Editor-Approved: These Are The Most Flattering Red Lipsticks For Filipinas
A red lip can feel intimidating for some, and empowering for others. But if you’re still on the fence about this bold hue, let these editor-approved lipsticks convince you otherwise.
When is a red lipstick appropriate? On the red carpet, like how pop star Taylor Swift often wears it? Or is it reserved for a dinner date, where it evokes sensuality and an air of mystery? Or is it only meant for flight attendants en route to their next destination?
All of these are familiar moments where a red lip makes its presence known. But here at Allure Philippines, we believe a good red lipstick isn’t limited by occasion—it isn’t reserved for a specific time, place, or role. It can be worn anytime, anywhere, and however you choose to show up.
In this edition of Editor-Approved, the Allure Philippines team shares their favorite red lipsticks they reach for every day—whether it’s for a romantic dinner or one of those days when you just need a little pick-me-up. And if you’re still deciding whether a red lip is the move, let these picks convince you that yes, it is the move—always has been, always will be.
La Beauté Louis Vuitton – LV Rouge Matte Lipstick in 854 Rouge Louis
Rissa, editor in chief
A good red lipstick should instantly make you look more alive—and Rouge Louis does exactly that. What I love most about it is how balanced the shade is: bold enough to make a statement, yet refined enough that it never overwhelms the face. It brightens the complexion, makes the teeth look whiter, and somehow still feels incredibly wearable even on minimal makeup days. As someone who genuinely loves red lipsticks, this is one of the most universally flattering reds I’ve come across—it works beautifully across different skin tones, whether you’re fair-skinned or morena like me. For a matte formula, it’s also surprisingly comfortable and elegant on the lips. Yes, it’s undeniably a luxury purchase—but it’s so good that if I ever lost this tube, I genuinely would buy another one immediately.
Nars Audacious Lipstick in ‘Mona’
I love red lipsticks. I really, really do. I don’t save them for special occasions, or even for evening. I wear them anytime. Nars Audacious in their best-selling shade Mona is one of my favorites. It’s more of a mahogany-brick red shade, and the extra warmth makes it very wearable for daytime. It’s creamy and easy to apply, but it seems to never fade—not after endless gabbing, or even eating. This is a great, wearable red to give your look a pop of color anytime.
Lia, associate digital editor
Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in ‘The MVP’
Yes, this is the one Rihanna wore during her 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show performance. This particular shade, “The MVP,” gives your lips a hue that needs no introduction, as the pigment does all the talking. It has a smooth, pillowy finish that makes application flawless in just one swipe, and it doesn’t leave those undesirable cracks that I usually experience with matte lipstick formulas. And if there’s one thing I noticed, it’s that this exact shade is flattering on both fair-skinned and morena girls—which is something you won’t easily find in a single red lipstick.
Liam, wellness writer
Absidy Cashmere Kiss Matte Lipstick in ‘Vintage Scarlet’
It was hard for me to find the perfect shade of red because I never really tried to explore this color for my makeup looks until this specific one from Absidy. It has a good balance of warmth and vibrancy that I can use for everyday wear and for a night out. Not only that, but it’s so comfortable on the lips as well, unlike most matte lipsticks that just easily dry out. Every time I wear it, I just love how natural it looks on my lips!
Yeyen, video producer
Issy Lip Bullet True Matte in ‘Revenge’
I don’t usually wear red because I find it intimidating, but I like how my face brightened the first time I applied this on. It delivers a true matte finish that applies smoothly and settles quickly without settling into fine lines. It is also pigmented; one swipe is enough. It’s a powerful statement shade that centers the attention on the lips.
Nicole, art director
Mac Matte Lipstick in ‘Diva’
This is a darker shade of red, which I prefer swiping on for evenings. MAC calls it a burgundy-red, but on me, I can’t really find any traces of burgundy, but a deeper red shines. This is my go-to for nighttime red lips when I want to make an impact, and look dressed up, but still classic.
Lia, associate digital editor
Y.O.U Cloud Paint Matte Lasting Lip Cream in ‘Passion’
A beautiful berry-leaning cool red. It dries fast to a transfer-proof, soft matte finish that actually stays comfortable. It doesn’t feel drying and is flexible—no cracking or heavy accentuation of lip lines.
Nicole, art director
Frequently Asked Questions
Allure Philippines editors recommend shades with balanced warmth and vibrancy for morena skin. Standouts include LV Rouge Matte in 854 Rouge Louis, described as universally flattering across fair and morena complexions, Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The MVP, and Absidy Cashmere Kiss Matte in Vintage Scarlet — a local Filipino brand noted for its comfortable matte wear and natural finish.
Among the editor-tested picks, the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Mona and Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in The MVP are noted for long wear without cracking or fading. The Y.O.U Cloud Paint Matte Lasting Lip Cream in Passion is flagged as flexible and non-drying, while the Absidy Cashmere Kiss Matte is praised for comfort compared to typical matte formulas that tend to dry out.
Allure Philippines editors highlight two local options in this roundup. The Absidy Cashmere Kiss Matte Lipstick in Vintage Scarlet and the Issy Lip Bullet True Matte in Revenge are both editor-tested Filipino brands. The Absidy shade is noted for its balance of warmth and vibrancy suitable for daily wear and evenings, while the Issy shade delivers a true matte finish with strong pigmentation in a single swipe.
Allure Philippines editors distinguish by depth and warmth of shade. For daytime, warmer brick-reds like Nars Audacious in Mona and berry-leaning cool reds like Y.O.U Cloud Paint in Passion offer wearability without overwhelming the face. For evening, deeper shades like MAC Matte Lipstick in Diva — described as a burgundy-red that reads as a deeper red on deeper skin tones — are preferred for a more impactful, dressed-up look.
Allure Philippines editors suggest looking for shade balance — neither too cool nor too warm for your complexion. Universally flattering reds tend to sit in a balanced mid-tone, such as LV Rouge Louis or Fenty Beauty’s The MVP, both noted as wearable across fair and morena skin. Warm brick-reds suit daytime wear on a range of Filipino skin tones, while deeper burgundy-reds work best for evening on medium to deeper complexions.
