By Kaitlyn McLintock
last updated
in Buying Guides
As editors, we're lucky enough to test hundreds of beauty products, slowly separating the good from the bad and the good from the best. Whether we're talking about hair dryers, perfumes, or something else entirely, we take testing seriously. When we find something that really rises above the rest, we introduce it into our own beauty routines. Seriously, though—the highest praise we can give a product is to say, "I use it all the time." That means it consistently beats out newcomers and old go-tos.
That's the case when it comes to the following 15 lipsticks. They vary by formula, finish, and shade, but they've secured a spot in our theoretical lipstick hall of fame. They're the ones we wear in Instagram selfies and TikTok videos, the ones we gush about to our friends, and the ones we repurchase over and over again. Ahead, see all 15 lipsticks we swear by.
(Image credit: @peonylim)
The Best Lipsticks, According to Editors:
- Best Overall Lipstick: Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
- Best Matte Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
- Best Shiny Lipstick: Kosas Wet Stick Moisturizing Shiny Sheer Lipstick
- Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick
- Best Red Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom
- Best Nude Lipstick:YSL Beauty The Bold High Pigment Lipstick
- Best Liquid Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur Liquid Lipstick
- Best Drugstore Lipstick: Milani Color Statement Lipstick
Best Overall Lipstick: Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
Merit
Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Tiger
"If I'm going to wear a standardlipstick, Merit's Signature Lip is my pick of choice. I have discolored lips, yet Merit's formula applies flawlessly, especially the shade Tiger, which is my all-time favorite redlipstick. It's also hydrating, which I don't get from most standardlipsticks! I don't even need to add a gloss on top. It looks perfect as is." —Yusra Siddiqui, Associate Editor
"I love this shade because it strikes the perfect balance of brown and red for my deep skin tone without being overly bold. It also looks gorgeous paired with a deep-brown liner for my go-to fall lip." —Maya Thomas, Assistant Beauty Editor
Pros: Lightweight and hydrating formula.
Cons: Sheer color payoff, which may not work for people who prefer bold, opaque formulas.
Customer Review: "I love this lipstick. It's a bit sheer so you can build up the color, but it's also possible to have a saturated look if desired. It lasts a long time and has a nice feeling like chapstick. Not too shiny and not too matte."
Product Specs:
-0.10 ounces
-Eight shades
-Vegan &cruelty-free
-Satin finish
(Image credit: @itsmayalala)
Best Matte Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury
Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
"I'm pretty picky about mattelipsticks,but Charlotte Tilbury makes the one I always come back to. It's not super heavy and thick like some mattelipstickstend to feel, and it's surprisingly moisturizing. The color range is also next-level. I'm partial to Pillow Talk (duh) and Mrs. Kisses." —Allyson Payer,Senior Editor
Pros:Refillable, long-wearing, andhydrating, matte formula.
Cons:None.
Customer Review:"Love the feel of this lipstick. Goes on very smoothly and looks lovely. I’ve been using it almost every day since I got it."
Product Specs:
-0.12 ounces
-12 shades
-Vegan
-Matte finish
Another Option We Love
L'Oréal
Colour Riche Voluminous Matte Lipstick in 173 Le Rose Activist
"I love that this lipstick has a small and slim bullet for targeted application. I have thin lips, so this is much appreciated. As for the formula, it's comfortable yet has a true matte finish. For only $10, you can't get much better." —Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
Pros:Thin bullet for precise application.
Cons:Some say it can be drying.
Customer Review:"If you're looking for something that compares to your high-end lipstick without a high price tag, this is it."
Product Specs:
-0.06 ounces
-12shades
-Mattefinish
Best Shiny Lipstick: Kosas Wet Stick Moisturizing Shiny Sheer Lipstick
Kosas
Wet Stick Moisturizing Shiny Sheer Lipstick in Hot Beach
"On the glossier side of things, I'm also partial to this newish Kosas release. It leavesa pretty, plumping hint of shine, and all of the colors are super wearable since they're sheer. I currently have Hot Beach on heavy rotation, and Malibu is in my shopping cart waiting for me to purchase." —Payer
Pros:Lightweight and hydrating formula with a diverse shade range.
Cons:Maynot last as long as other lipsticks because of its balm-like texture and sheer color payoff, which may not work for people who prefer bold, opaque formulas.
Customer Review:"I love the formula, it’s smooth, hydrating, and not sticky. I do reapply often so the staying power doesn’t bother me. I could go through ten of these, it’s my everyday lip product."
