The 16 Best Lipsticks of All Time, According to Makeup Artists

From MAC’s Ruby Woo to Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk.

best lipsticks of all time including mac, nars, charlotte tilbury lipsticks
(Image credit: Future)

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 (we love a beauty haul), picking the best lipstick of all time doesn’t have to be a crazy expedition. With the expert assistance of celebrity makeup artists, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the all-time best lip products. And 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 totally 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. 

So, without further ado, please scroll ahead to discover your next obsession. Because trust us, it’s here. 

Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.