13 Best Red Lip Glosses to Unleash Your Inner Marilyn Monroe

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
Best Red Lip Gloss
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

As long as I have the best red lip gloss handy, I don’t care about not having a face full of makeup. This is because while its translucent shine, hydrating formula, and smooth texture make my lips healthy and plump, the infused color brightens up my entire face!  This flush of color never fails to boost my confidence! I love to wear them alone as well as by layering them up on matte lipsticks to spruce my overall look. 

Be it at home, work, or a party, they never make me look dull or boring. Why I am in favor of bright red lip glosses? Because I believe red enhances the natural beauty of my lips and defines my cupid’s bow better. Besides, let me tell you, that there are a variety of lipsticks in the market, but these lip glosses have been the OGs for years. They were in hype then and are in hype now! Their captivating allure is going to last for years so you can take your makeup game a notch higher anytime anywhere.

My findings show that a few lip glosses possess a long-lasting formula, hence you need not worry about your look even at the end of the day. Without further ado, join me on my journey as I share my experiences with some red lip glosses that make me look oh-so-good!

13 Best Red Lip Glosses

No matter how many lipsticks I own, I still get magnetized to NYX Professional Makeup’s Butter Gloss for its astounding glossy finish that makes my lips look kissable and plump. I love wearing this lip gloss alone and at times, I layer it on my favorite matte lipstick to achieve a more profound, bold red lip. What I really appreciate about this dark red lip gloss is its feather-proof formula and non-sticky texture that glides effortlessly on my lips. Truly, the brand has crafted it keeping in mind the needs and necessities of makeup enthusiasts alike. Do give it a try and be pout-ready wherever you go!

Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Good-quality spatula applicator
  • Cost-effective
  • Sheer to medium coverage
Cons
  • No tamper-proof seal
  • Most Cost-effective

    e.l.f. Lip Lacquer - Cherry Bomb

    e.l.f. Lip Lacquer - Cherry Bomb
  • As someone who loves juicy and ultra-shiny lips, this lip lacquer is my all-time favorite as it makes my lips glisten like nothing else. Enriched with vitamins E and A, it conditions my lips and leaves them fully hydrated. I usually wear it alone for a dash of natural tint and at times layer it up on any of my lipstick. Frankly speaking, e.l.f. as a brand has never disappointed me. I am one of its most loyal customers and hence, strongly recommend this fantastic red gloss.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Reasonable
    • Best for minimal makeup
    • Promotes natural moisture
    • Flushed finish
    Cons
    • Sticky texture
  • Most Moisturizing

    L.A. Colors High Shine Shea Butter Lip Gloss - Dynamite

    L.A. Colors High Shine Shea Butter Lip Gloss - Dynamite
  • This red lip gloss from L.A. Colors reminds me so much of my childhood! Its indulgent vanilla scent smells great while its glossy finish makes my lips look hydrated and supple all day long. One thing that I honestly love is its ultra-pigmented formula loaded with shea butter and non-sticky yet shiny texture. In addition, I also adore the way it coddles my lips in desirable moisture and leaves them feeling a lot more luscious and nourished. All in all, the pretty wash of color makes it an affordable makeup and beauty essential!

    Pros
    • Thick consistency
    • Glides easily
    • Comfortable on the lips
    • Bright shade
    • Tastes good
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Great Applicator

    Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss - 240 Fatal Apple

    Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss - 240 Fatal Apple
  • I discovered that Revlon’s gloss is what I need in my vanity to attain glossy red luscious lips with an intense shade and irresistible shine. All thanks to the ingredients like agave, moringa oil, and cupuacu butter that make it a must-have! What makes this gloss stand apart from the rest is, of course, its capability to provide continuous moisture so that lips appear plumper and deeply hydrated. In tandem, the lush color and dewy shine are something that I found worth appreciating. My first-hand experience with this product left me impressed with its non-sticky texture.

