Redheads know the struggle. The right lipstick makes your hair glow and your skin look fresh, while the wrong shade can read loud or wash you out. This guide narrows the field to five lipsticks that consistently flatter copper, strawberry blonde, and auburn hair, with clear picks for everyday, office, and nights when you want your lip color to carry the look.
If you have red hair, you have a secret superpower and a unique challenge. The right lipstick makes your hair look richer and your complexion brighter. The wrong one can clash with your undertone or pull every bit of redness in your skin to the surface. To save you trial and error, we tested warm reds, terracotta nudes, and rosy berries that play beautifully with copper, strawberry blonde, and auburn hair. Below you will find fast recommendations, then detailed reviews with who each shade suits, how the formulas feel, and what to know before you buy.
Quick picks
- MAC Matte Lipstick in Chili: Best warm brick red for redheads
- Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey: Best sheer everyday tint
- Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Groundbreaker: Best long-wear brick on a budget
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Walk of No Shame: Best romantic warm berry-rose
- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Toast of New York: Best affordable terracotta satin
In-depth reviews
MAC Matte Lipstick in Chili review
Who it is for: Redheads who want a signature red that never looks too blue or too orange. Chili’s brown-orange base reads like a modern brick that flatters fair strawberry blondes through deep auburn shades. It is a go-to if classic bright reds feel theatrical on you.
How it looks and feels: Chili is a warm brick with a balanced mix of brown and orange. The MAC Matte formula is velvet-matte, not a flat paint finish. One swipe gives rich color that blurs lip lines better than many dry mattes. It has MAC’s light vanilla scent, medium-weight feel, and stays comfortable if you prep with a thin balm.
Wear time: Expect 5 to 7 hours, longer if you blot and re-layer. It withstands coffee and light meals, soft-fading evenly to a warm stain that still flatters red hair.
Drawbacks: It can accentuate flakes if your lips are very dry, and it is not transfer-proof. If you want a full workday without touch-ups, see Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Groundbreaker below.
How it compares: Compared to Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame, Chili is earthier and more brick, while Walk of No Shame leans rosier and more romantic. Compared to Revlon Toast of New York, Chili is more matte and longer wearing with a stronger red presence.
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey review
Who it is for: Minimal-makeup redheads, or anyone who wants something effortless for weekdays, school pickup, or a quick Zoom. Black Honey is especially flattering on fair or freckled skin because it adds depth without heaviness.
How it looks and feels: The bullet looks dark, but it applies as a transparent berry-brown that adapts to your natural lip color. The texture is balmy and cushy, with a soft shine. No fragrance, no waxy taste, and it layers without getting gummy.
Wear time: About 2 to 3 hours, then it fades evenly. It re-applies cleanly without needing a mirror, which is a big part of the appeal.
Drawbacks: This is not a power lip. If you want clear definition or a long-wear statement red, choose MAC Chili or Maybelline Groundbreaker. If your lips are very pigmented, Black Honey can read more brown than berry.
How it compares: Versus Revlon Toast of New York, Black Honey is sheerer and cooler. Versus Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame, it is lighter weight and glossier but far less defined.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Groundbreaker review
Who it is for: Redheads who want a brick red that does not budge through a full workday, dinner, and a drink. If you are tired of transferring color to masks, cups, or collars, Groundbreaker is your bulletproof option.
How it looks and feels: Groundbreaker is a warm, deep brick that flatters copper and auburn hair. The doe-foot applicator has a tapered tip that makes precise edges easier. The formula starts liquid, then sets to a flexible matte. There is a light sweet scent during application.
Wear time: 8 to 12 hours is realistic, sometimes more. It resists smudging and is nearly transfer-proof once set. For removal, use an oil or dual-phase remover.
Drawbacks: It can feel tacky for several minutes before fully setting, and on very dry lips it may emphasize texture. Work in thin layers and skip heavy balms underneath, which can interfere with adhesion.
