Search “lipstick” on Sephora’s website and you’re going to get upwards of 200 products. On Nordstrom? Nearly 500. And that’s not even counting tinted lip balms, pigmented glosses, or long-wear lip stains. While scrolling for hours upon hours is certainly an option, picking the best everyday lipstick of all time doesn’t have to be a crazy expedition. With the expert assistance of celebrity makeup artists and our fellow editors, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the all-time best lip products, including lipsticks for fair skin, lipsticks for medium skin tones, and lipsticks for deep skin tones. Trust us, if they’ve made it on this page, they’re the real deal. You’re not going to have to worry about smudging, drying, or bleeding. These bullets have been tested time and again by the best pros in the industry.
Even though makeup artists agree that these are the best lipsticks in the history of lipstick creation (we’re throwing it back to the 1999 launch of MAC’s Ruby Woo), picking the best formula for your routine is a personal decision. I’m *obsessed* with peachy pinks and satin finishes, but other beauty professionals would shout about their love for waterproof reds from the rooftops. As such, each recommendation we provide is going to give you the inside scoop—which skin tones it works best for, application hacks (grab one of the best lip liners), and exactly why it’s hailed as the créme de la créme of lipsticks in the beauty world.
The Best Lipsticks
- Best Sheer Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Candy Glaze Lip Gloss Stick
- Best Matte Lipstick: MAC Lipstick Matte in Ruby Woo
- Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Matte Liquid Lipstick
- Best Lipstick Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick
Also Recommended
"I love all of the YSL lipsticks. They have so many different shades, but my favorite is the candy glaze. Then, the number two is a very sheer pink, almost clear, and that is probably my favorite one. If you need some kind of color on your lips, then I would go with one of the darker ones, like numbers 13 and 15. It's kind of like a lipstick and a gloss all in one, and that's why I love the product." -Allison Kaye, Celebrity Makeup Artist
"This product is great for lips that are craving some hydration and a little bit of color. The shiny finish is *chef's kiss* as it leaves my lips feeling both soft and nourished. Also, the packaging is what made me pick it up." -Ashlyn Delaney, Associate Social Media Editor
Pros: makeup artist-approved; editor-approved; glossy finish; hydrating (contains hyaluronic acid; longwear
Cons: expensive
Customer Review: "It's super hydrating and makes my lips look so plump and full. I like the subtle tint of color to help make everything blend for my girlies with two-tone lippies or hyperpigmentation. Definitely added to my collection of fav lip glosses for everyday wear." -Sephora
"I swore by these lipsticks throughout college, collecting just about every color offered at my local CVS. They're highly pigmented, never dry me out, and last surprisingly long. The brand offers a wide variety of colors, but my favorites are the berry, plum, and red shades, which add a pop of color to my look without ever washing me out." -Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer
Pros: editor-approved; doesn't feather; longwear
Cons: can be drying (be sure to exfoliate)
Customer Review: "I’ve lost track of how many of this shade and lipstick I’ve purchased. It’s the perfect lipstick. Color is to die for. The texture is hydrating yet lasts all day. It’s smells divine. I just can’t go wrong with it." -Milani Cosmetics
"I have never been a red lipstick person. They’re always too pigmented to be wearable without me feeling like everyone could tell I was wearing it. Then I tried this brick red color, Tiger, from Merit Beauty. It’s not only stunning but so lightweight without being drying. Somewhere between a glossy balm and a normal lipstick, it’s a perfect option if you’re experimenting with color. I’m debating wearing another soft pink shade, Millennial, for my wedding." -Julia Marzovilla, Fashion E-Commerce Editor
Pros: editor-approved; clean; vegan; cruelty-free
Cons: not long-lasting
Customer Review: "The color is beautiful and I can build it up for a bolder look. The sheerness is a really nice touch since it can be worn casually. Really comfortable on the lips." -Sephora
“It comes in three shades, so it works with all skin tones. I really love that it’s a nude pink. I think it works great with every makeup look and complements the face well.” – Dani Parkes, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Pros: makeup artist-approved; hydrating; longwear; wide range of colors; beloved by celebrities like Meghan Markle and Amal Clooney