Product Specs:
-0.10 ounces
-12shades
-Vegan & cruelty-free
-Shiny finish
Another Option We Love
Makeup By Mario
MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Color in Poppy
"This lipstick gives the coolest vinyl effect. It's truly one of the shiniest lipsticks I've ever tried, and the color payoff is incredible." —McLintock
Pros:Super-shiny finish, bold color, and moisturizing formula.
Cons:Maynot last as long as other lipsticks because of itsgloss-like texture.
Customer Review:"This is my new favorite lip gloss. It’s not too sticky but sticky enough that it stays on. The color is gorgeous and love this applicator [...]."
Product Specs:
-0.11 ounces
-13 shades
-High-shinefinish
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick
Rare Beauty
Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Kindness
"I've alwayspreferred a tinted lip balm more thanlipstick, but when I need the long-lasting color payoff, there are only a few I will use in my beauty routine. My top favorite is Rare Beauty's Lip Soufflé Matte CreamLipstick. The texture is unlikeanything I've ever seen before—it feels soft on the lip and dries down without being overly matte on the lips. It just has the perfect color payoff, so I don't need to reapply constantly." —Siddiqui
Pros: Lightweight, whipped texture, long-wearing, and hydrating formula.
Cons:None
Customer Review:"Feels great on lips, long-lasting, and you can build up the color to be as intense as you want. Also great under lip gloss or with lip Liner. Shades are as shown. Great price and lots of product."
Product Specs:
-0.13 ounces
-12 shades
-Opaque formula
-Matte finish
Another Option We Love
Honest Beauty
Liquid Lipstick With Hyaluronic Acid in BFF
"Most liquid lipsticks dry out my lips until they're cracked and lined. This one uses hyaluronic acid and avocado oil to prevent that. Plus, I love the color range." —McLintock
Pros:Lightweight, opaque, long-wearing, and hydrating.
Cons:Some say it's slightly drying without a layer of lip balm.
Customer Review:"Goes on like a gloss but dries matte and highly pigmented. Put a little lip balm over it and it’s set for hours. Not kidding."
Product Specs:
-0.12 ounces
-Six shades
-Opaque formula
-Vegan & cruelty-free
-Matte finish
Best Red Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom
Chanel
Rouge Coco Bloom in Bright
"Lately, I've been gravitating toChanel Rouge Coco Bloom in the color Bright. I absolutelylove a red lip. You'll rarely catch me in the wild without one, and this is such an easy red to swipe on. It'sa hydrating, high-shine cherry red that is dreamy and flattering. Chanel is always good for effortless French-girl reds, and this is one ofits best." —Katie Berohn, Beauty Editor
Pros: Hydrating and high-shine formula with a diverse shade range.
Cons:Pricey.
Customer Review:"Love this formula—a rare combination of long-lasting as well as moisturizing."
Product Specs:
-0.10 ounces
-26 shades
-High-shine finish
(Image credit: @ktberohn)
Another Option We Love
Hermès
Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rouge Casaque
"This lipstick has the boldest, brightest color payoff. Even though it's a matte formula,it's not overly drying, and it doesn't settle into fine lines or dry spots. That's why I call it a 'modern matte' formula. Every time I wear it, I get major compliments. It's officially my favorite red lipstick." —McLintock
Pros: Completely opaque formula, matte finish, not overly drying.
Cons:Pricey.
Customer Review:"It was expensive but I wanted to try it since it had marvelous reviews. It lived up to its high marks. Excellent color and stays on a long time."
Product Specs:
-0.12 ounces
-Six shades
-Matte finish
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Best Nude Lipstick:YSL BeautyThe Bold High Pigment Lipstick
YSL Beauty
The Bold High Pigment Lipstick in 1968 Nude Statement
"I feel like I simply don't wear a truelipstickif it isn't this one from YSL. The pigment is amazing, it lasts for hours, and the colors aresoflattering on my skin tone. My favorite color is anything in the brownish-nude department." —Sierra Mayhew, Associate Editor
Pros:Hydrating and high-shine formula with opaque finish.
Cons:Pricey.
Customer Review:"Love this lipstick! Great color and shine. Stays on well and doesn't bleed. I will be buying this in other colors."
Product Specs:
-0.10 ounces
-16 shades
-High-shine finish
Another Option We Love
Merit
Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in Baby
"Merit's SignatureLip quickly became a favorite after it launched thanks to the pretty finish and the chic, neutral shade options—not to mention the fact that it's a clean-beauty collection. The shade Baby enhances my natural lip color, which gives my usual no-makeup makeup look a nice boost, and Slip is a perfect throwbackto the chic brownlipsticksof the '90s for when I want to switchthings up abit." —Jennifer Camp Forbes,Shopping Updates Editor
Pros:Lightweight and hydrating formula.
Cons:Sheer color payoff, which may not work for people who prefer bold, opaque formulas.