    Pros
    • Glides with minimal effort
    • Lightweight formula
    • Oversized reservoir tip
    • Intense color payoff
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • No staying power
  • Best Non-sticky Texture

    Kiko Milano 3d Hydra Lipgloss 15 - Cherry Red

    Kiko Milano 3d Hydra Lipgloss 15 - Cherry Red
  • Here comes my favorite beauty brand — Kiko Milano! The moment I came to know that it has introduced an array of lip glosses I couldn’t contain my happiness and immediately snagged its deep red lip gloss in the shade called cherry red. As I glided it onto my lips, its soft texture left me stoked. My lips felt wonderful and the gloss was pretty light in weight and comfortable for all-day wear. Additionally, I was impressed with its long-lasting formula and non-sticky texture. Hence, my extra votes goes to this phenomenal hydrating lip gloss.

    Pros
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Soft wand applicator
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Metallic finish
    Cons
    • A little pricey
  • Best Long-lasting Formula

    Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss - Evening Glow

    Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss - Evening Glow
  • Based on my first-hand research and findings, the Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Gloss is loved by it’s customers worldwide for its long-lasting formula. After trying it, I realized that the brand delivered what it claimed! Enriched with softening sunflower oil and moisturizing beeswax, it leaves my lips feeling healthy, moisturized, and nourished all day long. Having said that, my lips never looked dry or drab even after a hectic day at work or during the after-party. With this luscious red lip gloss, I kid you not, I always feel red carpet-ready!

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Intense color payoff
    • Clean and consciously made
    • Recyclable packaging
    • Good quality applicator
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Sticky
  • Most Vibrant Finish

    wet n wild Mega Last Stained Glass - Reflective Kisses

    wet n wild Mega Last Stained Glass - Reflective Kisses
  • The wet n wild Mega Last Stained Glass has been my favorite since day one. Its vibrant hue, mirror-like shine, and transfer-proof formula bowled me over. Imagine wearing a red lipstick gloss throughout the day without having to worry much about your lips and your overall look. With a lip-nourishing blend of polymers, it delivers an intense and non-drying color. Whenever I wish to keep my makeup look minimal yet sassy, this stained gloss is my way to go!

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Lightweight
    • Non-greasy
    • Comfortable
    Cons
    • Fragile applicator
  • Best Ultra-glossy Sheen

    Lime Crime Wet Cherry Lip Gloss - Maraschino Cherry

    Lime Crime Wet Cherry Lip Gloss - Maraschino Cherry
  • Buying the Lime Crime Wet Cherry Lip Gloss was one of the best decisions ever because of its impressive color payoff. As someone who loves glossy red lips, I immensely adored its shade — Maraschino Cherry. What makes it stand out from the rest? It is its translucent ultra-glossy sheen and lightweight formula that makes my lips look plumper, supply, and hydrated. Plus, it smells delightful and the cute chubby tube comes with an oversized doe-foot applicator for easy and mess-free application.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Ideal for everyday use
    Cons
    • Overpriced
  • Most Hydrating

    jane iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Lip Gloss

    jane iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Lip Gloss
  • I am always party and pout-ready and that’s all because of HydroPure Hyaluronic Lip Gloss introduced by Jane Iredale. Power-packed with botanical oils, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, this light red lip gloss locks in moisture and makes my lips appear nourished, softer, and supple. In addition, it is loaded with a restorative formula that exfoliates and reduces the appearance of fine lines on my lips dramatically. All in all, this is honestly, a remarkable solution to improve the lips’ health and keep them looking kissable!

    Pros
    • Non-sticky
    • Pillowy soft texture
    • Smoothes out dry lips
    • High-grade applicator wand
    • Provides long-lasting hydration
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best for Everyday Use

    L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss - Red Ravishing

    L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss - Red Ravishing
  • Months ago, I was on a quest to find a classic bright red lipgloss to nail some high-glam makeup looks and that’s when I bumped into this Colour Riche Le Gloss from L'Oréal Paris. The red ravishing shade is all that I was yearning for and today, I am so glad to have it in my makeup arsenal. Enriched with the goodness of vitamin E and argan oil, this gloss works to keep my lips hydrated and supple. What made me gravitate towards this lip product is its non-sticky finish and rich color payoff. Frankly speaking, I am going to restock this lip gloss again and again!

