We Asked Makeup Experts to Share Their Favorite Lip Picks for National Lipstick Day
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It's National Lipstick Day—one of those made-up social media holidays that we actually love to celebrate because there is something about applying a swipe of lipstick that can transform your look and mood and make you feel like your best and most true self. A classic neutral hue ties together your no-makeup makeup look and exudes elegance, while a bold and bright lip color can give you a let's-do-this boost to own the room—or be the one thing you apply to an otherwise bare face. All that from a two-inch tube (wand or stick) of pigment.
So consider using this moment to serve as a way to jumpstart a brand new look or as a welcome chance to browse new lip shades and formulas to add to your library. Since there's no shortage of options to buy—a fun but possibly overwhelming situation—we’ve surveyed some of our favorite pro makeup artists and a few makeup-obsessed Oprah Daily staffers (it’s part of their job to test all of the latest lip color launches, after all), asking them to share the hue that looks good on everyone, the formula that never fails, the pencil that’s replaced all others, and more. Whether you prefer a matte finish or a hydrating-yet-saturated formula, you’re sure to find an option that suits your preferences and budget. Or are you looking for drugstore lipstick that’s long-lasting but under $15? Totally doable. Wondering which pink is the best pink? We got you. Keep scrolling to discover a new favorite.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick
This best-selling nude lippie goes with any makeup look, from no-makeup makeup to full glam. Makeup artist Georgina Billington recommends this one for its comfortable, very hydrating formula. Plus, “it’s such a chic, nude tone [that] really matches with everyone,” she says. “[It’s a] total go-to.”
Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear No-Budge Liquid Lipcolor
This lipstick checks off all the boxes, according to celebrity makeup artist Erin Parsons. “Honestly, since I used it on Gigi [Hadid] for [the] Met Gala, this formula has me hooked,” she says. “I love overdrawing my top lip, and because this product does not come off—it literally stays on for hours—I can layer and build up the lip shape. After a few coats, it gives this intense, incredible shine!” Her favorite color is the shade Red Hot, which she says, is “the most vibrant orange-red.”
Lisa Eldridge Insanely Saturated Lip Color
“Undoubtedly, the most special lipstick in both my professional makeup kit and personal makeup bag is the Lisa Eldridge Insanely Saturated Lip Color in Skyscraper Rose,” says New York-based makeup artist Suzy Gerstein, who describes Skyscraper Rose as a vibrant fuchsia pink with incredible depth and pigmentation. "The shade is so special because it lifts and harmonizes with every complexion I’ve ever tried it on, even those who don't normally do pink—including yours truly—thanks to its true red undertones,” she explains. Another quality that Gerstein loves about this product is its ability to stay matte without drying out the lips.
Uoma Beauty BadAss Icon Matte Lipstick (Make It Black)
Uoma Beauty is a Black-owned brand that took the beauty industry by storm since its debut in 2019 for its pigmented products, inclusive shade ranges, and founder who started the Pull Up or Shut Up campaign. On this National Lipstick Day, makeup artist Jonet Williamson will be rocking her “new favorite lipstick” from the brand — BadAss Icon Matte Lipstick in Ruby. “It’s the perfect red for any occasion, goes on so smooth, and is so vivid,” says Williamson. “I get the most compliments wearing this shade.”
YSL Beauty The Slim Velvet Radical Matte Lipstick
A red lip is intimidating for some, but luckily makeup artist Ehlie Luna offers tips for making her go-to pick, a velvety matte chili orange shade, wearable, no matter the occasion. “[It] can be amped up beautifully with a brown liner or topped with a gloss to give a totally different look,” she says. “For a softer look, blot off excess with tissue for a gorgeous lip stain look.”
Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Unforgettable Lip Definer
This is the last lip liner you’ll ever need, according to makeup artist Nick Luhan. He loves wearing it on its own or as a base to any lipstick color for extra staying power and a boost of vibrance. That said, once you fall for this Lip Definer, you may want to add a few more shades of it to your makeup bag: one of Luhan’s favorite application methods is using multiple shades of the Lip Definer to contour, highlight, and add dimension to the lips.
Jason Wu Beauty Hot Fluff Lipstick
“I prefer a glossy nude shade through and through, which is why I didn’t expect to love the Jason Wu Hot Fluff matte lipsticks as much as I did,” admits Genesis Rivas, beauty editor at Oprah Daily. “This formula is different from other matte lipsticks I’ve tried because it’s so lightweight that it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing lipstick. I also love how it is so pigmented and easily buildable. For my everyday look, I lightly tap the formula onto my lips for a beautiful, soft lip stain effect that looks like my natural lips but better. On the days I feel like doing more, I’ll swipe it on for that extra coverage.”
Clé de Peau Lipstick
“I haven't worn a red lip in years, but the new Clé de Peau was too tempting to pass up and proof that I've been missing out,” says Kate Sandoval Box, beauty director of Oprah Daily. This satin lipstick is formulated with hydrating argan oil to offer long-lasting moisture and the appearance of plump and full-looking lips. If crimson isn't your jam, the formula is available in 16 other bold and neutral shades so everyone can find a hue that's right for them.
La Bouche Rouge Lipstick
“It was love at first sight with La Bouche Rouge lipstick,” says Holly Carter, contributing lifestyle editor at Oprah Daily. “The cleanly-formulated shades come in an incredibly chic, refillable (and sustainable) leather case that’s, wait for it, monogrammable. I don’t really wear makeup poolside, but the Pop Art Red shade gives me some glam for my fun in the sun. And I’m not a big red-lip girl, but this cheery shade feels striking yet doable for the day, especially with a bare face.”
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick
“My go-to lipstick for days in the office is the aptly named Achieve it All by Maybelline,” says Elena Odulak, the assistant to the general manager and creative director at Oprah Daily. Achieve it All is a warm-toned pinky brown shade. “I love using it as a lip liner and then filling in my lips with my favorite lip balm, or for a bolder look, I'll swipe it all over my lips,” she says.
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