Hi Readers! I've bought more red lipsticks than I'd like to admit, but only a few actually stay in my makeup bag. Some look gorgeous when I swatch them, then end up sitting in a drawer because I never reach for them again.

These two are different. Every time I can't decide what lipstick to wear, they're usually the first ones that come to mind.

1. House of Colour Lipstick Soft Red (L87) – $38

Soft Red (L87) was one of those shades that didn't impress me much at first glance. Once I tried it, though, I completely understood why people love this color. It's red, but it doesn't scream for attention. Instead, it has a softer look that feels easy to wear. I probably wear this one the most because it goes with almost everything in my closet. Whether I'm wearing jeans and a simple top or getting dressed for dinner, it somehow just works. I don't have to spend extra time figuring out if the lipstick matches the rest of my makeup.

The formula is another reason I keep picking it up. It glides on nicely without dragging across my lips, and it stays comfortable for hours. Of course, I still reapply after eating, but that's something I expect with most lipsticks anyway. If someone asked me for a red lipstick that doesn't feel intimidating, this would honestly be one of my first recommendations.

2. Hermès Rouge Hermès Rouge Casaque – Around $80

I won't pretend this lipstick is inexpensive, because it definitely isn't. Still, every time I use Rouge Casaque, I remember why I decided to buy it. The color is richer and bolder than the House of Colour shade, but it never feels over the top. It has that classic red look that instantly makes an outfit feel a little more polished, even if I'm wearing something simple.

One thing I genuinely enjoy is how smooth it feels during application. It doesn't skip or bunch up, and the color comes out evenly without much effort. The lipstick case also feels beautifully made. It sounds like a small detail, but it somehow makes using it feel more special. This is usually the lipstick I reach for when there's a birthday dinner, holiday gathering, or another occasion where I want my makeup to feel a little more elevated.

These lipsticks have completely different personalities, and that's exactly why I like having both. House of Colour Soft Red is the one I grab without thinking because it's so easy to wear. Hermès Rouge Casaque is the one that comes out when I want something that feels a bit more special. Even after trying newer releases, these two still manage to earn their spot in my collection. Sometimes it's fun to test the latest trends, but it's even better when a lipstick keeps proving why it deserves to stay.