Cons: transfers during wear
Customer Review: "It’s matte but super smooth and comfortable on the lips; doesn’t feather. Very long wearing throughout the day and required minimal re-application" -Sephora
"When I'm looking for a statement lipstick that won't fade no matter how long I wear it and how much I eat or drink, this is the formula I opt for. Its creamy texture has a satin finish that never dries out my lips, but also never feathers or bleeds. I also love the way it smells. Wearing this lipstick is a luxurious sensory experience, from the moment I take out the applicator to the moment I take it off at the end of the day." -GU
Pros: editor-approved; longwear; creamy texture
Cons: expensive; some transfer
Customer Review: "Have used this product for years now! It's amazing in terms of staying power, and the pigmentation is buildable, so you can go for a tint or full coverage. Product lasts a long time due to how infrequently you need to reapply, and a little goes a long way, and is worth the price in my opinion. It's a very thin liquid formula, and feels like wearing nothing which I love, no smell, not drying and I don't feel like I need any balm with this. Withstands eating and drinking very well." -Sephora
"I don’t wear a lot of makeup in my day-to-day, but one thing that has always been a must-have for me is a neutral rose pink lipstick. The one I always have in my bag is Chanel’s Rouge Coco lipstick in Mademoiselle. It’s super hydrating and is perfect for day or night." -Kate Schofield, E-Commerce Analytics Manager
Pros: editor-approved; hydrating; versatile; wide range of colors
Cons: expensive; transfers
Customer Review: "Love the color and moisture of this lipstick. I wanted a bold lip color that stayed on and didn't feather but also didn't dry out my lips. This is it!" -Chanel
“This is one of my favorite reds. It’s so matte and bright. It’s such a statement on everyone who wears it.” – Colby Smith, Celebrity Makeup Artist
"This may sound silly, but if you get it, you get it—MAC’s Ruby Woo has become as much a part of my life as my long brown hair or my favorite staple items of clothing that I return to again and again. It has become a bit of a signature red lip for me, and every time I put it on, I feel just a bit more powerful and more confident. How can you not be strong and courageous when wearing a lip that bold? What I especially love about Ruby Woo is that its matte finish stays on all day, so I don’t have to add 'reapply lipstick' to my sometimes endless to-do list. It’s just another way that Ruby Woo, whether it means to or not, allows me to go out and be my best self without worrying about the small stuff." -Rachel Burchfield, Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor
Pros: makeup artist-approved; editor-approved; longwear
Cons: some users report that it's drying
Customer Review: "It is a perfectly matte finish lipstick....the color is true RED and the feel is powdery. So far it has not dried or chapped my lips, considering that I have extremely dry skin." -Nordstrom
“The tone is a really beautiful, deep pinky-mauve. It suits all skin tones and can be stretched to use on the cheeks.” – Katie Jane Hughes, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Pros: makeup artist-approved; works well on all skin tones; highly pigmented; longwear
Cons: some users report that it's fragile
Customer Review: "Bold color lasts all day (even through lunch) with being drying! Very comfortable—coming from a lipstick fiend, this might be one of the best formulas out there, hands down. After application, wait a little bit, then blot and you are good for over eight hours!" -Ulta
“With this, you’ll get the feel of a luxury lipstick, but at a moderate price point. Maybelline has perfectly crafted shades in nudes, pinks, and reds that work on all skin tones!” – Billie Gene, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Pros: makeup artist-approved; comes in a wide range of colors; smooth formula
Cons: can be drying; transfers
Customer Review: "This color is the perfect summer color and the word creamy is true. I do have to reapply but it's easy to do since the stick is so smooth." -Walmart
“If I know I’m going to be out and about all day long, I’m *always* grabbing this product. It’s transfer-proof, doesn’t budge, and never bleeds. The pointed applicator makes it super easy to define my cupid’s bow—no lip liner necessary. While I have just about every shade, Forever Paris is my most used.” – Samantha Holender, Beauty Editor
Pros: editor-approved; long-lasting; easy application; minimal transfer
Cons: takes a (relatively) long time to dry on lips
Customer Review: "My most favorite lipstick ever. I wear this just about everyday. It’s completely transfer-proof like it says!"