    Pros
    • Subtle fragrance
    • Great packaging
    • Tastes like a cookie
    • Ideal for everyday use
    Cons
    • Runny consistency
  • Mirabella Matte Lip Gloss - Bombshell

    Mirabella Matte Lip Gloss - Bombshell
  • Okay, let me put it out straight — my makeup is never complete without Mirabella Matte Lip Gloss on! To start off, I highly appreciate the gloss’s luxe advanced formula that promises to stay on my lips for a prolonged period. I also remember wearing it at my workplace, and guess what, I collected a plethora of compliments. Based on my personal experience, I can confidently say that this dark red lipgloss is clearly a lip makeup essential that takes due care of your lips and lends them a velvety matte finish.

    Pros
    • Full coverage
    • Rich pigmentation
    • Long-wearing
    • Non-drying
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell
  • HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss - Santorini Red

    HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss - Santorini Red
  • What I really like about HydroPeptide’s Perfecting Gloss is its top-notch lip-enhancing treatment! It restores volume and enhances the suppleness of my dry lips. Since it is power-packed with collagen, niacin, and hyaluronic acid, it keeps my lips feeling soft and moisturized throughout the day. In addition, the slight warming sensation of the gloss maximized moisture retention and thus, never made my lip look flaky or chapped. For anyone who is dealing with dull and dehydrated lips, do give it a thought. I bet this gloss will act as your savior while lending your lips the shine and luster they need.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Makes lip plumper
    • Attractive packaging
    • Cruelty-free
    • Free from sulfates
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • PDL Cosmetics by Patricia De León Red Tinted Lip Gloss - Fiesta

    PDL Cosmetics by Patricia De León Red Tinted Lip Gloss - Fiesta
  • Lastly, I am a big fan of this red-tinted lip gloss from PDL Cosmetics. You use it for once and boom, you can never skimp it off your makeup routine. What attracts me the most is its hydrating formula and translucent shine that elevate my look of the day seamlessly. Secondly, the silky texture makes the application process smooth and mess-free. As someone more inclined towards wearing lightweight and glossy lipsticks, my vote definitely goes to this Fiesta shade lip gloss!

    Pros
    • Free from phthalates
    • Enriched with vitamin C
    • Very moisturizin
    • Petroleum-free
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging

    That was my comprehensive list of the best red lip glosses. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Red Lip Gloss?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best red lip gloss: 

    Shade: Whenever I am on my way to invest in a sheer red lip gloss, my attention is always on its shade or color palette keeping in mind my skin tone. I believe the shade of the lip gloss plays the game in uplifting your makeup look and adding a pop of color to your neutral LOTD. I have used a burgundy lip gloss with a pigmented punch as well as a clear red lip gloss with a hint of color, and trust me, each of them has its own charm. So, always pick a shade depending on your taste, complexion, and preference. For day-to-night, I like to stick to the Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss that comes in an alluring cherry red shade. On the other hand, for late-night parties and high-glam looks, I prefer using the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss that comes in the shade called ‘Red Ravishing’.

    Ingredients: The next important aspect that I consider is the list of ingredients. For me, my property is utmost lip hydration to prevent flaky and chapped lips. Hence, I prefer the HydroPeptide Perfecting Gloss that is loaded with the goodness of collagen, niacin, and hyaluronic acid. Overall, based on my first-hand research, a lip gloss infused with vitamin C, mango butter, avocado oil, softening sunflower oil, moisturizing beeswax, botanical oils, and peptides tend to boost the hydration levels of the lips. 

    Formula: After shade and ingredients, the formula of the lip gloss comes into the picture. Firstly, my first preferences are always those lip glosses that are vegan, cruelty-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic just like the Wet n Wild Mega Last Stained Glass and the Lime Crime Wet Cherry Lip Gloss. Such formulas tend to keep my lips nourished without any harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. 

    Texture: Next, the texture of the lip gloss should be easy to glide, smooth, non-sticky, and non-greasy. Secondly, it should be lightweight and comfortable just like the L.A. Colors High Shine Shea Butter Lip Gloss. If you like anything that’s similar, don’t hesitate to purchase.