Customer Review:"I need more colors- the formula and nuanced shades are truly remarkable. So comfortable and hydrating while still feeling a little fancy."
Product Specs:
-0.10 ounces
-Eight shades
-Vegan &cruelty-free
-Satin finish
Best Liquid Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur Liquid Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Matte Lip Blur Liquid Lipstick in Medium Blur
"It's super comfortable and hydrating but dries down to a matte finish! Plus, the color is honestly just *chef's kiss.*" — Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
Pros:Lightweight, opaque, long-wearing, and hydrating.
Cons:Some say they want a larger shade range.
Customer Review:"I love the end result of this gloss. It's so creamy and soft but makes a matte finish. The color is super natural."
Product Specs:
-0.22 ounces
-Eight shades
-Vegan &cruelty-free
-Matte finish
Another Option We Love
Violette_FR
Petal Bouche Matte in Amour Fou
"I've waxed poetic about this velvety crimson lipstick before, but that won't stop me from doing it again. It was formulated to mimic the deep, almost-black red of a rose petal, and I find it so alluring." —McLintock
Pros:Lightweight, opaque, long-wearing.
Cons:Can be difficult to apply precisely.
Customer Review:"I lovea bold lip. This one goes on smooth and most. Stays put for hours. I typically wipe the excess of the wand with the side of the tube before applying to make it easier to get a clean edge."
Product Specs:
-0.12 ounces
-Three shades
-Vegan &cruelty-free
-Matte finish
Best Drugstore Lipstick: Milani Color Statement Lipstick
Milani
Color Statement Lipstick in Fruit Punch
"This lipstick costs a fraction of others I own, yet I love its hydrating formula and satin finish that gives my lips a nice, moisturized look. It's just a solid, classic lipstick formula, and I love it for that." —McLintock
Pros:Lightweight,hydrating formula with a diverse shade range.
Cons:May notlast as long as other lipsticks.
Customer Review:"Every time I wear my Milani Lipsticks I get compliments. Guaranteed!!"
Product Specs:
-0.14 ounces
-22 shades
-Cruelty-free
-Satin finish
Another Option We Love
L'Oréal
Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick in Peach Charm
"My lips veer on the dry side, so I'm always looking forproducts that maintain or boost hydration. This balm-lipstick hybrid is it. It's so moisturizing, and it leaves the prettiest sheer color behind. It never fails to make my lips look plump and smooth." —McLintock
Pros:Lightweight and hydrating formulawith a balm-like texture.
Cons:Maynot last as long as other lipsticks because of its balm-like texture and sheer color payoff, which may not work for people who prefer bold, opaque formulas.
Customer Review:"Fantastic product. So lightweight, smooth, and hydrating. I now own four colors and will likely keep buying them."
Product Specs:
-0.10 ounces
-10 shades
-Sheer & shiny finish
How to Choose the Best Lipstick for You
J Guerra, a celebrity makeup artist, has a few guidelines to share for choosing the right lipstick for your skin tone. "First, determine if your undertone is generally cool, warm, or neutral. For those with cool undertones, lipsticks with blue in them or purplish hints like berry shades, true reds, and mauve hues can be stunning. Those with warm undertones may look best in corals, brick reds, and warmer shades of pink and brown. Neutral undertones can pull off most shades, but it's still essential to strike a balance depending on their exact skin tone," he says.
Undertones aside, he says it's also important to consider your natural lip color. "Lipsticks can appear differently on pigmented lips compared to lighter lips. Choose natural shades that are one or two tones deeper than your own lip color for a more natural lip look. For deeper skin tones or pigmented lips, opt for a warmer lipstick shade than you normally would—this helps to subtly color-correct the dark pigmentation and gives a truer color payoff. This is especially true for sheer lipsticks, as some of the lip color will show through the lipstick and could change the color a bit," he says. If you want to block out your natural lip color, opt for matte, full-coverage lipsticks. Guerra says these will offer the best color payoff.
Finally, consider your hair and eye color. "For instance, fiery reds might pop on redheads, while berry shades can beautifully complement dark hair and eyes," Guerra says. No matter what, though, Guerra recommends doing what he calls a daylight check. "Always check the lipstick shade in natural daylight since store lighting can sometimes be deceiving!" he adds.
If all else fails, turn to the internet and experts for help. "In today's age of social media, there are countless reviews, swatch images, and even videos available. They can show how different shades look on various skin tones. It's a valuable resource for getting a ballpark idea when starting out on a lipstick journey. Lastly, don't shy away from consulting with the professionals! Makeup artists often have a trained eye for what might look best, taking into consideration lip and skin tone, eye and hair color, and your overall style," he says.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.
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