How it compares: It outlasts all the other picks. If you prefer a softer, more forgiving matte and do not need marathon wear, MAC Chili is more comfortable. If you want a balm-like feel and do not mind frequent reapplication, Clinique Black Honey is the opposite end of the spectrum.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Walk of No Shame review
Who it is for: If you love warm, romantic makeup that flatters copper tones without reading orange, this shade is for you. Walk of No Shame (formerly Walk of Shame) is a warm berry-rose that instantly brightens porcelain and olive-leaning redhead complexions alike.
How it looks and feels: The Matte Revolution formula is a soft matte with a satin dimension, so lips look plush, not flat. The squared, angled bullet makes it easy to sketch a precise cupid’s bow. Ingredients include nourishing oils and waxes that help it glide and smooth the look of lines.
Wear time: About 4 to 6 hours with light eating. It fades gracefully without patchiness and is comfortable for most people even without balm.
Drawbacks: Premium price and a light vanilla scent. If your wardrobe leans entirely warm earth tones, you might prefer the brown-leaning warmth of Chili or Toast of New York.
How it compares: Versus MAC Chili, this is rosier and a touch brighter on the face. Versus Revlon Toast of New York, it is more refined in texture and longer wearing, though Revlon is the value pick.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Toast of New York review
Who it is for: Anyone who wants an easy, flattering terracotta that looks great with freckles and costs less than a night out. It is a perfect everyday color for copper and auburn hair, and a gentle statement on strawberry blondes.
How it looks and feels: Toast of New York is a warm terracotta with a creamy satin finish. The formula is thin and lightweight, with microfine pigments for even coverage. It contains conditioning ingredients like vitamin E that help it feel smooth and non-drying.
Wear time: Expect 3 to 4 hours. It transfers like a classic cream lipstick, but touch-ups are foolproof.
Drawbacks: It can migrate slightly at the corners on very fine lines, so a quick lip-liner outline helps. On cool-leaning redheads, it may pull more orange; if that happens, try Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame for a rosier warmth.
How it compares: It is the most affordable and the glossiest of our picks. It is more casual than MAC Chili and far less long-wearing than Maybelline Groundbreaker, which is the trade-off for its comfort and shine.
How to choose a lipstick shade for redheads
Start with undertone, then consider hair depth and your natural lip color. Most natural redheads lean warm or neutral in the skin, and many have some facial redness or freckles. The most flattering lip shades usually carry some warmth, brown, or peach to harmonize with your hair, but there are smart exceptions.
For fair strawberry blondes: look for peachy-rose nudes, soft terracottas, and warm pinks that have a hint of brown. MAC Chili will feel like a statement, while Revlon Toast of New York can be your everyday spice. If you like bright, try a neutral red balanced with a touch of orange so it does not turn fuchsia against your skin.
For classic copper: embrace brick reds, cinnamon nudes, and rosy berries with warmth. Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame is the easy, polished choice for both daytime and evening. Clinique Black Honey keeps it casual without washing you out.
For deep auburn: richer raisin, mahogany rose, and oxblood tints look elegant. If you shy away from depth, dab a deeper shade, then blend with clear balm for a stained effect. Groundbreaker from Maybelline gives power-lip presence that complements the intensity of auburn hair.
How to know if a shade will clash: swatch on the inside of your wrist and on your fingertip, then hold it next to your face by a window. If your skin looks ruddier or your teeth look a little yellow, you might need a touch more brown or a touch less orange. If your eyes look brighter and your freckles look softly defined, you are in the zone.
Remember your lip’s natural color. Sheer shades interact with your base tone. On very pink lips, a sheer brick can turn rosier. If a color looks too cool, layer a warm nude lip liner underneath to nudge the result back to harmony.
Application and pairing tips for red hair
Prep lightly. Smooth flakes with a damp washcloth or a gentle lip scrub, then apply a thin balm and blot. For mattes like MAC Chili, let balm sink in for a few minutes so the color grips evenly.
