By Zarah Angelica Ariola

Red is powerful. It’s iconic. It easily hints at silent sophistication, quiet confidence, and timeless elegance. It suggests glamour that knows no bounds. It’s equal parts feminine and formidable. It’s the hue that transforms your look and further polishes your style, an undeniably true standout.

Let’s explore the fiery realm of red lipstick. There’s a ton out there, but let’s make the search and selection easy for you! Here are five red lippies that merit going into every woman’s purse.

Wet n Wild Perfect Pout Lip Color in Undercover Lover

The shade: A vibrant red

Why pick it: The sharp wow factor

Why you need it: For everyday go-to lingering red pout

Runner-up red: Wet N wild Perfect Pout Lip Color in Club Brat

With an amazing staying power—on the market and on the lips, the Perfect Pout lipstick line has been around for years and counting, and, of course, it carries the Undercover Lover shade. It’s tried, tested, and proven to work on any complexion and go with any outfit at any time of the day, walking the fine line between understated charm and impactful allure. It’s bright without being offensive, a pleasant payoff all thanks to the rosy undertones.

Plus, its slender tube casing slips right into your purse for convenient safekeeping. And its flat, round tip allows for easy application and eliminates the need for a lip liner.

Mac Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Feels So Grand

The shade: A faultless true red

Why pick it: Boldness and fierceness that last

Why you need it: For black-tie events

Runner-up red: Mac Love Me Liquid Lipcolour in Yeah I’m Fancy

A stunning epitome of how red lipstick can transform and empower, this liquid lip color is a burst of rich, classic, and classy red with a hint of blue undertones. It’s a standout choice that is flattering on any skin tone. It glides into a smooth, velvety matte finish designed for prolonged, lasting wear. You’ll make it your go-to glamour cosmetic item for day-to-night work and play, as it survives drinks and meals with little to zero fading.

Mac’s Feels So Grand is appealing and high-impact, both in terms of formulation and finish.

You’ll also be happy to know that this lippie comes in a secure tube packaging with a doe foot applicator for effortless swiping.

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Voyager

The shade: That vampy dark red

Why pick it: From day till dusk resilience

Why you need it: For retouch-free days

Runner-up red: Maybelline Sensational Liquid Matte Lip in Soft Wine

On a hunt for statement red lips where modern comfort meets staying power? Maybelline’s Voyager is your ideal companion. True to its promise, this one super-stays.

This bold, intense pop of berry red for extended wear is excellent for adding dimension to your kissers. It’s a reliable choice for making them look fuller, plumper, and more youthful.

The teardrop-tipped applicator has a tiny hole in the middle that serves as a reservoir for carrying more product, so you won’t have to keep dipping it back into the container as you apply. Oh, and you can also swiftly identify your reds through the color-coded tubes.

Now, it’s time to go local!

Sunnies Face Fluffmatte in Hot Sauce

The shade: Bright red

Why pick it: Extra-lightweight comfort

Why you need it: For weekend nights out with girl friends

Runner-up red: Sunnies Face Fluffmatte in Major

Throw on a casual pair of loose white shirt and jeans matched with strappy white sandals, and top off the cool girl look with this shade of red on your lips. Or wear it to spruce up your corporate attire of coat over a nice dress paired with heels. Or perhaps, just to liven up another regular day, primp, feel good, and show yourself appreciation and love.

With the Sunnies Face’s Hot Sauce, pretty much anything goes.

The product boasts plush and luxurious texture, achieved through its lightweight formula with moisturizing qualities for mega comfort and hydration.

Ever Bilena EB Matte Lipstick in Love That Red

The shade: Deep red

Why pick it: Affordability meeting rouge intensity

Why you need it: For quick afternoon runs to the mall

Runner-up red: EB Advance Power Paint in Sangria

Strolling down the mall for an errand? Be sure to wear this classic red bullet lipstick that leaves an impression. Neither too cool nor too warm, the shade is great for a day at the cinemas, too.

And don’t be fooled by the price point. The formulation certainly doesn’t sacrifice high pigmentation. The payoff is commendable. Its sweet burst of red ups your confidence and immediately commands and sustains attention.