“For a beautiful, clean look, my favorite is Kjaer Weis. I love their creams and mattes. The formula is clean and the packaging is green, but the colors are also elegant and beautiful.” – Matin Maulawizada, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Pros: makeup artist-approved; contains hydrating ingredients like beeswax and shea butter
Cons: limited range of colors
Customer Review: "I wish this was around sooner and they had more colors! I love how creamy this lipstick feels. It also love that it's a clean brand. I feel much better wearing this one." -Dermstore
“This is my favorite on-the-go nude. It hydrates the lip, and, at the same time, delivers a great wash of a natural lip color.” – CS
Pros: makeup artist-approved; comes in several other nude shades; contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter; longwear
Cons: some users report that it's fragile
Customer Review: "You know those makeup products that you put on and instantly want to tell all your friends, family, strangers—everyone that they are missing out if they haven't tried this product before? This is one of those products. It feels amazing! And it looks even better. Leaves your lips feeling loved and smooth. And lasts for a while as well. Definitely my new favorite lipstick." -Neutrogena
“It's a red that never fails. It suits everyone and has a classic undertone. It’s not too trendy, not too tame—it’s perfectly balanced.” – KJH
Pros: makeup artist-approved; highly pigmented, so it shows up as pictured on all skin tones; longwear; vegan; free of silicones and parabens
Cons: "It feels super nice, lasts through drinking water, and is a very pigmented, lovely matte." -Sephora
“This comes in a variety of shades, but my personal favorite is Peachy Pink. It gives my lips that shine I’m looking for while being long-lasting and applying like lipstick. I love to apply this product when I have a more glowy look on my face, as it adds shine and hydration to my lips.” – DP
Pros: makeup artist-approved; glowy finish; hydrating
Cons: not highly pigmented
Customer Review: "Just enough color! This lipstick moisturizes and lasts. It does not bleed. I wear it everyday except for times when I want a specific pop of color." -Sephora
“There’s simply no better product for intense color than this. Regardless of which color you choose (Cœur Infidèle or Amour Fou), you’re guaranteed an intense pigment. But with a velvety satin finish, it’s never too jarring. The curved applicator makes getting a sharp line pretty easy, but I’m partial to a more diffused look, so I always soften the edges by patting my finger.” – SH
Pros: editor-approved; highly pigmented; smooth formula; easy application
Cons: limited color range
Customer Review: "The formula is very comfortable as long as I remember not to apply too much. I found the best way to apply is to use a lip brush for a light layer so I get a blurred effect at the edges of my lips, and then add a little bit more with the applicator." -Violette FR
“The Lip Bar is a new love of mine! If you're a lover of color this brand is for you. Their liquid lipsticks provide maximum color payoff while lasting all day. What I love about this product is how lightweight the texture is—it almost feels like nothing is on your lips, but then you end up having the most vibrant, iconic lips.” – BG
Pros: makeup artist-approved; clean; vegan; Black-owned brand; highly pigmented; longwear
Cons: can be drying
Customer Review: "Goes on wet and dries matte. Color is long-lasting and absolutely gorgeous. Even after a full day, it did not need to be reapplied." -Target
“I use this product on my lips, cheeks, and eyelids to give myself a monochromatic look. It’s my consistent, everyday color and I love the way it applies.” – DP
Pros: makeup artist-approved; comes in a wide range of colors; vegan; multi-purpose
Cons: not as longwear
Customer Review: "Beautiful color. Well-pigmented and goes on very smooth. I didn’t have to use a lot to get the look I was aiming for. Very lightweight. I do think it’s transferable, but that's not something I’m personally worried about." -Sephora
“When I send clients to a red carpet, I give them Chapstick Total Hydration Tinted Lip Balm. I match it with the shade closest to what they are wearing. What I love about this, is that it doesn’t add texture to the lips, but just refreshes and hydrates them without making lipstick look too thick, heavy, or overly applied. It’s a safe way to refresh your lipstick in the back of the car without worrying.” – MM
Pros: makeup artist-approved; great for layering; moisturizing
Cons: not highly pigmented
Customer Review: "The touch of color is just perfect!" -Chapstick
“This is a great, barely-there nude that looks a bit ‘90s, which is a trend that continuously comes back around. I like that it's a cream texture and that you can build or sheer it down.” –KJH
Pros: makeup artist-approved; subtle; creamy formula; long-lasting
Cons: some users report that it runs
Customer Review: "This is my favorite lipstick. I have been using it for years. It's so versatile and pretty. It would compliment any skin tone." -Bodyography
“I love to match this with soft, bronzy makeup. It’s a peach shade that’s matte and long-lasting and leaves the lips cashmere-soft. It’s perfect for a warm skin tone and matches well with natural, dewy skin, a peachy-pink cream blush, a subtle bronzy eye, and brushed-up fluffy brows. Matching it with the Iconic Nude Lip Liner is a fave combo of mine,” – Leah Baines, Makeup Artist
Pros: makeup artist-approved; creamy formula; longwear
Cons: expensive; limited range of colors
Customer Review: "Have you been looking for that perfect pink that isn’t too bright/light with a touch of peach? This is the one! Literally lasts the whole day (make sure to powder your lip liner before applying this lipstick)." -Sephora
What to Look for in a Lipstick
Formula
Anyone who's found their lipstick fading in minutes or bleeding all over their skin can attest that not all lipsticks are built alike. When looking for the best formula, check reviews to see if reviewers can confirm that the product lasts long, looks as advertised, and stays put. If you can sample the product in person, swatch it on the inside of your wrist. If it feels dry or cakey, or if it bleeds or feathers on your skin, it'll have the same effect on your lips.
