My top 5 red lipsticks

1. Vincent Longo Carnelian Whisper. 

This is a brilliant starter red. It's a muted brick red, which doesn't scream "look at these RED lips!" when you wear it. 

2. Julie Hewett Rouge Noir.

Classic scarlet, brilliant satin texture, wears like iron. Julie Hewett does some great reds; she was the makeup artist for Pearl Harbour and The Black Dahlia.

3. Besame Red Hot Red.

A more orange based red. Great retro-vintage packaging and shades.

4. Kevyn Aucoin Bloodroses.

Blue red, great for pale skinned brunettes. Very vampy. 

5. Julie Hewett Gem Noir.

This is a soft strawberry red. It's not a true red; it gives more of a warm sheer strawberry tint. This is a good dupe for the popular (and limited edition) Strawberry Blonde by MAC.