    Applicator: For mess-free and on-point application, the applicator or wand of the lip gloss is of key importance. The wand should have a large reservoir and foot-doe applicator. In addition, the tip should possess a plush texture just like Revlon Super Lustrous The Gloss facilitating easy-breezy application.

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, come along with me to know a few of the popular shades of red lip glosses.

    Which are the Renowned Shades of Red Lip Gloss?

    Below are a few of the popular shades of red lip glosses that I adore immensely. Hope the list of shades helps you make the best choice. 

    1. Cherry Red

    2. Brick Red

    3. Burgandy 

    4. Fatal Apple

    5. Marron 

    6. Maraschino Cherry

    7. Blood Red

    8. Ravishing Red

    9. Rustic Red

    10. Vibrant Red

    That was all about the shades. Now, let me acquaint you with a few tips for applying the red lip gloss like a pro.

    How to Apply Red Lip Gloss Perfectly?

    Here are the right tips for applying the lip gloss accurately:  

    Step 1: After you are done applying foundation, concealer, eyeliner, eyeshadows, etc, apply any of your desirable red lipgloss — over or without red lipstick as the base. So, the choice is yours!

    Step 2: Dab it with your fingers or use a lipstick brush. 

    Step 3: Blot it with a tissue to let it leave a tint behind.

    Step 4: Glide some lip gloss in the middle of your bottom lip. 

    Step 5: Rub your lips together.

    Step 6: Glide the gloss across your lips just like a lipstick. Make sure you stay away from your lipline.

    Tada, you are done! If you do not wish to apply lipstick beneath, then it is completely alright. A red lip gloss looks great even when you wear it alone!

    Conclusion

    With the best red lip gloss, I never have to look for anything else when it comes to adding a dash of glam to my look. These glosses are my go-to companions that not only take due care of my lips but also help elevate my makeup game seamlessly. With great moisturizing properties and ultra-shine formula, they have never disappointed me. Be it NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss or e.l.f. Lip Lacquer, I never have to really fret about my lip’s natural beauty and health. Their potent blends and formulations are enough to keep my lips looking hydrating and plump. There are also a couple of glosses featuring ultra-pigmented and non-sticky textures — exactly what I need for a long day! Honestly, after considering factors like shade, ingredients, texture, applicator type, and formula, today, I feel so fortunate to have picked the best of the best creations introduced by beauty brands around the world. Nonetheless, all of the lip glosses have something or else to offer! I hope this article helps you find what you’re looking for! Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    What makes red lip gloss stand apart from the rest of lip products?
    Red lip gloss tends to be reflective and ultra-shiny as compared to other lip products.
    Can red lip gloss be applied by everyone, regardless of their skin tone?
    Yes, regardless of skin tone, complexion, and type, anyone can slay a red lip gloss.
    Are there long-wearing options for red lip gloss?
    Yes, there are long-wearing options for a red lip gloss that lasts straight for up to 8 hours.
    Can red lip gloss be used as an everyday look, or is it more suitable for special occasions?
    Red lip gloss can be worn every day as well as during special occasions.
    Are there specific lip care tips for wearing red lip gloss?
    Yes, you may use a good-quality lip scrub to prevent flaky lips and remove dead skin.
    Can red lip gloss be layered for a more intense look?
    Not much, or else your red lip gloss will smear.
    How do I remove red lip gloss effectively?
    You can use petroleum jelly or makeup remover to remove your red lip gloss effectively.
    Can you wear red lip gloss during the day?
    Yes, you can wear red lip gloss during the day.
    How do you keep lip gloss on all day?
    You can apply a lip primer to keep your lip gloss on all day long.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified makeup expert, Sayantani, is obsessed with lip glosses. She owns them in bulk and never gets tired of wearing them. She believes lip glosses add a desirable radiance and make one’s lips appear a lot more hydrated and supple. After plenty of trials and tests, she has enlisted the best of the best lip glosses that add the missing oomph to her LOTD. She highly appreciates their feather-proof, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof formula along with their easy-to-glide texture. You too can take some notes from her experiences and add one to your beauty arsenal without any second thoughts. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More