Red, the emblem of the Lunar New Year, is believed to attract happiness, love, and good fortune. The simplest way to embrace this fortunate colour is to wear a stunning red lipstick on the festival morning— a timeless choice that never goes out of style! While red lipstick may seem daunting for beginners, there are indeed several ways to pull off the perfect pout without achieving a try-hard Geisha look. From blue-toned reds to soft orange hues that add tenderness, here are the best red lipsticks that complement Asian skin tones, perfect for your Chinese New Year look in 2024.

The Best Red Lipsticks for Chinese New Year 2024

1. Christian Louboutin Silky Satin Lip Colour in Rouge Louboutin

Lipstick Rouge Louboutin RED - Christian Louboutin Beauty

Topping our list of the best red lipsticks for Chinese New Year is the Louboutin Rouge Silky Satin Lipstick, which mirrors the classy red look of their shoes. The pigmentation provides nearly opaque coverage, and the lipstick texture is exceptionally smooth, effectively moisturise your lips. While it may not be smudge-proof, the shade can last for at least five hours without requiring a touch-up. Although all Christian Louboutin lipsticks come with a high price tag, this one is undoubtedly worth the investment.

Why we love it:

  • Long-lasting
  • Art Deco and Middle Eastern-inspired packaging
  • Full coverage 

Price: RM435.00

Where to buy: Christian Louboutin’s official website

2. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 99 Pirate Red

Chanel describes Rouge Allure Pirate Lipstick as a true red and it indeed is. It is a classic lipstick that even many celebrities use it to complete their iconic red carpet look. It comes in Chanel’s classic bullet tube and we love it! Chanel said the lipstick is highly pigmented and it does live up to the words. It is intense and delivers full coverage with just two swipes that would last up to five hours. On lips, the Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate is very hydrating and act as a lip balm so you don’t need to apply one.

Why we love it:

  • Second-skin texture
  • Intense colour finish
  • Hydrating properties 

Price: RM170.00

Where to buy: Chanel’s official website 

3. Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999

A cult classic, The Rouge Dior 999 is encased in a metallic couture case, Dior’s extravagantly sexy signature. This iconic red shade is designed to complement every woman and indeed looks good on all skin tones. It is smudge-proof, allowing you to apply it once without the need for reapplication. Additionally, the lipstick has a pleasant smell. Despite the thick red matte finish, the lipstick is very comfortable to wear, providing moisture without any dryness or clinginess on the lips.

Why we love it:

  • Smudge-proof
  • Available in two types of finishes
  • Long-wearing 

Price: RM190.00

Where to buy: Dior’s official website

4. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in 01 Le Rouge

The YSL Le Rouge Lipstick is an edgy and bold red lipstick that gives an alluring satiny matte finish. The packaging is the classic YSL’s gold bullet tube and it is absolutely gorgeous with a creamy consistency that just sits on your lips for hours without staining. The texture is very lightweight, so you’ll need to add a few layers to get the ultimate dark red look, but if you love super bright red lips as opposed to the stained red lip look, then this lipstick is for you. The lipstick also carries a mild, fruity, floral scent. It is the ultimate weapon for uncompromising seduction this Chinese New Year.

Why we love it:

  • Rich, creamy texture
  • Full coverage
  • Lightweight

Price: RM 175.00

Where to buy: YSL Beauty’s official website

5. Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in French Touch

Lancôme has built a stellar reputation for producing exceptional lipsticks, and the Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in French Touch lives up to this legacy. Encased in sleek black packaging, the lipstick carries a delightful, enduring sweet fragrance. The deep red shade is rich, boldly classic, and boasts a subtle satin finish. This hydrating lipstick ensures that your lips remain moisturised, avoiding any dryness. Moreover, it exhibits remarkable staying power, eliminating the need to constantly search for a mirror for reapplication. If you’re looking for the best red lipsticks for Chinese New Year, add this to your cart.

Why we love it:

  • 18 hours of long-lasting comforting
  • Vibrant colour
  • Satin finish 

Price: RM160.00

Where to buy: Sephora

6. Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Devil

The Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Devil is a medium-dark, warm-toned red with an orange shade. It is perfect for those looking for a more settled red than a daring red. It is lightweight and has a creamy consistency. The lipstick is highly pigmented, so just a single swipe would give a full lip with a more satiny finish rather than matte. The lipstick does stain, but it doesn’t fade away completely and can last up to five hours before having to retouch it. Now, embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year with this very feminine, vibrant red lipstick by Dolce & Gabbana. 

Why we love it:

  • Highly pigmented
  • Long-wearing 
  • Creamy texture

Price: around RM175.30

Where to buy: Harrods 

7. MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

The dazzling MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo is an iconic and classic matte red lipstick that truly is a staple when it comes to getting a glamorous red lip look. The award-winning red lipstick, which has been continuously praised for its universally flattering finish thanks to the warm blue undertone of this shade, has the power to bring out the best of all skin tones. The deep red pigmentation is so gorgeous and opaque on lips and will instantly brighten up your face and your mood. If you haven’t yet found your perfect red for Chinese New Year, then give Ruby Woo a chance!

