12 Lipstick Shades Our Editors Can’t Live Without

Happy National Lipstick Day, beauty lovers! Decades of questionable makeup trends have come and gone, but at the end of it all — lipstick has never failed us. Whether it be a tried-and-true shade of classic red or an understated nude hue, a single tube of lipstick holds the power to transform your entire attitude.

With National Lipstick Day here, we can think of no better time to show some love to our ride-or-dies. Plucked from the purses and vanities of FASHION‘s very own editors and contributors, scroll on to shop a curated selection of our favourite lipsticks in honour of National Lipstick Day.

Souzan Michael Galway, beauty & brand strategy director

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick in High’Biscus

“The recently launched Gloss Bomb Stix by Fenty Beauty have been such a game-changer in my makeup routine. They come in stick form — as the name suggests — and are totally comfortable and nourishing (like a balm) but have a high-shine finish (like a gloss) with plenty of pigment (like a lipstick). You can dab them on for just a touch of colour or build up the drama with a few coats.

I honestly love all 10 shades but have especially been reaching for High’Biscus, this pretty pink rose, a ton this summer. There have been SO many lip gloss and balm launches recently, but I’m pretty sure these ones take the top spot. 10/10 no notes from me!"

Saie Lip Blur Sift-Matte Hydrating Lipstick in Classic

“In the last ten years, I’ve come across maybe three red lipsticks — tops — that have totally won me over. You know, 10/10 no notes, etc. This Saie Beauty pick is on the list. I love the sleek black packaging, the sturdiness of the cap (it won’t fall off in your bag and ruin your purse lining — promise), and the finish, wear, and feel of the lipstick. I often reach for the shade Classic, a true red with blue undertones.

These days, it seems like every product is described as buildable, but this one truly delivers. When you dab it on, you get a bright, sheer, popsicle-like stain. If you swipe it on, you’re left with a perfect red with a matte finish. If you swipe it on some more (see: buildable!) you get a stunning burgundy shade that’s just as comfortable as it was two or three swipes ago. And while the colour isn’t completely smudge-proof, it fades evenly, so as the hours pass, the lipstick gradually transforms back into previous stages (burgundy>red>satin) rather than leaving you with a patchy mess.”

Jennifer Berry, digital director

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Pillow Talk 

“I’m not much of a neutral lipstick girly, but when I do take a breather from my go-to Fenty Gloss Bomb or Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment and I want a subtle kiss of colour, I reach for the Charlotte Tilbury cult favourite, Pillow Talk. With the matching liner, it really gives the ‘your lips but poutier’ look that TikTok says it does.”

Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk Lipstick in L’Interdit

“By a conservative estimate, I own 70 red lipsticks. I get at least 10 compliments every time I wear this luscious medium-red shade by Givenchy, with a satin finish that isn’t the least bit drying. So naturally, I continue to reach for it — it’s just math.”

Natalie Michie, social media & market editor

Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick in Selfless

“When it comes to choosing an everyday go-to lipstick, I look for colour and texture, and this Armani Beauty pick delivers both. The ‘Selfless’ shade is the ideal nude for my pale complexion because its beige-pink tone adds some subtle colour without washing me out. It also feels great, thanks to the balmy, hydrating finish. On top of all that, its long-lasting wear is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it addition to my daily routine.”

NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream, High-Pigmented Liquid Lipstick in Budapest 

“This NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream is my go-to for a night out because its rich, dark hue makes for a great evening look and it’s super long-lasting.”

Lindsay Cooper, production editor

Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick in Quirk 

“My lips are naturally quite a bit darker than the rest of my complexion, so typical ‘nude’ shades tend to look a little chalky on me. Instead, I try to neutralize the natural shade of my lips (and make them cohesive with the rest of my makeup) by applying my cheek product to my lips as well, using a product like Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek Cream Blush. It’s subtle, but it prevents my lips from overpowering the rest of the look.”

Annabelle Bigshow Hydramatte Liquid Lipstick in French Kiss

“As a reformed diehard matte-lipstick lover, my first question when trying any new lipstick is, ‘How will this make my lips feel?' I’m no longer impressed by claims of waterproofness or hours of wear time — I’m looking for something that will make my lips look and feel happy, healthy and hydrated, like this Annabelle liquid lipstick in the shade French Kiss.”

Lauren Knowles, beauty writer

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour

“As a committed nude lipstick wearer through and through, my purse is home to anywhere from approximately two to five nude lip products at any given moment. And although they may all look the ‘same’ to the naked eye (they’re not!), I’ve got my go-tos. My ideal nude lipstick is soft beige in tone and pairs well with a brown liner — but also glides over lips like a balm while delivering a swipe of long-wearing colour like a classic lipstick. In other words, it’s Chanel’s Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in the shade 206 Illusion.”

MAC Cosmetics Silky Matte Lipstick

“On the rare occasion that I do depart from my beloved nude lipsticks, I take it all the way to the dark side and opt for a vampy shade of deep, chocolate brown. As far as lipstick is concerned, MAC Cosmetics has never done me wrong with their creamy, full-coverage formulas and high colour payoff — which is why I love this matte Antique Velvet shade. And can we just take a moment for that iconic MAC vanilla lipstick scent?"

Kayleen Dicuangco, contributing designer

Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid

“Glossier’s Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in Villa is the perfect everyday lipstick — a comfortable, hydrating formula that leaves the prettiest pink sheen.”

Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick in Own Your Empire

“I love the intense colour payoff of this Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick in Make It Happen. It applies so smoothly and feels so incredibly lightweight!"