There’s just something instantly iconic about a swipe of the perfect red lipstick. Whether it’s a classic Old Hollywood shade or a modern matte lipstick trend straight out of New York City, the power of red lips has defined celebrity style for decades.
From Marilyn Monroe’s signature image captured in history to Taylor Swift’s cat-eye and red lip combo that’s taken over awards season red carpets, a bold red lip color never goes unnoticed.
Red lipstick has always been a statement of power, glamour, and confidence. Some stars wear it once in a while, but others have made it part of their signature look. These women have proven that a bold red lip can stand the test of time, from Hollywood’s Golden Age to today’s red carpets and pop stages.
25 Most Iconic Celebrities Who Wear Red Lipstick
Here’s our pick of the 25 most iconic red lipstick wearers who’ve made the shade unforgettable, and the low-down on which shades they wear.
1. Marilyn Monroe
No list of red lipstick legends could start anywhere else. Marilyn’s glossy cherry-red pout became a symbol of classic Hollywood glamour and remains one of the most famous red lips in history.
Her makeup artist famously layered several reds; one of the closest modern matches often cited is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in ‘Love That Red’ or Guerlain ‘Rouge Diabolique’ (a vintage shade she loved).
2. Taylor Swift
Taylor’s signature cat-eye and red lip combo has defined her style for over a decade. Whether onstage or at an awards show, she’s made the red lip her personal trademark.
She’s frequently mentioned NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in ‘Dragon Girl’ and sometimes MAC ‘Ruby Woo’ as her go-to for that bright cherry-red.
3. Rihanna
Rihanna can pull off any makeup trend, but her fiery reds always grab attention. She even created her own cult-favourite red lipstick shade that flatters every skin tone.
When she launched Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in ‘Uncensored’, she called it her “perfect red” because it flatters every skin tone.
4. Lola Young
The rising star has already made her bold red lip a striking part of her look, proving that this classic statement never goes out of style, even for the new generation.
5. Elizabeth Taylor
Known for her violet eyes and old-school glamour, Elizabeth Taylor’s red lipstick looks in the 50s and 60s helped define timeless Hollywood beauty.
Often wore Elizabeth Arden ‘Red Door Red’-type classic Hollywood reds; some makeup historians link her to vintage Revlon ‘Fire & Ice.’
6. Debbie Harry
The Blondie frontwoman brought a punk edge to red lipstick in the late 70s and 80s, pairing it with platinum hair and rock-star attitude.
7. Madonna
Madonna’s bright red lip defined her 80s and 90s style eras, proving that red lipstick can be just as rebellious as it is glamorous.
Known to reach for MAC ‘Russian Red’ during her Blonde Ambition era.
8. Angelina Jolie
Angelina has sported everything from nude gloss to vampy reds, but her bold red carpet red lips are always an instant showstopper.
Her makeup artist has often used Hourglass ‘Raven’ or Chanel Rouge Allure in ‘Pirate’ for her red-carpet crimson looks.
9. Julia Roberts
Julia’s radiant smile becomes even more iconic with a swipe of red lipstick – think of her glamorous award season looks throughout the years.
10. Audrey Hepburn
Best known for her timeless elegance in films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey’s red lips were often paired with her chic updos and classic pearls.
11. Dita Von Teese
Queen of vintage glamour, Dita’s porcelain skin and flawless red lip have become her signature. She’s proof that old Hollywood style is forever in fashion.
A vintage-beauty purist; loves MAC ‘Ruby Woo’ and has also worn Christian Louboutin ‘Rouge Louboutin’.
12. Lady Gaga
Gaga’s ever-changing looks always keep us guessing, but she often returns to the drama of a perfect red lip for her most show-stopping appearances.
13. Sophia Loren
The Italian screen goddess often paired her sultry eyes with rich red lipstick, creating one of the most unforgettable beauty looks of the 60s.
14. Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett’s red lip moments on the red carpet are legendary, perfectly complementing her vintage-inspired style.
Frequently spotted in Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in ‘Devil’ or NARS ‘Jungle Red.’
15. Beyoncé
Queen Bey has proven many times that a red lip can be powerful, from music videos to stadium tours. It’s bold, glamorous, and commanding just like her.
Often wears L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Last in ‘Red Carpet’ (she’s a longtime L’Oréal face).
16. Grace Kelly
The Princess of Monaco kept her makeup refined and elegant, with a classic red lip that still inspires vintage-loving beauty fans today.
17. Gwen Stefani
Gwen’s platinum blonde hair and matte red lipstick became the ultimate 90s cool-girl combo and remains a huge part of her signature look.
Practically synonymous with MAC ‘Ruby Woo’; it’s been her signature matte red for years.
18. Rita Hayworth
A true Old Hollywood bombshell, Rita Hayworth’s deep red lipstick helped set the standard for screen siren beauty.
19. Margot Robbie
Margot often opts for a chic red lip on the red carpet, adding instant vintage-Hollywood vibes to her modern looks.
20. Nicole Kidman
Nicole’s flawless complexion and soft waves often pair perfectly with a striking red lipstick that adds elegance to her minimalist style.
21. Cindy Crawford
One of the ultimate supermodels of the 90s, Cindy’s bold red lip with her signature beauty mark was unforgettable in countless campaigns.
22. Christina Aguilera
Xtina’s red lipstick defined her early 2000s pop diva phase, giving her edgy looks a touch of classic Hollywood glamour.
23. Helena Christensen
The Danish supermodel frequently rocked the red lip during the 90s supermodel era, adding to her sultry, glamorous vibe.
24. Kylie Jenner
Kylie’s red lip moments helped bring bold matte lips back into mainstream beauty, especially during the launch of her lip kits.
25. Emma Stone
Emma has mastered the red lip for countless red carpet looks, often pairing it with retro waves and glowing skin for an effortlessly chic finish.
Makeup artists have credited Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in ‘La Fascinante’ and sometimes Revlon Super Lustrous in ‘Certainly Red.’
Red lipstick will never go out of style, and these 25 icons prove that one swipe of the right shade can elevate any look. Whether you love a glossy cherry red or a rich matte crimson, there’s a timeless glamour to the red lip that keeps inspiring generation after generation.
The love affair with red lipstick isn’t slowing down any time soon. From Fenty Beauty’s universally flattering shades to the way Selena Gomez or Angelina Jolie can elevate a simple look with just one bold swipe, this lip color continues to dominate beauty trends all over the world.
Whether it’s a creamy classic or a matte lipstick with the perfect texture, the right lip pencil and liner can take your red carpet looks – or even your everyday style – to the next level. Red lips have been photographed in iconic shots for generations, capturing the magic of beauty, fashion, and confidence that comes with the perfect red.
One thing’s for sure: no other lipstick shade has made such a lasting impression on both celebrity style and pop culture.
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