Why we love it:

  • Matte finish
  • Features vivid blue red shade
  • 12-hour wear

Price: RM110.00

Where to buy: MAC Cosmetics’ official website

8. Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk Lipstick in N326 Rouge Audacieux

The Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk Lipstick in N326 Rouge Audacieux features sleek, modern packaging with the brand’s logo and name engraved on it. The shade is a bright satin red, exuding a sophisticated allure. The lipstick is infused with essential ingredients, including prickly pear oil, hyaluronic acid, and silk powder extract.

Why we love it:

  • Buildable coverage
  • Semi-matte finish
  • Hydrating

Price: RM172.00

Where to buy: Sephora

9. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting in Carnal

The Estée Lauder Pure Colour Sculpting Lipstick in the colour Carnal features a sexy, fiery red hue. The formula is luxurious; upon application, it plumps up your lips and keeps them hydrated throughout the day. The lipstick glides effortlessly on the lips, delivering a sculpted finish with a vibrant red shade. The best part of this Estée Lauder lipstick is that it makes lip lines disappear.

Why we love it:

  • True red shade
  • Lip-shaping hue
  • Creamy texture 

Price: RM142.00

Where to buy: Estée Lauder’s official website 

10. Nars Lipstick in Jungle Red

Lipstick, Jungle Red

Nars always makes the best matte lipsticks and the Jungle Red lipstick is no difference. It was said that the ‘Jungle Red’ shade was inspired by the movie stars from the 50s and it indeed does give you the old Hollywood glam finish. The pigmentation of the lipstick is quite strong and just one swipe is enough for full coverage. Though this is a matte shade, it has a slight sheen which adds more volume to the lips. If you are looking for a red lipstick that justifies your star-like personality, then the bright, velvety Nars Jungle Red should be your best friend. 

Why we love it:

  • Buildable formula
  • Silky shine finish
  • Hydrating properties 

Price: RM 115.00

Where to buy: Nars

11. Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge

The Tom Ford Scarlet Rouge is a beautiful, bold, warm red lipstick that would just ooze your confidence the moment you put it on. Like all Tom Ford makeup, this lipstick too is synonymous to timeless, sexy and luxurious. The packaging is the coveted Tom Ford glossy brown lacquer with polished gold lining and the texture of the lipstick is quite creamy but does not smudge. It can last up to at least five hours and leaves a lovely red stain behind as it fades evenly. If you just want to look and feel expensive, The Tom Ford Scarlet Rouge is a home run.

Why we love it:

  • High-pigment
  • Long-wearing
  • Includes nourishing ingredients 

Price: RM255.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

12. Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All in 382 Red For Me

As the name suggests, Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All in 382 Red For Me is made to flatter every complexion. The lipstick comes in a simple and sleek reflective silver plastic packaging and the cap of the lipstick is coloured to match the shade inside. The shade inside is a classic maroonish red matte shade with an impressive formula. The pigmentation is deep and lasts up to 12 hours, no joke! The texture is thick but goes smooth on the skin. Honestly, this drugstore lipstick is a diamond in the rough. So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly matte red, this one is 100% worth a go!

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin tones
  • Glides easily on the lips
  • High colour payoff 

Price: RM63.61

Where to buy: Care to Beauty 

13. Shiseido TechnoSatin Gel Lipstick in Short Circuit #415

Our personal pick for the best red lipsticks for Chinese New Year would have to be the Shiseido TechnoSatin Gel Lipstick in Short Circuit. Its dreamy formula utilises Stretch-Flex Technology, which veils layers of colour without flaking, feathering, or cracking. Thanks to the 68% of skin-loving ingredients, they nourish and hydrate the lips. The Short Circuit variant features a true red hue that is fiery for extra boldness during the festive season.

Why we love it:

  • Bullet shape designed for precise application
  • Delivers satin finish
  • Keeps lips hydrated 

Price: RM125.00

Where to buy: Shiseido’s official website

14. Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Colour Lipstick in Red Brick

Dressed in black lacquered packaging, the Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Colour Lipstick in Red Brick is creamy, intense, and full of shine. The shade is a deeply pigmented bright, dark red with a luminous glossy finish. Infused with commiphora oil and mango, it softens and keeps lips hydrated. The sweet notes of vanilla and violet add a luxurious touch when applied.

Why we love it:

  • Floral scent
  • Promotes lips fullness
  • Contains hydrating ingredients 

Price: RM180.00

Where to buy: Sephora

15. Revlon Super Lustrous Kiss Me Coral

Revlon Super Lustrous in the Kiss Me Coral shade leans more towards a coral-pinkish red, resembling a tomato red. It gives you that chameleon effect, appearing different based on your undertones and adding a touch of classiness to your overall look. The lipstick offers a subtle shine, gliding effortlessly on the lips. It has excellent staying power, effortlessly elevating your look from basic to chic in just one swipe.

Why we love it:

  • Features pink coral hue
  • Creamy texture
  • Hydrating shine

Price: RM35.90

Where to buy: Watsons

16. Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Fiya Proof

Rounding off our list of the best red lipsticks for Chinese New Year is the cult-favourite brand, Fenty Beauty. Swipe on the Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Fiya Proof to achieve a luscious pout this Chinese New Year. Its Fiya Proof shade features a stunning maple red hue that accentuates the lips with a rich velvet matte finish. Beyond its long-lasting formula, it boasts high-impact colour that is hydrating and lightweight.

Why we love it:

  • Features hydrating formula
  • Includes a precise doe-foot applicator
  • Intense colour 

Price: RM140.00

Where to buy: Sephora

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