive skin tones. Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon recommends the oh-so-nourishing Armani Lip Power in this orangey-red hue.

Kjaer Weis is known for its luxurious formulas that come housed in sleek, eco-friendly and refillable packaging. The brand's lipstick contains sustainably sourced beeswax, shea butter, and other nourishing good-for-lips ingredients that glide smoothly and effortlessly to deliver a vivacious color in a satin finish. According to Aharon, this poppy red looks exceptionally flattering on people with darker skin tones, but it will still complement lighter skin tones as well.

If you're a newbie to the red lipstick world, a lip crayon is a perfect start. Nars' take on the lippie feels rich and nourishing on, and is a great option for those days when you want a vivid wash of color but going full-on glam feels a bit much.

You can count on liquid lipstick to last you through eating, drinking, and talking. YSL's version is non-drying, extremely comfortable to wear, and always delivers a full coverage, matte stain that never disappoints.

Perhaps big and bold is not your thing? Allow us to introduce you to Chantecaille's Lip Chic. The buttery lippie—specifically in the Amaryllis color—gives you an oh-so-perfect hint of tint that still also packs some serious punch.

Looking for a deeper red to carry you into winter? Lisa Eldridge, the makeup artist behind the famous faces of Kate Winslet and Keira Knightley, offers a stunning black cherry hue in her beloved lipstick collection. One swipe delivers a perfect touch of color or you can build up to create a bold, richer look.

The best way to determine the right red lipstick for your skin tone is by first identifying your undertones, the color underneath the surface of your skin. "When sorting out your skin tone and its undertones, you’re looking at whether you lean pink/red (cool), yellow/orange (warm), or sit right in the middle at a neutral skin tone (which is a combination of the two)," explains Aharon.

To do so, the pro recommends letting the veins in your wrists be your guide. If your veins look blue, you’re likely a cool skin tone. If they look green, warm is the result. And if you can’t quite determine, you’re probably neutral.

Another pro tip: "If you’ve got freckles or burn easily in the sun," says Aharon, "it’s definitely an indication that you have a cool skin tone as well."

Thomas specifically likes orangey-tone reds tend for those with fair complexions and blue-reds on ones. "However, there are no rules to the game of red lips!" notes the pro. "Explore and expand your comfort zone."

Aharon agrees: "I don’t really believe in rigid makeup rules," says the makeup artist. "If you put it on and the color enhances your complexion and makes you feel good, go for it!"

There are several different techniques for applying red lipstick:

Thomas recommends first applying your favorite lip shade before lip liner to create slip. Next, start lining the Cupid’s bow and stay within the lines. Then, blot with a Kleenex or add a small amount of translucent powder to prevent feathering.

Aharon, on the other hand, likes applying straight from the tube and tidying up the edges with a finger or cotton swab, and then pressing in with a fingertip. "Pressing it in will make it look a little more lived in and less like it's sitting on top of your lips," explains the pro. "It also removes excess product that can settle in your lip lines."