Color
Your go-to lipstick color depends entirely on your personal preference, but Kaye says that undertone is the most important factor to keep in mind when searching for a shade that flatters you.
"Something that people never talk about is undertones with makeup products," she says. "Everybody's undertone is different." If you have a warm undertone, it's best to avoid cooler options, such as red lipsticks with blue undertones, because they can make the wearer appear washed out. Conversely, warm shades can make a cool-toned individual appear orange.
Pairing with Other Products
Kaye also says to take into account the other makeup products you'll be wearing. "Personally, with my clients and myself, I like to create a cohesive look on my face. I like to match the lipstick with the blush," she says.
And when it comes to the age-old adage that you should only go bold on one part of the face at a time? Kaye says to throw away that rule book altogether.
"I come from pageants, so I think that you can do bold everything if you want to, just because that's how stage makeup is," she says. "If you want to do something bold, it should just be for the right occasion. For example, a bold eye and a bold lip may not be the best for going to church on a Sunday, but it would be great for a night out. You can also match your makeup vibe with your personality: If you're very bold, then both a very bold eye and a hold lip may make sense for you, because when people meet you, they'll understand."
How to Apply Lipstick
Technique is another facet that's totally up to personal preference. I, for one, am a big swipe-and-go gal, taking time to accentuate my Cupid's bow for an ultra-feminine, flirty, 1930s-inspired look. When I'm especially anxious about the color fading, I use a matte lip liner first, apply the lipstick, and then top off the look with a gloss that acts as a barrier against color transfer.
Kaye, on the other hand, says that she likes to use "a nude shade as a lip contour first, no matter the color. Then, I will overline the lips slightly—unless the client likes a lot—and then I'll go in with the lip color. This really helps the lip color blend into the face better, rather than it being a harsh contrast."
Meet the Experts
Allison Kaye is a professional makeup artist specializing in celebrity and influencer services, best known for styling NFL and MLB players' wives and girlfriends. She also offers classes on makeup application. She is currently based in Florida.
Dani Parkes is a celebrity makeup artist who has styled the likes of Lea Michele, Eileen Kelly, and more. She is currently based in New York City.
Colby Smith is a professional celebrity makeup artist. Based in New York City, he has styled the likes of Alanis Morissette, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Demi Lovato, and more. He has also worked on photoshoots with multiple magazines, including Marie Claire.
Katie Jane Hughes is a celebrity makeup artist known for styling clients such as Ashley Graham, Kate Bosworth, Rosie Huntington Whitely, and more. Originally from the UK, she is currently based in New York City.
Billie Gene is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has worked with a number of celebrities and with editorials around the world. Although he travels often for work, he is primarily based in New York City and Los Angeles.
Originally from Afghanistan, Matin Maulawizada is a professional makeup artist and molecular biologist dedicated not only to his craft but also to philanthropy and feminist initiatives around the world. He is based in New York City.
Leah Baines is a makeup artist specializing in fashion and bridal makeup. She is currently based in Sydney, Australia.
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