There's a lot to love about a classic red lip. But one of our favorite reasons is that it stands out on its own, making it the ultimate in lazy-girl cosmetics — all you need is a quick curl of your eyelashes, a swipe of red lipstick, and you can waltz out the door looking polished and cool. That's probably why we love a minimalist pairing with this makeup look the most — and we're not alone.
While there's no wrong way to wear a crimson pout, the hue looks incredibly fresh with barely-there eye makeup and full, natural brows, which is why there's no shortage of inspiration for this ultra-chic combo.
To prove that this swipe-and-go trend is a constant classic, we've rounded up a few examples of the leading ladies who wear it best. From Alexa Chung to Joan Smalls, you'll find more than enough iterations of the world's easiest (and most flattering) makeup look ahead. Now all you have to do is pick your hue and click through to see our favorite ways to wear it. You'll be seeing red in no time...
Quantico star Priyanka Chopra matched her matte red lipstick to her dress at the Emmy Awards this year — and we're digging the monochromatic look.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Chopra wasn't the only star to don red lips and a matching dress at this year's Emmys. SNL veteran Kate McKinnon sported the matchy-matchy look, too.
Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images.
Elizabeth Taylor, Sofia Loren, Solange Knowles — clearly cat eyes and red lips are a winning combination for Hollywood's leading ladies.
Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images.
Alexa Chung is basically the patron saint of this beauty look, and here she shows the most classic example of it: a coat of mascara, brushed-up brows, and a semi-matte red across her lips.
Photo: Sean Zanni/Getty Images.
Bella Heathcote's doll-like lashes are the perfect complement to her matte, cherry-red pout.
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
We love how Karolina Kurkova's minimalist lipstick matches her red dress almost perfectly.
Photo: Medina/DYDPPA/REX/Shutterstock.
Chrissy Teigen's smoky eye is still a neutral pairing for her red lip, thanks to the soft shades used — but it's just a touch more glam.
Photo: Buckner/WWD/REX/Shutterstock.
Martha Hunt's über-matte lip is just too cool.
Photo: Roussel/BFA/REX/Shutterstock.
Aimee Song makes a case for blue-based red lipstick paired with barely-there eyeliner — and we love it.
Photo: SIPA/REX/Shutterstock.
Even though Evan Rachel Wood keeps her eye makeup fairly neutral, she balances her scarlet pout with a pink-toned blush.
Photo: MediaPunch/REX/Shutterstock.
When in doubt, go glossy — like Miranda Kerr.
Photo: Aflo/REX/Shutterstock.
Jenna Dewan Tatum pairs her pink-toned red with a warm bronze shadow, making this look red-carpet-perfect.
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
Who says your skin has to be matte with a red lip? Aidy Bryant makes a case for major glow.
Photo: StarPix/REX/Shutterstock.
Neutral eyeshadow and a sophisticated flick of liquid liner are the perfect low-maintenance pairing for Janelle Monáe's bright crimson.
Photo: Cook/Variety/REX/Shutterstock.
Lots of lashes and a candy-apple-red lip — Joan Smalls has this look on lock.
Photo: Starpix/REX/Shutterstock.
For extra impact follow Taylor Swift's lead and match your lip color to your outfit.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
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