Line to enhance shape, not to redraw it. Choose a liner that is close to your lip color or the lipstick’s base tone. For brick reds and terracottas, a warm spice or chestnut liner keeps edges clean and prevents feathering. Sketch the outer corners and cupid’s bow first, then fill the entire lip with a whisper of liner for longer wear.
Use placement to control impact. For an everyday stain, dab the lipstick on the center of the lips and blend outward with a fingertip for a blurred edge. For full impact, apply from the bullet, blot on a tissue, then add a second thin layer. A touch of clear gloss in the center adds dimension without making the color slide.
Balance the rest of your face. Redheads often look best with warm, sheer blushes in peach, apricot, or muted rose that echo the lip without competing. Keep eyes softly defined with brown or copper tones and a natural-looking mascara. If your skin leans rosy, even out the center of the face with a sheer base before you choose a lip shade. This helps prevent the lipstick from amplifying any surface redness.
Carry a quick fix. A tiny concealer brush softens edges and cleans up mistakes. For long-wear liquids like Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink, stash a mini oil-based remover or a swipe of lip balm to break it down at the end of the day.
Final thoughts
If you want one redhead-friendly red that just works, start with MAC Matte Lipstick in Chili. For an everyday swipe that flatters freckles and feels like lip balm, go with Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Need bulletproof wear for events or long days? Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Groundbreaker delivers. If you love a romantic, polished look that brightens your face, Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame is a star. And if you want a versatile, affordable warm nude that suits copper and auburn hair, Revlon Toast of New York is the easy choice.
See also
If you want more shade ideas tailored to red hair, our deeper dive in Best Lipstick for Redheads explores finishes and undertones in detail, and Best Lip Liners for All-Day Wear helps you lock in those brick and terracotta tones. Dry, sensitive lips are common for redheads, so you may also appreciate the options in Best Lipstick for Dry Lips.
Building a cohesive routine around your lip color matters too. If you wear multiple skin tones in your family or friend group, our picks in Best Lipsticks for Brown Skin, Everyday To Bold can help you shop for others with confidence. To keep the focus on your lip without overwhelming your features, pair these shades with a soft lash from Best Mascara for Natural Look.
FAQ
What lipstick shades usually flatter natural redheads the most?
Warm bricks, terracottas, peachy roses, and rosy berries are consistently flattering because they echo the warmth in red hair without turning fuchsia. Shades like MAC Chili, Revlon Toast of New York, and Charlotte Tilbury Walk of No Shame are reliable starting points.
Can redheads wear bright classic red lipstick?
Yes. The trick is undertone and depth. Many redheads look best in reds with a touch of warmth or brown to ground them. If true blue-reds feel too stark, try a neutral or warm red like a brick or scarlet with a hint of orange. Blot once and reapply to soften the effect without losing the bold red look.
Which lipstick formulas feel least drying on sensitive lips?
Sheer and satin formulas are the most forgiving. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and Revlon Super Lustrous creams feel cushy and are easy to refresh. If you prefer matte, choose a soft or velvet matte like Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution, and prep with a thin balm. For long-wear liquids, apply in a thin layer and avoid heavy balms underneath to prevent pilling.
What lip liner colors work best with brick and terracotta shades?
Look for warm nude, spice, chestnut, or brick liners that are one step deeper than your lipstick. These shades sharpen the edge, prevent feathering, and can warm up a lipstick that runs a bit cool on your lips. Filling in the entire lip with a light layer of liner adds grip and extends wear time.
How do I keep lipstick from clashing with freckles or facial redness?
Even out the center of the face with a sheer base or concealer where needed, then choose a lip color with a touch of brown or peach to harmonize with warmth in your skin. Avoid ultra-cool pinks if they make freckles look ashy. If a shade reads too intense, apply it as a stain and pair with a soft peach or muted rose blush to balance the look.
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